Terron Phillips

Terron Phillips serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at Purdue University, where he also coordinates the Holmes Scholars Faculty Research program. His academic focus spans higher education administration, student retention, and financial literacy initiatives.

His educational journey includes:

• Ph.D. in Educational Studies, Purdue University (2023)
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Inclusive Excellence
• M.A. in Higher Education Administration, Louisiana State University (2018)
• B.A. in History, Holy Cross College (2014)

Dr. Phillips' research investigates institutional frameworks for student success, challenging individualistic retention models by emphasizing organizational adaptation. His work in higher education finance examines power dynamics in change leadership and develops culturally responsive financial literacy programs to address systemic gaps in student support services.

His publications reveal a trajectory toward systemic reform in higher education administration, with recurring themes of institutional responsibility, financial empowerment, and equitable leadership practices that reshape student retention and economic literacy paradigms.

Notable recognitions include:

• William & Patricia Fowler Award for doctoral research in education finance (2021)
• AACTE Holmes Scholar (2022-2023)
• Purdue University Graduate School Student Summer Research Grant (2021)

As Holmes Scholars Coordinator, Dr. Phillips mentors emerging education researchers while leading grant-funded projects through Future Matters, Inc.—the nonprofit he co-founded to advance educational equity. His current work continues to influence policy through applied research in student financial wellness and institutional change.