CATE Presentation: Dr. S. L. Young on Success After Setback, Friday at 1

The educational journey of NOVA’s own Dr. S. L. Young has been marked by resilience and determination, beginning with struggles in high school where he faced failure and dismissal. Despite many challenges, Dr. Young’s trajectory shifted as he pursued higher education, enrolling for a time at NOVA before eventually earning his doctorate degree from Marymount University. Understanding the many obstacles faced by college students, Dr. Young focused his doctoral research on the impact of student engagement on academic performance, highlighting the importance of developing strategies for success.

After facing setbacks in college, including a failed final exam due to unforeseen circumstances, Young persevered and found success in the corporate world at the Xerox Corporation. Motivated by a partnership between Xerox and American University, he embarked on a journey of continuous learning, proving his capabilities as a nondegree student before officially pursuing his bachelor’s and subsequent graduate degrees. Despite academic suspension, Young’s determination led to his readmission and successful completion of his master’s degree.

Even after achieving multiple degrees, Young has remained committed to lifelong learning, pursuing further education opportunities and professional development. His journey culminated in earning a doctorate degree and being recognized as Dr. S. L. Young, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Through his postdoctoral work and advocacy for nontraditional students, Young strives to share his experiences and knowledge to inspire others facing similar challenges to persevere and achieve their academic goals.

Anyone interested in learning more about Dr. Young, his academic journey and his doctoral research should attend this week’s presentation, “Student Engagement’s Impact on Academic Performance,” offered by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence (CATE) on Friday, April 19, at 1 p.m.  If you can’t attend and would like Dr. Young to speak with your students, staff or faculty members, please contact him directly at SLYoung@nvcc.edu.

Additional details about Dr. Young’s educational journey can be found in his book, Above Expectations: My Story; An Unlikely Journey from Almost Failing High School to Becoming a College Professor.

Submitted by:
Tank McCarl, AN-Campus & Community Outreach, TMcCarl@nvcc.edu