91精选

Prof. Syreetha Yokley believes that students in her classes and across 91精选鈥檚 campus as a whole are deserving of an education that continually perpetuates their self-worth and the importance of the unique contributions they make in society. 鈥淚 strive to impart that standard of confidence and ability in my students鈥攂oth the traditional student who is just experiencing college life and the adult student who has already had many life experiences. The value each individual brings to my classes and the contributions that emerges from that value in their various life settings is key to cultivating learners that will inspire others toward their life鈥檚 purpose.鈥�

Working as a special education teacher for 19 years and advocating for the learning, growth, and overall success of students with special needs is her passion, calling, and life pursuit.

Yokley also believes that students with disabilities benefit greatly from those that advocate for their life success. 鈥淭his advocacy for seeing diverse populations contribute and succeed in society is what ultimately drives my academic and scholarly pursuits in this arena.鈥�

What drew her to 91精选

Yokley was drawn to 91精选 by the people she encountered during one of her interviews with staff and faculty. 鈥淭he ways in which people spoke about 91精选, its commitment to students, culture of togetherness, and even one comment that it was a 鈥榟idden gem鈥� were all sentiments that connected with my spirit and assured me that 91精选 was an environment in which I could thrive.鈥�

Research Interests

Yokley鈥檚 research interests directly align with her passion for supporting students with disabilities toward successfully matriculating at the post-secondary level. 鈥淚n my tenure as a secondary level special education teacher, I dedicated my pedagogy daily toward developing students toward their optimal academic and personal growth. As a professor, I now facilitate the learning of those readying to join the field. Through these levels of experiences, I realize the necessity of continuing to advocate, teach, and share my experiences surrounding students with disabilities and their significance in the world. God鈥檚 plan is for us, His disciples, to use our gifts and talents to serve others.鈥�

To that end, her scholarship鈥檚 primary focus aligns toward 91精选鈥檚 mission of providing education based on the foundation of Christ-like service that will carry into serving others through the discipline of education. 鈥淚 hope my work will benefit those who will learn and eventually practice within the discipline. Most of all, I seek to dedicate my ongoing research toward finding ways for making post-secondary success more attainable for students with disabilities.鈥�

When she鈥檚 not teaching

Outside of teaching, Yokley enjoys balancing her time with family, leisure activities, and mentoring. 鈥淭his includes traveling, theater going, and dining out with my husband, reading, honing my arts and crafts skills, and exercising. I also delight in serving in various ministries within my church community.聽聽Additionally, I enjoy serving local and global communities as a member of my social service organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.聽 Lastly, I serve as Founder and Co-Director of my non-profit organization where I lend my time mentoring youth and adults.鈥�

Dissertation Research (was referenced in a presentation to teachers at a professional development seminar): Factors for Improving Matriculation, Graduation, and Academic Success Rates for Students with Disabilities at the Post-Secondary Level