When Dulce Marie Miller, Ed.D., first arrived in the United States in 2000, she and her two daughters spoke no English.
Miller was a teacher in Mexico when she met an American man who later became her husband. When her family immigrated to the United States, she and her daughters had to learn the most basic English phrases. As an educator, Miller was curious about the American school system and began volunteering at her daughters' school, where she met a teacher who encouraged her to enroll in English classes at the local library.
With her English skills improving, Miller began tackling her professional goals one at a time. In 2008, she completed her Pennsylvania teaching certification and got a job teaching Spanish. Then, she earned her master's in education and her ESL Specialist certification. After some years in the classroom, Miller came to Point Park to earn her Principal Certification, and this May, all of that work culminated in the highest possible degree in education: she received her Ed.D. with a focus in structured literacy.
"As a first-generation immigrant who arrived in this country unable to speak English, I could not have imagined earning a doctorate in Leadership and Administration,” Miller said. "Point Park University made that dream possible. And because of that experience, I truly believe that the sky is no longer the limit; it is simply the beginning."
Why did you choose Point Park for your Ed.D.?
I often heard a colleague enthusiastically describe his experiences at Point Park University. He spoke about the faculty, the rigor and the sense of community he found here. Eventually, his enthusiasm became contagious. It turned out, he was right!
Attending Point Park University transformed how I viewed leadership, teaching and professional growth. From the beginning, the professors challenged me to think more deeply, question assumptions and view educational leadership through a broader lens. What impressed me most was not only their expertise but also their commitment to students.
How did your personal, professional and academic paths intersect throughout your doctoral journey?
As an immigrant, I began this journey with determination and uncertainty. I arrived in the United States with a passion for education, but also with the challenge of learning a new language and adapting to a new system. There were moments when the process felt overwhelming; however, those challenges became the foundation of my resilience.
As a mother, this journey took on an even deeper meaning. I often worked late into the night, after ensuring that my family was cared for, reminding myself that this effort was not only for my own goals, but also to model perseverance, dedication and the value of education for my children. Seeing their pride and understanding the example I was setting became one of the most powerful sources of motivation.
Professionally, transitioning from a Spanish teacher to an instructional leader and assistant principal added another layer to this experience. While supporting teachers, leading initiatives and managing school responsibilities, I was simultaneously conducting research, writing and refining my dissertation. The work became deeply meaningful, as it connected theory to practice in a way that validated both my professional journey and my purpose as an educator.
Perhaps the most defining experience was preparing for my final dissertation defense. In that moment, I reflected on how far I had come, from navigating a new language to contributing to academic research, from being a classroom teacher to becoming a scholar-practitioner. I recognized that earning the title of “doctor” was not only an academic achievement but also a symbol of perseverance, growth and transformation.
What makes the Point Park University Ed.D. program unique?
What made my experience at Point Park University truly extra special was the extraordinary level of support, mentorship and genuine care demonstrated by the faculty throughout my doctoral journey. From the very beginning, I felt that I was not simply part of a program but part of a community of educators deeply committed to my growth and success.
The degree hanging on my wall represents academic achievement. The relationships, mentorship, confidence and vision I gained at Point Park represent something even more meaningful. Point Park University gave me an education. It also gave me a family of educators.
What faculty members had an impact on you?
Professors such as Elisabeth Ehrlich, Ed.D. and Linda Hippert, Ed.D., along with other faculty members, went beyond their roles as instructors — they became mentors, guides and sources of constant encouragement. Their feedback was not only academically rigorous but also thoughtful and personalized, always pushing me to think more critically while reminding me that I was capable of achieving at the highest level.
As a working educator, a mother and an English learner, I encountered challenges that could have easily become barriers. However, the faculty created an environment where those challenges were acknowledged, respected and transformed into strengths.
Their encouragement during key milestones, such as developing my research, refining my dissertation and preparing for my final defense, provided the confidence and motivation I needed to continue moving forward.
What advice would you give to those pursuing their Ed.D?
I would offer the following advice to those currently pursuing, or preparing to begin, their doctoral journey: Stay grounded in your purpose.
