Dalvin Butler, an Oakland native and aspiring college administrator, recently graduated from the Rossier School of Education at University of Southern California (USC).

Butler, 27, earned a doctorate in educational leadership after writing a dissertation that  examined influences on mainstream teachers’ instructional decisions and perceptions of English learners in Hawaii public secondary education.

Dr. Butler graduated from USC summa cum laude as he earned a cumulative GPA of  4.00.

“It is an absolute honor to join 2% of the American population who have earned a doctorate by contributing to academic research,” said Butler. “I am very humbled to make my family, friends, and community proud, having used a problem of practice that guided my dissertation to shine a light on the voiceless and vulnerable in the American educational system.”

To date, Butler has obtained six degrees from several institutions of higher education, including three AA degrees from Laney College, a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

“At the end of the day, my character, core values, and principles as an individual who is devoted to public service, equity and access in academia, and social justice are the ideals that define me, Not just my credentials,” said Butler, who attended public school in Oakland.

“I owe a great deal of gratitude to my aunts Patricia McTyer and Brenda Curry for their unconditional love and unwavering support during this glorious, yet challenging journey.

“Also, I have had the great privilege of being guided by giants in academia, such as Dr. Carole Ward Allen and Mrs. Mary Maultsby-Jeffrey. I cannot thank them enough for serving as sources of inspiration and enlightenment to me.”

Dr. Butler has taught children social studies for six years at the high school level in Hawaii public schools. Once an intern for the Post Newspaper Group, his next plan of action is to become a professor or an entry-level administrator at an institution of higher education in the Bay Area by the fall.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post