For Dr. Sy’Quon Shaw, pursuing a doctoral degree in social work wasn’t just a career move. It was a personal commitment to create a lasting impact on others’ lives. Now an advocate, mentor and leader in the field, Dr. Shaw credits his journey through Capella University with helping him turn passion into purpose.
“I’ve always had a heart for service,” he shares. “What drew me to Capella was the flexibility of their program and the chance to continue working while pursuing advanced education. It felt like the right fit not only for my schedule but for the kind of leader I wanted to become.”
Encouraged by mentors and colleagues, Dr. Shaw enrolled in Capella’s competency-based program with a clear vision: deepen his expertise, grow into a leadership role, and help shape the future of social work.
Along the way, he got support from academic coaches and faculty mentors who helped him stay grounded in his goals, especially during the more challenging phases of research and coursework.
Navigating the doctoral program: What can alumni take away from Dr. Shaw’s journey?
Dr. Shaw’s path offers a powerful message to fellow alumni and current students alike. Education is more than a personal achievement. It can be a catalyst for transformation.
Stay focused on your “why.”
That is his first piece of advice to anyone currently pursuing a degree. “Remember what brought you here,” he says. “When the balancing act of work, life, and school gets hard, your ‘why’ becomes your anchor.” He encourages others to embrace time management, celebrate small victories and lean into their support systems.
Resilience is a skill, not just a trait.
Throughout his time at Capella, Dr. Shaw learned how to adapt quickly and stay motivated, even when plans changed. “The biggest skill I developed was resilience,” he explains. “Learning to pivot and refocus helped me not only succeed academically but also support others in their personal and professional growth.”
Lead with purpose and action.
Dr. Shaw now uses the skills he gained to lead initiatives that support underserved communities, mentor emerging professionals and advocate for systemic change in mental health services. “My education gave me more than knowledge,” he says. “It gave me the confidence and clarity to lead with purpose. I’ve been able to launch programs that reflect a deeper understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity.”
The People Behind the Success
Dr. Shaw quickly acknowledges that his journey wasn’t one that he traveled alone. He credits his academic coach and doctoral mentor with helping him stay on track throughout his studies. He also expresses deep gratitude for his dissertation committee who offered guidance and encouragement at every phase.
“They guided me through every part of my research with genuine care and expertise,” he says. “That kind of support is rare and made all the difference.”
From faculty feedback to the assistance of the enrollment team, Dr. Shaw says he felt seen, heard, and supported from day one.
A Transformative Experience
Reflecting on his time at Capella, Dr. Shaw calls the experience “truly transformative.”
“The flexible format allowed me to stay present in both my personal and professional life while advancing academically,” he says. “Capella’s focus on real-world application gave me tools I now use daily and the confidence to keep growing and leading in my field.”
Today, Dr. SyQuon Shaw is a proud Capella graduate and a powerful example of what it means to turn education into impact. His story is a reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about showing up, doing the work and lifting others as you rise.
