Pursuing My PhD in Communications

Friends and family,

I am thrilled to share a significant milestone in my life with you all. I am embarking on a new journey to pursue a PhD in Communications at Liberty University. This decision marks not just an academic pursuit but a deeply personal and meaningful step forward for my family and I.

For those who may not know my story, I barely graduated high school and found myself homeless for a few months. It was during this challenging time that I decided to follow my grandfather and father’s footsteps and join the military. As a Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman, I served alongside the best damn Marines there ever were, gaining invaluable experiences and lessons that shaped my future.

After my military service, I took a leap of faith and walked into the admissions director's office at Hampton University, asking for a chance to attend my dream school. The director, Ms. Angela Boyd, took a chance on me, and I never looked back. Although I decided to leave in my senior year for a job opportunity in Charlotte, my incredible wife, whom I met at the real HU, encouraged me to complete my bachelor’s degree. Her unwavering support pushed me to achieve more.

With newfound confidence, I pursued a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication at Liberty University. There, I found a supportive community that recognized my gift for understanding culture, music, and social media. This experience inspired me to start my own business, where I successfully connected culture and communication, helping numerous organizations enhance their social media presence and achieve business success.

Today, I am driven by a desire to learn more, prove more, and ultimately help more people. This is why I have decided to pursue a PhD in Communications at Liberty University.

This journey would not be possible without the love and support of my family. My wife, who is currently in the United States Army and attending school herself, has been my rock. Our two beautiful children, Virginia and Ollie, inspire me every day to strive for greatness and to set an example of perseverance and dedication.

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. I am excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it will bring to make a positive impact in the field.

With gratitude,

Delancey “Lance” Pryor III