Agreement Between Colorado State University And Southern University Produces Its First Doctoral Graduate
Wednesday, February 11, 1998
FORT COLLINS--A student from Southern University, a predominantly
black college, is the first to complete his doctorate at Colorado State
University through a joint agreement between the two schools.
Kevin Rolle came to Colorado State from Southern University in Baton
Rouge, LA to earn his doctorate in education as part of the joint agreement.
The agreement gives students from Southern University the opportunity to earn
advanced degrees at Colorado State while helping Colorado State to
pursue its commitment to diversity. Currently, Colorado State and Southern
University are in the process of evaluating and revising the agreement to
serve its purposes even more effectively.
Rolle began studying at Colorado State shortly after the agreement
was signed in 1995. Rolle recently defended his dissertation, and will
participate in graduation ceremonies in May.
"I decided to come to Colorado State because when I visited, I felt
everyone was welcoming and sincere in wanting me to come," said Rolle. "I
increased my knowledge in the education field, but I also gained a broader
perspective by living in a different part of the country. After completing my
dissertation, I was appointed the dean of students at Southern University, a
promotion which was, in part, a result of my studies at Colorado State."
Rolle's dissertation is titled "The Experiences of African American
Administrators in Predominantly White Institutions of Higher Education." In
addition to course work, Rolle assisted with minority recruiting for the
College of Applied Human Sciences.
"Kevin was a great role model for younger minority students on
campus," said Fred Gilbert, vice provost at Colorado State. "He was extremely
focused and helped others who weren't quite as focused. He was a great asset
while he was here."
Kent Smith, another student who came to Colorado State from Southern
University, said: "One of the hardest things for people to do is to reach
beyond their comfort zones, but that's the best way to learn. It would have
been easy to stay in Louisiana, but coming to Colorado State for my graduate
work has really been a great eye-opening experience."
"Kevin is a real success story," said Cathy Love, associate dean in
the College of Applied Human Sciences. "He completed his doctorate in just
five semesters. Not only did Kevin do tremendous work, but we gained so much
from the partnership and from having him here. He did a lot for the College's
diversity program and through his efforts we gained a better understanding
about different cultures."
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