About Me.

Hello! I'm Dr. Nancy Pratt, a researcher, writer, and higher education professional from Cleveland, Ohio. I am working on my second Ph.D. in urban education with a concentration in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education.

Pursuing a second Ph.D. in Urban Education after earning my first Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Ethical and Creative Leadership is rooted in my belief in personal transformation through education. It also equips me with the skills to address complex challenges in both my professional and personal life. My first Ph.D. provided a broad, integrative approach to understanding various fields, focusing on conflict resolution, grassroots international peacemaking, and crisis leadership. This interdisciplinary perspective is essential for tackling real-world problems that don't fit neatly within a single discipline.

My second dissertation, which I will complete by the end of  fall 2025, is titled, "Dismantling the Ivory Tower: A New Framework for Continuing Education to Challenge Exclusion and Entrenched Power in University Systems." 

The proposed research will interrogate the entrenched hierarchies and exclusionary practices that have long relegated continuing education to the periphery of higher education. Despite the critical role continuing education plays in addressing the diverse and evolving needs of adult learners, universities have historically failed to integrate it as a core function, instead prioritizing traditional, degree-focused pathways that cater to a narrow demographic. 

Drawing on foundational and contemporary scholarship in adult and continuing education, this study will examine a framework that repositions continuing education as a transformative and central mechanism for institutional renewal. By critically analyzing systemic resistance to change and the misalignment of university priorities with societal and workforce needs, this research aims to develop a model that demonstrates how continuing education can disrupt the status quo, promote equity, and redefine higher education as a space for lifelong learning and social progress.

From a career perspective, holding two distinct Ph.D.s uniquely positions me as a thought leader with multifaceted expertise. It allows me to bridge the gap between broad interdisciplinary frameworks and the specific, actionable insights needed in urban educational settings. This dual expertise makes me an asset in both academic and practical spheres, where I can lead initiatives that require a nuanced understanding of complex educational systems. My goal is to shape policies and programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of learners, particularly those in urban areas and those beyond the midpoint in their lives. This second Ph.D. is not just an additional degree; it's a strategic choice that aligns with my advocacy goals and enhances my ability to effect meaningful change in education and workforce development.

 To support our work here, buy me a cup of COFFEE. Thank you.

Transparency statement:

Like most writers, I see my work as a continuous process rather than a finished product. I regularly revisit articles to make edits, updates, and refinements while preserving the original theme and context. This approach helps keep my content relevant and improves its clarity over time.

AI Use: I utilize AI (specifically ChatGPT) as a supportive editorial tool to enhance my writing process. It helps critique ideas, organize outlines, refine thematic flow, and suggest titles and subheadings. I also use it to generate images for visual enhancement. Before publishing, I review the final draft with Grammarly to ensure it meets editorial standards.