Dr. Janet Sherrod, Superintendent of Phenix City Schools, told Troy University graduates on Friday that they stood on the ‘edge of possibility’ and encouraged them to pursue significance rather than just success.
Dr. Sherrod delivered the keynote address during the Phenix City Campus’ Spring commencement ceremony at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. More than 80 students took part in the ceremony, and among the class was a mother and son duo, Tamika and Ja’Corey Harper, who received their diplomas. Dr. Sherrod recognized the pair during her remarks, commending them for their perseverance and determination.
“Some of you will go off into classrooms and change lives. Some of you will enter into hospitals, businesses, courtrooms, studios and start adventures,” Dr. Sherrod said. “Some of you will go forth and serve our nation with honor. And some of you still aren’t quite sure what you want to do yet, but that’s ok too. What matters isn’t the job title you hold or how quickly you climb the ladder. What matters is the impact you make, the people you serve, the way you carry yourself with integrity, compassion and courage regardless of the circumstances.”
Dr. Sherrod noted that when she was appointed to her current position as superintendent of Phenix City Schools, she became the first woman and first African American to serve in the role.
“We are still living through ‘firsts,’ and while it is an honor I carry with pride, it does not come without weight,” she said. “The first at anything is rarely comfortable. It means stepping into rooms where you might not see anyone who looks like you. It means never getting assumptions and unbroken expectations. It means not only carrying your own dreams but the hopes of everyone watching to see what you will do with the opportunity. But here’s what I know – being the first isn’t about the spotlight, it is about service. It’s about opening doors, not just for yourself but for others. And, sometimes when the door doesn’t exist, you have to make sure that you have the courage to build it from scratch.”
Dr. Sherrod told graduates that the world was in desperate need of change agents.
“We live in a world that needs people who are not afraid to challenge the status quo, people who are bold enough to speak up when something is unjust, people who are willing to do the hard, often unseen work of making things better not just for themselves but for everyone around them,” she said. “If there is one thing I have learned on my journey, it is that adversity doesn’t disqualify you from greatness. It prepares you for it. The people who change the world are rarely the ones who had it easy. They are the ones who showed up even when it was hard. They’re the ones who heard ‘no’ and still pushed toward ‘yes.’ They’re the ones who dare to believe. They believed even when the world didn’t expect them to.”
In closing, Dr. Sherrod issued a challenge to graduates.
“Don’t just chase success, chase significance,” she said, receiving applauds from the graduates and their families. “Don’t wait for permission, lead now, right where you are. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is just a steppingstone to wisdom. Don’t forget your story and your roots because they will be your promise when life throws you off course. Imposter syndrome is real. There will be moments when you wonder if you are good enough. I’ve been there. I still have days like that, but hear me clearly, you belong in every room you walk in. You are not here by accident. You have earned this moment. You have what it takes not just to survive but to thrive.
“Lead with heart, live with intention, love deeply and when things get hard, and trust me they will, remember the strength that brought you here today,” she added. “Keep showing up, keep building and keep believing. Troy University class of 2025, the world is waiting for your voice, your leadership, your light and Dr. Sherrod needs you to go shine.”
Additional photos are available at: https://troyuniversity.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000kEBwfIt1QtA/G0000N1eg1wChLNQ/20250606-Phenix-City-Commencement.
