SHE DID IT! Native Houstonian Megan R. Woodard defends dissertation, will officially garner Doctor of Business Administration from PVAMU August 9
Andre Johnson 
You have to stay in school. You have to. You have to go to college. You have to get your degree. Because that’s the one thing people can’t take away from you is your education. And it is worth the investment. — Michelle Obama, Former First Lady, United States of America
ONE SHINING MOMENT
From now on, she should be appropriately referred to as Dr. Megan R. Woodard.
This esteemed Houston-based businesswoman-turned-philanthropist on July 18 successfully defended her dissertation and was officially introduced by Prairie View A&M University officials as Dr. Megan R. Woodard.
Dr. Woodard will be officially awarded a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) during PVAMU’s commencement exercises August 9.
For Dr. Woodard, her fervent rise to achieving arguably her grandest milestone to date wasn’t merely an easy task, the native Houstonian told Making Headline News during a recent interview.
SALUTING WOMEN WHO SHAPE OUR WORLD
“It is an incredibly fulfilling moment,” Dr. Woodard said. “Reaching the brink of completing my doctorate represents the culmination of years of dedication, intellectual growth, and resilience. This journey has been both challenging and transformative, and I’m deeply proud of the depth of research and perspective I have contributed to my field.
“As I prepare to officially graduate, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the mentors who guided me, the sacrifices made along the way, and the opportunity to now stand ready to serve, lead, and innovate with this accomplishment.”
Upon acquiring her long-awaited PhD, Dr. Woodard emphasized, among other things, she will remain steadfast to complete her strategic ambitions surrounding her immeasurable philanthropy works.
“Following graduation, my plans are centered on leveraging the insights from my doctoral research to drive strategic outcomes at the executive level,” Dr. Woodard said. “I also intend to expand my contributions as an author, beginning with a writing residency in the South of France and culminating in the delivery of my inaugural TEDx Talk. These endeavors reflect a broader commitment to thought leadership and advancing dialogue across industries.
“Simultaneously, I look forward to cultivating personal balance through a consistent Tai Chi practice, anchoring wellness as I navigate the next chapter of professional and creative growth.”
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A graduate of Houston’s Mirabeau B. Lamar High School who earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, Dr. Woodard described her Doctoral journey as “a demanding, yet transformative experience, filled with late nights, discipline, and moments that stretched my limits,” she recalls.
“Balancing rigorous academics with full-time professional work sharpened both my intellect and resilience,” Dr. Woodard told MHN. “Through each challenge, I uncovered a deeper strength and a renewed commitment to meaningful impact in my field.”
For what it’s worth, the longtime Texas Corporate America professional would be remiss, she acknowledged, if she didn’t pay homage to her gallery of valiant supporters for diligently empowering her, thus keeping her in high spirits during what undoubtedly has been a mostly strenuous educational experience.
“Throughout this journey, I’ve been anchored by an extraordinary support system,” Dr. Woodard said. “First and foremost, I’m deeply grateful to God, Whose guidance and grace have sustained me at every turn. My twin children, Jeffrey and Jordan Woodard, have been a constant source of inspiration, reminding me daily of the purpose behind my perseverance. I’m also indebted to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Max and Mary Bonton, whose unwavering belief in my potential has been both humbling and empowering.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to my dissertation committee: Dr. Hesam Shahriari, my chair, as well as Dr. Louis Ngamassi and Dr. Thiagarajan Ramakrishnan for their wise counsel, rigorous standards, and steadfast support. Alongside them, my doctoral cohorts and professional colleagues have offered critical encouragement and collaboration, making this achievement as much theirs as it is mine.”
PVAM–UNBELIEVABLE MOMENT
By all accounts, Dr. Woodard said spending the past three years pursuing her Doctorate is a life-altering encounter she will relish for the rest of her life.
“The doctoral journey was an intensive three-year commitment, completed without semester breaks while managing three advanced courses per term alongside full-time work,” Dr. Woodard explained. “Balancing professional duties with academic rigor demanded focused discipline and strategic endurance. The process sharpened my research skills and reinforced my resilience in navigating high-level complexity.
“This accomplishment is not only a personal milestone — it’s a tribute to the power of perseverance, purpose, and the communities that lift us,” continued Dr. Woodard while referencing Ephesians 3:20. “Earning a Doctoral Degree while leading professionally and growing personally has deepened my understanding of impact and legacy. I hope this journey inspires others to pursue their highest aspirations with boldness and grace.”
GOD-ORDERED STEPS
When asked will go through your mind when, on Graduation Day, her name is called to receive her long-awaited diploma, Dr. Woodard said:
“A moment of gratitude and reflection, thinking of the sacrifices, the growth, and every step that brought me here. It will be both humbling and empowering to cross the stage, knowing this journey has come full circle.”
A memorable, tear-jerking moment that unquestionably will serve as a reminder to the world why she should be appropriately referred to as Dr. Megan R. Woodard.
Now and forever.
MAKING HEADLINE NEWS SALUTES: DR. MEGAN R. WOODARD
A RELATED STORY
For more information about Houston Businesswoman Dr. Megan R. Woodard, to inquire about interviews or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, connect with her via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.woodard.9022. Send email to: megan.woodard5@yahoo.com.
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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