By Tessa Chilton
2024 UofL graduate, and first-generation college student Silver Beaty completes master’s degree and sets her sights on a PhD
As an undergraduate student at Boise State University, Silver Beaty dreamed of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, but life had other plans.
During her studies she joined the Montana Army National Guard (MTARNG) and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Montana State University-Billings. However, Beaty’s dream was interrupted when she became a single mother during her junior year of college. Struggling with her confidence and balancing motherhood with academics, she earned her commission as a U.S. Army Officer, but did not complete her degree.
While Beaty’s dream shifted, she never gave up. Determined, she completed her bachelor’s degree in 2020 after 12 years. “It was a far cry from becoming a medical doctor,” she said. “And at that point, an advanced degree just wasn’t an option in my mind.”
In 2022, her career took a turn when she became an Assistant Professor of Military Science with the University of Montana ROTC program. She fell in love with higher education and at that point felt ready to take the next step for her and her family.
Seizing the opportunity to advance her education, Beaty enrolled in the UofL Master Educator Course (MEC), a program that allows Army ROTC Cadre, instructors and trainers the opportunity to earn 18-credits toward an online master of arts in higher education administration (MAHEA).
Not one to leave unfinished business behind, Beaty continued her master’s degree beyond MEC and graduated this spring after only 12 months.
“I’ve broken a generational curse and opened my children’s eyes to so many windows of what is possible,” she said. “12 months ago, a master’s degree was never possible. Today, I’m determined to earn a PhD.”
During her time in MAHEA, Beaty worked closely with Clinical Professor, Kelli Peck-Parrott, who encouraged Beaty to pursue a doctoral degree. “It was her comment, and continuous conversations thereafter, that fueled a confidence I haven’t had in myself in 14 years,” she said. “I cannot say enough about the dedication, support and commitment of the faculty and staff [in the program].”
“Becoming part of the UofL CEHD family was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.”
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