University of Phoenix Named Dissertation Award Winners
Four scholars have been selected for the 2026 Dissertation of the Year awards for excellence in their respective fields.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Scholarships
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The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has announced the four recipients of its 2026 Dissertation of the Year Award. The winners were chosen from a pool of 34 nominees following a double-blind peer-review process.
Why it matters
The awards aim to celebrate scholarly achievement and recognize the highest standards of doctoral research across various academic disciplines. By highlighting these projects, the university promotes advancements in professional practice and academic rigor.
Four scholars were awarded the 2026 Dissertation of the Year among 34 nominees. The selection involved a double-blind peer-review process where each work was evaluated by at least two field experts.
The players
University of Phoenix
This private university provides higher education programs and houses the College of Doctoral Studies which grants these awards.
Dr. Tamara Betz
She is one of the four recognized scholars and the winner in the Doctor of Education category.
Dr. Rosanne Hamilton
She is the recipient of the award in the Doctor of Health Administration category.
Dr. Paul David White III
He was selected as the winner in the Doctor of Business Administration category.
Dr. Sheila-Marie Mofielle
She was honored as the winner in the Doctor of Management category.
The details
The winners include Dr. Tamara Betz for Doctor of Education, Dr. Rosanne Hamilton for Doctor of Health Administration, Dr. Paul David White III for Doctor of Business Administration, and Dr. Sheila-Marie Mofielle for Doctor of Management. These recipients will be recognized at the university's upcoming 43rd annual Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit.
Timeline
The 2026 Dissertation of the Year awards were announced in 2026.
The 43rd annual Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit is scheduled for October 22-23, 2026.
Culture Shift
This award aligns with the broader academic trend of elevating applied research within professional doctorate programs like those hosted at the Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit. The focus highlights a shift toward valuing practical scholarly impact as a cornerstone of advanced professional education.
For students and prospective doctoral candidates, these awards establish a benchmark for the quality and rigor expected in professional research. Recognition at this level can influence future career prospects and academic standing within the recipient's specialized industry.
The takeaway
These awards demonstrate the importance of peer-reviewed research in validating professional doctoral work. Aspiring researchers can utilize these winning examples as models for developing their own academic submissions.
What happens next
The 43rd annual Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit will be held on October 22-23, 2026, where the award winners will be formally honored.
Further reading
Learn more about academic funding and recognition programs on the United States Scholarships section page.
More information
For additional information, visit the University of Phoenix homepage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Elko Daily Free Press.
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