Class of 2026: Tonya S. Hall’s doctoral journey was spurred, not deterred, by a breast cancer diagnosis

By

Tonya S. Hall realized the importance of adapting when life blindsided her during her doctoral studies.

Hall, who graduates this spring with an Ed.D. in leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2025.

"I was going through surgeries and chemotherapy during classes," said Hall, who even attended one online class from the hospital emergency room. "I did all my classes, but it was extremely challenging."

While managing her studies, Hall had been serving as vice president for advancement and external engagement at Virginia State University. She left that role just one week before her cancer diagnosis, a move that, she said, unexpectedly afforded her the necessary space to focus entirely on her health and academic pursuits.

"Let me be clear: 'Chemo brain' is not a myth - it is an all-encompassing fog," Hall said. "But I chose to push through because I wanted to be a testament to anyone facing similar battles. I wanted to show people that while these life-altering challenges change you, they don't have to stop you. You learn to adapt, you find your footing, and you keep moving."

Hall alerted her doctoral team at VCU upon receiving her diagnosis, and she learned that asking for help is not a weakness. "My teammates displayed patience and understanding," she said.

The joy of graduation is even more meaningful with the news that, since this past December, she shows no traces of cancer.

Hall's journey "is defined by extraordinary fortitude," said Beth Bukoski, Ph.D., director of the Ed.D. In leadership program. "She successfully reached remission while maintaining her academic progress."

Hall, who grew up in New Jersey, has always been interested in education - she cites her mother, who worked as a special education teacher, and "amazing" teachers who have guided her.

Her academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from University of Delaware and a master's degree in Holocaust and genocide studies from Kean University in New Jersey, where she also worked and taught.

While working at VSU, Hall created two curriculums tied to her studies at Kean - an undergraduate Introduction to Holocaust and Genocide Studies course, and another that explores the intricate connections among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Holocaust and the Jewish community.

Hall could have pursued her doctorate at VSU, but in choosing VCU, "I wanted to step out of my role as vice president and lean into the student role," she said.

In completing her Ed.D., Hall was part of the capstone team working with the VCU Department of History, part of the College of Humanities and Sciences, to explore stakeholder perceptions of degree relevance. As the department focused on declining enrollment, the research team explored how history teaches students communication skills, including how to debate and how to research - which are talents that employers are seeking.

"History is durable. You learn durable skills," said Hall, noting that the capstone team presented its findings to the faculty in an interactive session. "We wanted to state that, so students see relevance if history is not their major or minor."

Hall is now working as associate vice president for development at InsideTrack, a mission-driven nonprofit, and she aspires to be a college president. She said she is grateful for VCU providing, and supporting, her doctoral path.

"I love VCU. There were challenges, but the department as a whole was fantastic. We did our best to solve all the challenges. The education opportunity and the support have been fantastic," Hall said.

Bukoski is proud of Hall's accomplishments and how VCU played its role. She said Hall's graduation is "not just an academic milestone but also a celebration of resilience and the world-class support of the capstone team and the VCU community."