“Dr. Phillips was such an invaluable resource as the co-chair of my dissertation committee. His guidance pushed the boundaries of my study to reaches I had never considered, and I am incredibly grateful.” 


Dr. Jackie Griffith

“Dr. Phillips is a caring, compassionate, and committed professional who help others realize their full potential. Unsurpassed insight on the dissertation process from start to finish. He is an outstanding motivator who enables others to visualize and pursue their path to success. An inspiration for many, he possesses the right mix of attributes that commands interest and drives others to achieve. A consummate professional who serves as a beacon of strength, stability and hope for those whom he engages.”

“Dr. Richard Phillips is more than a dissertation chair to me. He is also my mentor and friend. He has always believed in me even when I doubt myself and led me in the right direction throughout my entire doctoral journey. He has helped me grow as a person and researcher. His example of a strong work ethic and persistence in the face of adversity have greatly influenced me.”

“Dr. Richard Phillips was the best dissertation chair. He illuminated my academic voyage with his amazing intelligence and uplifting enlightenment. It was generous of him to give me so much of his time and consideration. My gratitude comes from the bottom of my heart.”

Dr. Wei Yang

“Dr. Phillips was extremely approachable and always ready to give sound advice and counseling on how best to approach a situation that would yield a positive outcome. My greatest satisfaction was the experience of having him as my Mentor/Chair and the benefits gained from his guidance throughout the entire process of picking and choosing quality journal articles for my area of interest. I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation enough for his insight and patience which helped me gain a greater command of my research topic.”

Dr. Leroy Hawkins

"Dr. Richard Phillips is the quintessential educator, mentor and servant leader. In his capacity as an educator, it was my immense good fortune to work with Dr. Phillips on my doctoral study. He enthusiastically agreed to serve as chair of my dissertation advisement committee. My adept chair provided insightful guidance and unfaltering support. He was a reliable source of knowledge and encouragement. In addition, Dr. Phillips always met my challenges with reassuringly wise counsel. He calmed my episodes of self-doubt and enabled me to persist towards earning my EdD. I am grateful to God for Dr. Richard Phillips."

Lorene K. Robinson, EdD

"It took me several years to finish my doctorate program. I would not have completed the program or my dissertation without the guidance and support of Dr. Phillips. He took the time to guide me through each step in the process. His insight and experience was what I needed to get me over the finish line. Thanks Dr. Phillips, I am forever grateful."

Dr. Angela Thompson

“Working with Dr. Richard
Phillips as my dissertation chair was an exhilarating experience. Dr. Phillips was knowledgeable and thorough in sharing his expertise and best practices to aid in successfully completing my dissertation journey. He also worked diligently to ensure that my dissertation committee and I were on task and fully prepared for the final defense. I was truly blessed to have Dr. Phillips as my dissertation chair. I consider him my mentor and my friend.”

Dr. Josefa Howard

“Dr. Phillips was nothing short of a Godsend as he served as my Committee Chair, guiding me through my dissertation journey. Not only is Dr. Phillips knowledgeable about this work at the highest level, but he had the most caring and understanding way of imparting his wisdom while simultaneously stretching my growth and not allowing me to feel discouraged or defeated, even when the journey got tough. Additionally, during our work together, Dr. Phillips demonstrated a selflessness unlike any I've ever experienced, making himself available to discuss my work any time of day or night. And as cliché as that may sound, when it comes to Dr. Phillips, this is as true as it gets. Dr. Phillips takes personal pride in pushing his students to their fullest potential and relishes in our success. I could not have asked for a better person to lead my committee or to guide me through my journey, and I highly recommend his service to others. You can't go wrong!”

Dr. Marvin L. Jones

“Dr. Phillips is the anxiety reliever! Like all doctoral students, at some point one is intimidated by the dissertation process and learning your place as the understudy to the chair. However, Dr. Phillips promised he would be in the trenches with us the whole way through and he did just that. I enjoyed my process and being guided by Dr. Phillips, I walked away with not only a love for research but also the various methods by which research is produced. Please save yourself time and money by getting on board with Dr. Phillips. In his words: you either pay now or later."

Dr. Alex D. Meredith

“I have always known Dr. Phillips as a caring, compassionate, encouraging, and committed educator who worked very hard to help me, as well as all of his other doctoral students, realize our potential as researchers and writers. He always honored and respected me and his students, not only as students, but also as working adults. Dr. Phillips consistently went beyond the "call of duty" to move all of us forward and to push us to do our very best work. If he had not recommended a change in the research methodology and design for my dissertation (designed before he took over under someone else) I would not have completed my dissertation in the timespan that I did. He was always there for me, as if I were his only student. For that, I am forever grateful!”

Dr. Abdullah R. Muhammad

“I am grateful for the professional, compassionate guidance from Dr. Richard Phillips as my dissertation chair. A consummate intellectual and personable leader, his willingness to share his expertise will impact me forever as well as his uncanny method of simplifying the complex doctoral journey. Following Dr. Phillips’ steadfast and selfless leadership, I met a personal goal of graduating on time. As I lead others, I follow his example.”

Dr. Charity C. Shockley

"Dr. Phillips served as a catalyst to help me complete my dissertation within three months. I had been struggling for a year and a half to write up my last two chapters: methods and conclusion sections. Even though I had collected all of the data, I was struggling to focus my study to a manageable level in order to complete it. At our first meeting, he promised me that he can help me complete my study within three months. With his guidance and encouraging support, I was finally able to complete and defend a dissertation that I was proud of. He always responded to my emails quickly so I could get additional assistance. He took the time to connect me with research studies that would strengthen my study even more. Now I am also able to teach doctoral students in the EdD program and I recommend all my students to get in touch with Dr. Phillips if they have been struggling to complete their dissertation on their own. He’s a friend and a champion for all students in higher education due to his vast experience of successfully helping doctoral students achieve this milestone."

Dr. Bina Daniel 

"Dr. Richard Phillips is a “Guiding Light” for any dissertation journey. He is an asset to the world of higher education. His ability to motivate and support his students is unmeasurable. Dr. Phillips is an exceptional resource with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. His guidance was everything I needed and more. I am beyond blessed to have had Dr. Phillips as my dissertation chair, and today I am honored to call him a friend."

Amber C. Ward, Ed.D., CFD

"You can edit your text in your manuscript but Dr. Phillips was incredibly supportive, helpful, encouraging, and vital throughout my dissertation. He went beyond the call of duty to provide me with the insight and guidance I needed to be successful. His kind spirit, candidness, and sincere concern made all the difference. When I hit roadblocks, he helped me push past. I could call him any day of the week and at any hour, and he would be there to guide and coach me. I am grateful for all he did as he  continued to help me reach my full potential. Dr. Phillips brings a wealth of information and experience and I can ensure you that he will see you to the end - no matter how tough the terrain!"


Dr. Dawn Mosley 

“Dr Richard Phillips is an excellent dissertation professional. I would not have the level of success without his expertise. I spent several years trying to complete my dissertation prior to his services. He gave me practical tips, taught me how to do effective research and transformed my life by setting me on the path to graduation. He has a passion for education and is very knowledgeable about the dissertation process. He gave me the strength to complete my dream.”

Dr. Phyllis Riley Coleman

“What an amazing advisor and mentor. Dr Phillips dedication, guidance, and support as my chair and professor made the dissertation process smooth and obtainable.”

Dr Adrienne Clarke 

"Dr. Richard Phillips should be more appropriately referred to as the Godfather of Qualitative Dissertations in addition to being recognized as an advocate in the classroom as well as at the workplace of those whom he chairs. Dr. Phillips is a compassionate chair who empowers his students to own their role as experts in their research focus area(s). He listens to the expertise his students acquired through a combination of academic study and practice to guide the research in the direction that will yield timely degree attainment."

-Shanita A. Powell, Ed. D.

"A Servant Leader through and through, he understands the true meaning of mentorship for graduate students. Dr. Phillips was an agent of change for me and many of my cohort members on our doctoral journey. He is a role model and Christian who leads with empathy and compassion. Without his leadership as my dissertation chair, I might still be languishing on my research. He motivates and encourages you while giving solid academic guidance to the guaranteed completion of your dissertation and all relevant classes and qualifying exams."

Dr. Karen E. McKoy Holland