MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Holly Staggs received her doctorate from the University of Memphis this past commencement season, only not in the way you’re probably imagining. No, her journey to acquire her doctorate degree in Educational Psychology and Research ended with her being hooded in a hospital bed, battling Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In the weeks leading up to commencement, Staggs was determined to make it to the ceremony at FedExForum, even if she had to be ‘wheeled across the stage.’
Staggs’ faculty advisor Dr. Denise Winsor recalled, “A couple of days before graduation, I found out that she was not going to be able to make it. When I read that email, I was immediately deflated.”
The day after receiving that email, Winsor got a text from Holly’s sister, Hailey Schmidt. Holly wanted to know if her advisor could swing by her room at Baptist East to see her around graduation. Winsor not only paid a visit without hesitation but did so with Holly’s graduation regalia in hand. It’s a moment that came as a complete surprise to Staggs and one that Winsor said she’ll always carry with her.
“It was as special for me as I think it was for her,” said Winsor. “It was a very powerful reminder of why I do what I do and why I love it and feel so fortunate to work with all my students.”
“What Dr. Winsor and the whole University of Memphis team did for Holly was simply incredible,” Schmidt said. “In today’s world, where people struggle to find time to offer a kindness of this magnitude, the University came together to give (Holly) this spectacular gift.”
A lifelong Memphis Tiger, Staggs first earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology (’14) and then her master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Research (’16), graduating with honors and an English minor before moving onto the PhD program. With so much time invested in her academic journey, it’s no wonder she was determined to make it to the finish line, regardless of her health complications. Her bedside hooding was the result of years of sacrifice and courage.
“Their dreams become your dreams, and as a professor you are 100% invested,” said Winsor, referring to her students. “(Holly) transformed each challenge into an opportunity for growth and learning. Her success and perseverance bring me joy and hope that I do not get to experience every day. For me, it was a small thing but at the same time, it doesn’t get any better.”
In the end, Holly’s story is not only about earning a PhD — it is about the power of community and mentorship. For Holly’s family, several of whom are also Tiger alums, the gesture carried deep meaning.
Schmidt said, “Witnessing all of these behind-the-scenes efforts, and then Dr. Winsor visiting her in the hospital to drape Holly in her graduation hood, we have been shown what it truly means to be a Tiger.”
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
(O) 901.678.4822
