Dr. Samantha “Sam” Booker, Chair of the Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training Program, and Dr. Kelly Suero, Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, will pursue their Master’s in Higher Education Administration at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

Founded in 1636 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and one of the most distinguished universities in the world. The Harvard Graduate School of Education offers Master of Education (Ed.M.) programs in both residential and online formats designed for leaders and innovators seeking to strengthen educational institutions. The programs feature a customizable curriculum built around foundational coursework, specialized programs, and areas of concentration.

Booker and Suero will complete the program primarily online along with short summer residencies. Booker, who began the program in the summer of 2025, said the experience has already had a meaningful impact on her work. 

“Harvard’s Graduate School of Education has a mere 3% acceptance rate and thus the competitive nature of the program is not lost on me, and I feel honored to be given this opportunity,” said Booker. “I entered into the program in the summer of 2025 and can tell you that this program has revolutionized and reinvigorated not only my curriculum but the way I think about education as a whole.”

Suero will begin the program in the summer of 2026 and views the opportunity as a chance to continue growing as a leader in higher education while serving the Troy University community.

“It has been more than a decade since I was last in the classroom as a student after completing my Ph.D. at Purdue University, and I’ve chosen to pursue this opportunity to continue growing as an educator and leader,” said Suero. “I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding of higher education leadership, student success initiatives, and program development so that I can continue strengthening programs and opportunities for students and faculty at TROY. My hope is to bring new ideas and practical tools back to campus that support innovation, global engagement and academic growth.”

Though they lead departments in different colleges and disciplines, Booker and Suero first connected through their work in Faculty Senate where Suero served as Executive Secretary, and Booker served as Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Their shared interest in strengthening higher education leadership eventually led them to the same graduate program at Harvard, where they now continue learning alongside a global cohort of educators and administrators. 

Their involvement with the program has already brought additional distinction to both faculty members through recognition of their leadership and professional achievements. Booker has been nominated for a Harvard Teaching Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year, a distinction awarded to select students demonstrating excellence in teaching and leadership. Suero has been selected as a recipient of the Harvard Faculty Tribute Award for the 2026–2027 academic year, a competitive, merit-based award that provides significant funding in recognition of leadership, professional achievement, and a commitment to advancing higher education. 

For both faculty members, pursuing this degree reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and to strengthening the institutions they serve. By continuing their own educational journeys, Booker and Suero hope to bring new perspectives and ideas back to TROY while modeling for students the value of curiosity, growth and ongoing professional development.