We are revisited by the wonder Dr. Arianna Stokes from episode 20 of the show. She educates us on her dissertation titled "Faculty Perceptions of Persistence Among African American Students Enrolled in Distance Education Courses at Community Colleges" and much more.   In this episode, we discuss   Challenges faced by online learners Disparities in distant learning The benefits of community college   More about Dr. Arianna Stokes   Dr. Arianna C. Stokes is a two-time graduate of Jackson State University, where she received a B.S in History Education and a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education. She fulfilled a lifetime dream of becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Upon completion of her B.S., she had an opportunity to teach in the Jackson Public School district in Jackson, MS. That further ignited her career in education. Her knack for technology led her to a Web Director Appointment by the administration.   While committing to the duties aligned with these roles, Dr. Stokes simultaneously pursued a Master's Degree in Educational and Instructional Technology from Belhaven University. In May of 2018, she received an M.Ed. from Belhaven University, which shifted her career focus and interest to distance education, instructional design, and using technology tools to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.   With a strong interest in online learning and educational technology, Dr. Stokes began pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education immediately following the completion of her Master's Degree. Her doctoral research study focused on African American students in distance education and faculty perceptions of student persistence. In the summer of 2020, Dr. Stokes chaired the 8th Annual Graduate Research Conference for Jackson State University’s Executive Ph.D. program where she presented her research findings.   Following the completion of her doctoral degree, Dr. Stokes began a career in higher education with a state agency as a Professional Development Specialist for the division of eLearning and Instructional Technology. Currently, she provides technical support, professional development, and instructional technology resources to a consortium of faculty and staff from over 10 community colleges and other partners.   Connect with her: Instagram:@_drstokes   Connect with me: Website: TheResearchHer.com TikTok: @TheResearchHer Instagram: @TheResearchHer Twitter: @TheResearchHer Facebook: @TheResearchHer Ways to subscribe to The Research Her podcast Google Apple Stitcher Spotify RSS feed   Have feedback? Download the FREE "The Research Her" APP on iOS and Android (to directly send feedback)