![\"Clinton](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1024x768_DRSC3.jpg\")
A Florida A&M University doctoral scholar \u2014where academic excellence and dedication\n to service meet. (Photo Courtesy: Shauntavia Clinton)\u00a0<\/p>\n
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 For FAMU employee Shauntavia Clinton, the path to earning a doctorate was never
\n linear, nor was it rushed. From military service to higher education, her story reflects
\n the importance of trusting the process, even when the destination was not fully clear.<\/p>\n
Born and raised in Monticello, Florida, Clinton, a U.S. Army veteran, enlisted directly
\n after graduating from high school and served six years before transitioning into higher
\n education. She earned an associate degree, followed by a bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology
\n with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis, and a master\u2019s degree in educational
\n psychology.<\/p>\n
Last Friday, Clinton crossed the stage at Florida A&M University, earning a Doctor
\n of Philosophy in education with a focus on leadership and counseling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t even know this was something I would actually do,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you would
\n have told me in 2019 that I\u2019d be finishing a Ph.D., I probably wouldn\u2019t have believed
\n you.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Florida A&M University doctoral scholar \u2014where academic excellence and dedication
\n to service meet. (Photo Courtesy: Shauntavia Clinton)\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Choosing FAMU \u2014 and Choosing Herself<\/p>\n
Although Clinton was accepted into doctoral programs at Florida State University and
\n the University of Central Florida, she made a deliberate decision to return to an
\n HBCU environment for the final chapter of her academic journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had already experienced predominantly white institutions,\u201d she said. \u201cI wanted
\n my last opportunity to be at an HBCU.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her connection to Florida A&M University extended beyond academics. Clinton was introduced
\n to the University as early as 10th grade through the TRIO program, attending campus
\n events and experiencing FAMU\u2019s culture long before she officially enrolled.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat exposure planted the seed,\u201d she said. \u201cI always knew I\u2019d come back to FAMU one
\n day. I just took a different route to get here.\u201d<\/p>\n
That route, however, was not without challenges.<\/p>\n
Balancing Life, Work and the Weight of a Doctorate<\/p>\n
Clinton began her doctoral program in August 2020, during the height of the COVID-19
\n pandemic. Her cohort became the first to navigate constant shifts between in-person,
\n hybrid and online learning, while faculty and students adjusted in real time.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Clinton worked full time. She held roles at Refuge House, a domestic
\n violence and sexual assault shelter, and at Children\u2019s Home Society as a family service
\n coordinator, where she evaluated children with developmental concerns and connected
\n families to critical resources. She later transitioned into mental health counseling,
\n working with children ages 6 to 16.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1024x768_DRSC2.jpg\")
After years of dedication, discipline and belief, a Florida A&M University doctoral
\n graduate closed one chapter and stepped confidently into the next\u2014FAMU Made, always.
\n (Photo Courtesy: Shauntavia Clinton)\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Balancing professional responsibilities, coursework and personal life proved demanding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were several times over the five years where I thought about stopping,\u201d Clinton
\n said. \u201cIt became a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
At one point, earning a C in a required course pushed her back an entire semester,
\n a moment that could have ended her journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want to do it anymore,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I had already started. And I kept
\n telling myself, \u2018Why start something just to stop?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset carried her forward.<\/p>\n
Purpose, Service and Trusting the Path<\/p>\n
Clinton\u2019s decision to pursue a Ph.D. did not stem from a single defining moment. She
\n described it as something that began almost on a whim, but one rooted in years of
\n professional experience.<\/p>\n
Throughout her career, Clinton witnessed how children with disabilities, developmental
\n delays and behavioral challenges were often overlooked, motivating her to seek deeper
\n knowledge and greater impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw the need,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I thought, what if I could be the person who helps
\n change that, especially back in my own community?\u201d<\/p>\n
For Clinton, earning a doctorate was never about the title. It was about access, advocacy
\n and creating meaningful change.<\/p>\n
In January 2022, Clinton accepted a role as a victim advocate at Florida A&M University,
\n where she served the campus community and advised Warriors Against Rape, a student
\n organization focused on education and prevention. She is also a member of Zeta Phi
\n Beta Sorority, Inc.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on her journey after graduation, Clinton credited faith and purpose for
\n guiding each step forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t try to make plans anymore,\u201d she said. \u201cThe only plan I have is the one God
\n has for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
For anyone considering a doctoral program, Clinton kept her advice simple.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust do it,\u201d she said. \u201cStart with a purpose. Your \u2018why\u2019 is what will keep you going
\n when it gets hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
After commencement, Clinton left for a post-graduation trip to Thailand with members
\n of her cohort, a celebration she described as meaningful and well-earned.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt didn\u2019t feel real yet,\u201d she said at the time. \u201cBut when I put on that cap and gown,
\n I knew it was.\u201d<\/p>\n
Crossing the stage marked more than the completion of a degree. It represented the
\n fulfillment of a promise Clinton made to herself; to keep going, no matter the pace.<\/p>\n
Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n