Dear Colleagues, SU Partners, and Friends,

I am writing with a joyful heart ♥️ and deep gratitude for your support and/or congratulatory messages celebrating my promotion from Associate Professor to Full Professor at Southwestern University.

This milestone means more to me than I can fully express. It reflects my years of dedication, but more than that, it reflects the people who poured into me along the way. Your encouragement, your mentorship, your partnership, and your belief in me — even in the moments I doubted myself — have all been part of this journey. Yet, it is not just a personal achievement. To explain it best, here is a part of my journey that only a few have been privy to — it was written by my best friend:

“I could go on and on and write a book on [Alicia’s] work and accomplishments but it was her commitment to her dad that truly defined this phenomenal woman. Years ago, Dr. A, as I lovingly call her, stopped her pursuit of full professorship to care for her daddy, who at 106 was told that he would not have long to live. Dr. A made a significant personal sacrifice to care for her father during his final years. She prioritized family over her professional ambitions, choosing to provide care during his time of need. They had a daddy-daughter love that modeled the definition of love. Despite the challenges, she managed to balance her responsibilities as a caregiver with her teaching duties. After nearly two years of caregiving, her father passed away just shy of reaching 108 years old, marking a significant chapter in Dr. A’s life, both personally and professionally. Her decision reflects the profound bond between parent and child, and as an only child, her life was shattered and her heart was completely broken, but she continued to persevere and has now fulfilled the promise to herself achieving the status of Full Professor.”

So, this is why I consider this promotion as one that is not just a personal achievement — it is a reflection of a shared commitment to equity, determination, uplift, voice, support, and justice in education and in our campus community. For me, this moment isn’t just about a title — it’s about what we have built together. I carry with me the responsibility and the honor of representing those who have been historically underrepresented in academia. And I remain committed to keeping the door open for others, especially for the next generation of scholars who are watching and walking behind us. What truly makes this community extraordinary is its people — your passion, intellect, and belief in what’s possible. I am constantly inspired by the collective brilliance, advocacy, and heart that fuel our shared work and remind me that I do not walk this path alone.

Thank you for cheering me on, holding space for me, keeping me uplifted, and being part of this chapter. I’m beyond grateful for our community.

Dr. Alicia Moore
Professor of Education
Southwestern University