2025 Evolution and 2024 Success

Dear members, friends and partners of The PhD Project,

We’re just a few weeks into the new year, and we have already seen significant change – change in higher education, the business world, the political environment and more. Through it all, we remain fully committed to our historic and impactful work. As you know, there is still much more work to be done. However, we recognize the need to evolve in order to continue to create opportunities for more people from economically disadvantaged, underrepresented and underserved communities to become PhDs and business leaders.

Creating more inclusive environments on campus and in corporate America is at the heart of everything we do. We plan to diligently continue our efforts to grow the talent pipeline of current and future business leaders with representation from underserved and underrepresented communities, including Black/African Americans, Latinx/Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and all others committed to inclusive excellence.

From the learning and networking opportunities we offer members to the support networks we help foster for students, The PhD Project’s impact will continue to grow and expand. Our staff and board leadership are both focusing on how we overcome the immediate obstacles that are impacting our traditional work, while developing on going strategies to move our beloved organization forward. Please know that we are committed to creating opportunities to put more highly qualified and talented people in front of the classroom to serve as role models for future leaders. The important work our members do on campuses every day helps inspire inclusivity and student success, enriching education for everyone.

Over the years, this community has established a track record of success.

• Since 1994, we’ve helped more than 1,500 members earn their doctoral degree and currently have 250 students in PhD programs.
• Ninety percent of members complete their business PhD, compared to the national average of 70%.
• Most of our members go on to work in higher education upon graduation, with a 97% retention rate, compared to the national average of 60%.
• PhD Project members become leaders in their institutions. Today we have 8 presidents and 71 deans among our ranks.

We’re so proud of what this community achieved in 2024 from our 30 newly capped PhDs and our addition of 40 doctoral student members to the numerous faculty members who were promoted to leadership roles, as well as the countless others who were published, earned recognition, landed new positions and more. Each and every one of them motivates us to expand this mission and their opportunities to learn, grow and connect with support networks.

As we navigate this year, we will continue to be proactive and intentional as we evolve to serve and support our members. Your ideas and insights will be imperative along the way, so as always please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. If you would like to update your contact information or have any other requests, feel free to email us at [email protected].

?

Sincerely,

?

Blane Ruschak????????????????????????????????????? Alfonzo Alexander

President, The PhD Project????????????????? Chairman, The PhD Project