Dr. Tashika Carlton ’15 earned her bachelor’s degree in human services at Bethel University, initially transferring in from Ivy Tech Community College. Her Bethel education led her to graduate study at Ball State University, where she earned her Master’s in Adult and Community Education, and Bradley University, where she pursued a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration.
Today, she serves as the inaugural program director for the Master of Science in Medical Sciences at Simmons College of Kentucky, Louisville’s only Historically Black College/University. This is also the first graduate program at Simmons.
“Academically, Bethel’s courses provided a strong foundation for graduate-level study, especially in research through courses like Probability and Statistics. I had no idea then that I would later pursue my terminal degree,” she says. “The courses prepared me well for that journey.”
While at Bethel, she also completed an internship at Hannah’s House in Mishawaka, Ind., where she ran the day-to-day operations of the home and had the opportunity to lead, serve and grow in a setting that closely aligned with her personal values and Christian principles.
“I led devotions and talked with residents about the importance of continuing their education, often sharing my own journey and how I got started,” she says. “Those moments allowed me to connect with them on a personal level and encourage them to see what’s possible through faith and perseverance.”