More Than a Degree: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants By Dr. Michael E. Arrington

This degree isn’t just for me.

It’s for every ancestor who never had the chance to read or write but dreamed of freedom through knowledge. It’s for the visionaries, the fighters, the ones who dared to believe in something greater. It’s for the people who look like me and come from where I come from—who were told they never would, or never could.

Earning my doctorate is more than a personal milestone—it’s a tribute.

It’s for the blood my people shed to break through doors I now walk through. It’s for the generations who fought, stood up, spoke out, and sacrificed, so that I could stand here today. I stand on their shoulders with deep humility and even deeper gratitude.

This degree is for my sons, Matthew and Nicholas. So they can see what perseverance, discipline, and faith can build. So they know they belong in every room, at every table, and can shape every future. I want them to know that education is more than a tool—it’s a weapon for justice, a key to freedom, and a beacon of hope.

It’s for my family—every encouraging word, every prayer, every act of love that lifted me on days I felt too tired to go on. To the friends and colleagues who have walked beside me during this journey: thank you. I hope I make you proud.

And to my wife, Erika—your love, support, and strength have fueled this dream. You’ve been my cheerleader, my challenger, my calm in the storm. You pushed me to reach this goal when I doubted myself, and your belief in me never wavered. This is your victory, too.

As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

This doctorate is not just a degree—it’s my commitment to uplift others, to lead with excellence, and to open doors for those coming behind me.

This isn’t the end of the journey. It’s a charge to keep going—higher, deeper, and with greater purpose.

To every young person watching—especially those who’ve been underestimated or overlooked—know this: your story matters. Your dreams are valid. And your voice is powerful.

I earned this doctorate so that my story could be a source of light for someone else’s path. So that I could not only speak—but speak life, truth, and power into the next generation.

To the giants whose shoulders I stand on, to the people who never stopped believing in me—thank you. We did this.