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 hope is complete by the end of  spring 2025, explores the role of education in meaning-making for post-mid-life learners—a demographic often overlooked in academic research. I am particularly interested in how continuing education at a stage when peers may be winding down their careers can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth. The concept of lifelong learning, especially in addressing deeper existential concerns, is essential for understanding ongoing personal development later in life. 

As a workforce development and continuing education professional, I am committed to understanding the unique needs of post-mid-life learners, particularly as retirement becomes an increasingly distant goal for many. Recognizing what these learners require to engage in meaningful life changes through education is essential. By addressing their needs, we can empower them to navigate later-life transitions confidently and purposefully, ensuring they continue contributing actively to the workforce and their communities. This understanding is crucial for creating relevant, impactful programs supporting lifelong learning. Within an urban community, helping individuals in their post-mid-life stage discover opportunities for personal and economic advancement fosters growth and promotes ongoing social justice. 

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.

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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.