AMERICA |A determined couple, Sherman and Sonya Whitfield, have proven that success can be achieved together after both earning their doctoral degrees on the same day from Arkansas Tech University.
The couple was among 21 graduates who received their Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in School Leadership from the university in 2019, marking a remarkable academic milestone in their shared journey.
The Whitfield's Story and How They Did It
Sherman and Sonya Whitfield, who are based in Little Rock, Arkansas, have spent years balancing family life, careers in education, and their academic goals while raising their two children.
Their doctoral degrees were not the first academic achievements they completed together. Over the years, the couple also earned their master’s degrees and educational specialist credentials side by side, supporting each other through every stage.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve done. We’ve raised a family, maintained our work and church responsibilities, and completed this journey together. I’m proud, but also very humbled,” Sonya said.
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Sherman first met Sonya while he was a senior undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
At the time, Sherman had planned to pursue a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, his plans changed as he developed a passion for education and building a family life.
“I thought it would be good to raise a family and teach school while being on the same schedule,” Sherman explained.
After beginning his teaching career, Sherman decided to pursue an administrator’s license, and Sonya initially joined the program simply to support him. Eventually, she enrolled as well, and the couple ended up completing their advanced degrees together.
Sonya’s interest in teaching started earlier when she took a summer job at a daycare center. The experience sparked her passion for working with children and inspired her to pursue a career in education.
Today, both spouses hold leadership positions in the education sector. Sherman serves as Director of Pupil Services in the central office for the Pulaski County Special School District
Sonya is the Principal of Baker Elementary School. Her Husband, Sherman, often praises her dedication to the profession.
“She is totally an educator,” he said. “That dedication shows in the teachers she leads, the students she serves, and the respect she receives across the district.”
He jokingly adds that when he visits other schools, he is sometimes introduced as “Mrs. Whitfield’s husband,” a title he proudly embraces.
For Sonya, completing the doctorate carried deep emotional meaning. Years earlier, she had promised her grandmother that she would achieve the milestone.
Even during difficult moments in the program, she said she could almost hear her grandmother’s voice encouraging her.
“I could hear her saying, ‘You can do this, you can do this.’ She’s no longer here, but I know she’s celebrating.” Now holding doctoral degrees, the Whitfields reflect on a journey that combined love, education, and perseverance.
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