Blind OSU-Tulsa student earns doctoral degree and prepares to teach

Thursday, December 11, 2008

TULSA (Dec. 11, 2008) – By most accounts, Perry Sanders is a typical Oklahoma State University-Tulsa graduate student. He balances a busy schedule of classes, work, research, community involvement, hobbies and spending time with his family and friends.
 
But, while he thinks of himself as a typical college student, others may not. Sanders, who graduates Friday with a doctorate in Occupational and Adult Education, has been blind since the age of nine.
 
“Perry’s story is one of determination. He never sees anything as a barrier. He just gets the job done,” said Dr. Gary Conti, OSU professor in the School of Educational Studies. “Although his blindness caused him to develop new strategies along the way, he never deviated from his goal. His effort, determination and insistence on excellence inspired all who had a chance to work with him. We are as excited about his graduation as he is.”
 
Inspiration seems to be a common occurrence in Sanders’ life.
 
Helping people find the right career has been a longtime passion for Sanders. He spent 24 years as a career counselor for Workforce Oklahoma before retiring to finish his doctoral degree. Sanders’ dissertation research focused on the decision-making process people go through when choosing or changing careers.
 
“I’ve always like the idea of helping people decide on a career path,” Sanders said. “It’s fulfilling to run into people I’ve helped and see how appreciative they are of their training and employment.”
 
Conti and the rest of Sanders’ dissertation committee were so impressed with the quality of his work that they have nominated him for the OSU Graduate College's Research Excellence Award, which recognizes graduate students for their outstanding research accomplishments in their thesis or dissertation.
 
Sanders has also been active in the community throughout his career and education. He is currently serving on Governor Brad Henry’s Statewide Independent Living Council and the Tulsa Area Agency on Aging committee. He also served a three-year term as president of the Oklahoma Council of the Blind.
 
Following graduation, Sanders will begin teaching human development and ethics courses as an adjunct professor for Langston University-Tulsa.
 
Sanders will join other OSU graduates in receiving their diplomas during the Graduate College Commencement at 7 p.m. Friday in Stillwater. Undergraduate ceremonies will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
 
Although he recognizes the challenges he’s had to overcome to earn his degree, Sanders says he couldn’t have done it without support from others.
 
“I’ve learned a lot from my professors and the OSU administrators and staff who were always encouraging and supportive of my education,” Sanders said. “We can all accomplish our goals with the support and encouragement of family and friends. I hope I can encourage and support others, just as they did for me.”

Commencement on the Stillwater campus