As co-founders of DBA Chronicles and fellow members of the Class of 2025—we know exactly what it took to get here. The late nights and early mornings. The rewrites, revisions, and relentless pursuit of clarity. The balancing act of life, work, and research. It takes courage to embark on this journey, and even more resolve to stay the course. And today, we stand proudly with you—not just as graduates, but as transformed individuals
Throughout the year, our team lit up every time we saw a LinkedIn post from another university announcing a successful dissertation defense. No matter the institution or the continent, we felt the joy ripple through our global community. Another voice had risen. Another scholar-practitioner had stepped into their calling.
And that’s what excites us most—what happens next
Each DBA graduate represents more than a credential. You are catalysts—ready to tackle complexity, design solutions, and lead with integrity. Your work is not just research; it’s a roadmap for change. Whether you're entering boardrooms, classrooms, policy arenas, or startup spaces, you now carry both the insight and the influence to reshape your field.
So lean into your passion. Deepen your practice. Shape your space. As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” You are part of that group.
To the DBA Class of 2025—this is a moment that transcends caps and gowns. You’ve climbed steep hills, asked hard questions, rewritten not just pages but perspectives—and through it all, you rose You didn’t just defend a dissertation; you defended a dream. You are the blueprint and the breakthrough, the echo of those who paved the way and the spark for those yet to begin. This isn’t the end of your journey. It’s the beginning of your becoming.
With pride and solidarity, The Co-Founders of DBA Chronicles
Dr. Kelly Burich, Dr. Valrie Grant, and Dr. Amy Horner
“Crossing the finish line of my DBA journey is more than an academic achievement; it is the culmination of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering purpose. This degree is not merely a title; it is a commitment to lead with integrity, create with intention, and serve with lasting impact. I stand on the shoulders of ancestors, mentors, family, and community who prayed, sacrificed, and believed when the path was not clear.
I also carry the voices of my brothers and sisters in uniform, those transitioning, those struggling, and those soaring. Earning this doctorate is a salute to discipline, structure, and the unyielding spirit that defines every veteran.
With this honor, I recommit myself not just to success but to significance, uplifting my peers, empowering future leaders, and guiding those navigating the battlefield of civilian life.
This is for us.”
Dr. Nkosi Leary, May 2025 Graduate Georgia State University
“Congratulations to Cohort 6 and the new Doctors!
Having been there myself, I know how transformative this experience can be on a personal level, and I wish you well in making an impact on your network, whether public, private, or social.”
Dr. Alan Turlovlin, DBA Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
�� Congratulations to the graduating members of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte DBA Cohort 6! You
did it! ��
Way to go on officially joining the Doctor club! Y’all defended like champs and now get to bask in the DONE-dissertation glow.
As we launch headfirst into our final DBA year, watching you level up gives us hope… and maybe a few heart palpitations. ��
Don’t be strangers! Share the wisdom, the writing hacks, and maybe your favorite caffeine source. We’ll see you on the other side. (May 2026, here we come!)
Wishing you all the best in your next adventures, UNC Charlotte DBA Cohort 7
Congratulations to our 2025 Podcast Guests and Guest Blogger Graduates!
Dr. Chris Richardson
University of North Carolina
Charlotte
Dr. Bobga Tachu
University of North Carolina
Charlotte
Dr. Pawan Anand
Congratulations, Dr. Valrie Grant!
Valrie becoming Dr Grant is a remarkable milestone, but what makes it truly extraordinary is how you got here The past few years brought profound challenges, both professionally and personally You faced adversity headon, from business turbulence to personal attacks.
Yet, through it all, you remained focused, determined, and deeply grounded in your purpose.
When asked why you pursued a doctorate, you often said, “I needed the distraction” And what a distraction it was intense, demanding, and ultimately transformational.
You turned difficulty into determination and used every setback as fuel to propel you forward. The strength you’ve shown is nothing short of inspiring
We are very proud of you not just for the title, but for the courage, grace, and resilience you’ve displayed on this journey.
Congratulations, Dr Grant You’ve shown the world what it means to persevere with power
With all our love, Your Brothers & Sisters: Tony, Brian, Dean-Ray, Janet and Joan
With Gratitude to Our University Partners & Congratulations to Their 2025 DBA Graduates
Since the inception of DBA Chronicles, universities from around the world have generously opened their doors to us through insightful podcast conversations, guest blogs, and thought leadership that have helped shape this platform into a thriving community for scholarpractitioners.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of South Florida
To each of you, thank you for the knowledge you’ve created and the impact you’re about to unleash The best is yet to come
Congratulations to our 2025 Podcast Guests and Guest Blogger Graduates!
Dr. Carolyn Adkerson
Temple University
Dr. Franklin Farmer
University of North Carolina
Charlotte
Dr. Franklin Dukes
University of North Carolina
Charlotte
Dr. Yvonne Mosley
University of North Carolina
Charlotte
Congratulations, Dr. Valrie Grant!
From Your GeoTechVision & Jamaica Flying Labs Team,
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our visionary Founder, Dr. Valrie Grant, on the outstanding achievement of earning her Doctor of Business Administration.
Your commitment to innovation, community empowerment, and responsible technology leadership has always inspired us, and this latest academic accomplishment is a powerful testament to your lifelong dedication to excellence and impact.
At GeoTechVision and Jamaica Flying Labs, we’ve witnessed your tireless dedication to capacity building, ethical tech practices, and opening doors for others The pursuit of your doctorate amidst all your leadership commitments is yet another example of your drive to learn, grow, and lead by example
Dr Grant, you continue to prove that there are no limits for those who lead with purpose and passion We celebrate your achievement and the trail you continue to blaze for future generations of changemakers”
Would you like to highlight your DBA Program
Graduates in next year’s newsletter?
This is an excellent opportunity to honor and uplift your favorite Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates from the upcoming class of 2026!
What’s Included:
-A beautifully designed Celebration Newsletter -A special podcast episode with shout-outs and highlights -Personalized LinkedIn Spotlight Posts
Whether you're a family member, friend, instructor, mentor, or colleague, this is your moment to send a personalized congratulatory message that will be featured and shared widely.
Packages start at just $35
Submit your message here: https://forms.gle/nGFvhhpWev7aQchv7
Let’s come together to shine a light on these incredible scholarpractitioners. Their journey deserves to be celebrated!
