Belhaven’s First Triple-Degree Recipients Celebrate Historic Achievement

December 19, 2024 (Jackson, Miss.) - Two recent graduates made history as the first students to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate from Belhaven University. Dr. Rachel Earnheart and Dr. Tomeka Cheatham received their doctoral diplomas during Belhaven’s Fall 2024 Commencement on Saturday, December 14, marking a momentous milestone for them and the University.

“Earning a Ph.D. has been a personal goal of mine since both of my parents have doctorates,” said Earnheart. “There’s something to be said about receiving an education from a Christian perspective, knowing you’ve got the support of faculty on your side. Even when life happens, Belhaven’s faculty stayed in touch and offered encouragement and help when I needed it most.”

Earnheart, of Mobile, Alabama, received her diploma during the first commencement for education graduates. Her doctorate was confirmed on November 20, 2024, and she holds a B.S. in Elementary Education (2011), M.Ed. (2013), Education Specialist (2020), and Ed.D. (2024). She serves as a secondary curriculum specialist for English in the Pascagoula School District’s Curriculum Office. Earnheart’s dissertation explored how teachers demonstrated care for students during the pandemic, navigating traditional, hybrid, and virtual instructional models to build relationships and foster connections.

Cheatham, of Byram, Mississippi, earned a B.B.A. (2002), M.S.M. (2005), and D.B.A. (2024). “It’s humbling and deeply gratifying to be one of only two people to have gone through Belhaven University and earned all three degrees,” noted Cheatham.

Her doctorate was confirmed on September 9, 2024, and she received her diploma during the afternoon commencement ceremony dedicated to business graduates. “This unique accomplishment adds an extra layer of honor to my journey, reminding me of the incredible opportunities I’ve been given and the responsibility to make the most of them. It also reflects the depth of the university’s programs and the unwavering support I received at every stage of my education.”

Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “Dr. Earnheart and Dr. Cheatham embody the heart of Belhaven’s mission: equipping students to serve and lead in their communities,” said Dr. Parrott. “Their achievements demonstrate the impact of perseverance, faith, and dedication to lifelong learning. Belhaven University celebrates the accomplishments of its historic graduates, whose journeys inspire current and future students to reach for their highest potential.”

Both Earnheart and Cheatham worked diligently to secure their doctorates. Cheatham added, “It’s a moment to reflect on the sacrifices, late nights, and sheer perseverance that brought me to this point. I feel immense honor in how far I’ve come, knowing that each degree represents a unique phase of my growth: the bachelor’s as a foundation, the master’s as a sharpening of my leadership skills, and the doctorate as the pinnacle of my academic and professional journey.”