Tiffany Weathers-Fincher: Bridging professional experience with research and advocacy
Grad Profile
When I decided to pursue my doctoral degree, GovState was my first choice. It’s an environment where people truly want to see you succeed, and that makes all the difference, especially in a doctoral program.
Intro by Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
With a passion to help build connections between schools and their communities to support student success, Tiffany Weathers-Fincher knew Governors State University (GovState) was the campus to go to for her doctoral degree. Pursuing her Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership proved a challenging yet rewarding experience, preparing her with the skills to follow one of her dreams to help future educators.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Tiffany: I first attended Governors State University when it was a two-year institution, as a young wife, mother, and full-time entrepreneur. Balancing school and life responsibilities was not easy, but GovState made it possible. The classes I needed were accessible, the professors were passionate and supportive, and the tuition was affordable in comparison to the rising cost of higher education.
When I decided to pursue my doctoral degree, GovState was my first choice.
One of the most impactful experiences during my undergraduate journey was taking many of my Social Work courses with Dr. Yakini. She was one of the most challenging professors I had, but also one of the most transformative. She called every student “Doctor.” At the time, earning a doctoral degree was the furthest thing from my mind. But she saw something in us before we could see it in ourselves. Seeing someone who looked like me and hearing her speak made it feel real.
That experience stayed with me and ultimately played a role in bringing me back to GovState to pursue my doctorate.
GovState Newsroom: Why did you choose your degree?
Tiffany: With more than two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, pursuing a doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education was a natural next step.
Through my research on parent engagement in urban schools, one of the key findings was that many educators do not feel adequately prepared or confident in communicating with parents. In some cases, that discomfort creates a gap that can directly impact student success. This affirmed for me that parent engagement should not be treated as an add-on, but as an essential component of teacher preparation.
This degree has allowed me to connect my professional experience with research and advocacy, equipping me to help future educators build stronger partnerships with families because when schools and families work together, students are better positioned to succeed.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Tiffany: One of my immediate goals is to publish my third book, centered on parent engagement. While I’m not sharing all the details just yet, I can say with confidence that it will be a game-changer.
I also aspire to teach college courses focused on student success, particularly for first-year students. Many students enter college feeling unprepared and uncertain. I was one of those students and I want to be part of changing that experience.
GovState Newsroom: What can you get at Governors State University that you couldn't find anywhere else?
Tiffany: At Governors State University, you gain more than a degree you gain a community.
The level of support, encouragement, and genuine investment from faculty and peers is something that sets GovState apart. It’s an environment where people truly want to see you succeed, and that makes all the difference, especially in a doctoral program.
GovState Newsroom: President Ester has said that GovState provides a sense of home. What makes GovState home for you?
Tiffany: GovState feels like home because it has been a part of multiple chapters of my life.
As an undergraduate student, I remember registering for my very first semester of classes with my daughters by my side. At that time, I was simply trying to balance life, family, and school.
Now, years later, to have the opportunity to walk across the same stage alongside my daughter, both of us graduating from Governors State University, her earning her undergraduate degree and me earning my doctorate, is a full-circle moment that I cherish.
It represents legacy, perseverance, and the power of what is possible, not just for me, but for my children as well.
Along the way, I have been challenged, supported, and poured into by faculty and peers who truly cared about my success. That sense of belonging is what makes GovState feel like home.
GovState Newsroom: If you had a song play while you crossed the Commencement stage, what would it be and why?
Tiffany: If I had to choose a song to walk across the stage, it would be Golden by Jill Scott.
Earning this degree represents freedom, purpose, and walking confidently in what I’ve worked for. I’m not just finishing, I'm stepping fully into who I’ve become.