Two friends, one goal

Learn how two colleagues became best friends after pursuing their doctoral degree together at Clarkson College.

After considering a doctorate for more than five years, Rachel Holm, EdD, finally found the motivation she needed when Nicole Shives, EdD, proposed a simple idea: "Let's do it together.”

“I really liked the thought of doing the program with a partner,” says Dr. Holm, who is the director of Community and Cultural Engagement at Clarkson College. “We agreed to take one class at a time. We both had children at around the same ages, which was a bit comforting to me, as well.”

The two enrolled in the Doctor of Education in Healthcare Education and Leadership in the fall of 2019 and supported one another every step of the way.

“I remember Nicole encouraging me to keep going when I was feeling low,” says Dr. Holm. “And we made sure to celebrate our wins, too!”

The flexible online EdD programs are designed for busy professionals who are often balancing careers, family responsibilities, and the demands of everyday life. The two programs, Healthcare Education and Leadership and Interprofessional Leadership, offer curriculum that serves professionals working in healthcare, business, and higher education.

“Having Rachel with me was invaluable,” says Dr. Shives, who is a professor of Human Anatomy, General Education and Health Sciences at Clarkson College. “We knew each other before we enrolled, but throughout the doctoral journey, our relationship grew into a deep friendship. She became one of my best friends, and the bond we developed through the challenges, accomplishments, and experiences of the program is, honestly, one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.”

“This experience made me realize the value of social capital,” says Dr. Holm. “Just knowing that someone else in a similar life stage was doing it too was comforting; but we were also there to support each other, vent at the frustrations, and celebrate the wins. Over those years, we went from colleagues to peers to lifelong friends. She is like a sister to me.”

Learn more about the two EdD programs at Clarkson College

Their hard work paid off when Dr. Shives earned her doctorate in spring 2024, followed by Dr. Holm in summer 2024.

“I feel like I gained so much knowledge and skill as a researcher and an educator,” says Dr. Holm, who later transitioned into her new leadership position with Clarkson College. “It felt very natural.”

“I truly appreciated the supportive faculty and the knowledge I gained through the coursework,” adds Dr. Shives. “Ultimately, the experience taught me something beyond what I learned in the classroom: I am capable of doing hard things.”

Today, both women are doctoral graduates and educational leaders, proving that some of life's biggest goals are easier to achieve when you don't pursue them alone.

For those who may be considering the program, Dr. Shives offers advice.

“Just go for it. The only regret you’ll have is not trying. Be committed, work hard, and be prepared to make sacrifices along the way. Some of my greatest accomplishments have required a tremendous amount of effort, dedication, and hard work, but I wouldn’t change the journey. It made it that much more meaningful.”

Two friends, one goal

Learn how two colleagues became best friends after pursuing their doctoral degree together at Clarkson College.

Learn more about the EdD programs with Clarkson College.