At the age of 15, Dr. Alisha Malloy was teaching a computer class at her high school on the naval base where her family was stationed. She knew, even then, teaching was her calling. But, after graduating top of her class from the U.S. Naval Academy, she took a job in Norfolk, VA doing naval cryptology and war gaming for the U.S. Navy. The job helped her attain her Masters in Engineering from Old Dominion, which she completed while also raising her two children.

One day while at the hairdresser, Dr. Malloy read an article about The PhD Project and decided to apply for the program's annual conference. Her children were ages three and six at the time. She recalls, "When I attended the annual conference and walked into that auditorium I knew there was no turning back. I thought, 'This is what I was meant to be doing with my life.'" She finished her program in less than four years, children in tow, and defended her dissertation in July of 2002. She was crowned "Dr. Double" as she is the 588th doctorally-qualified minority business professor, up 100% from 294 since the program began in 1994.

Due to her extensive corporate background, she has a firm grasp on what type of personality works with what job description. "When students come to me seeking advice, I am equipped to guide them through their career decisions," she says. She has helped countless students find the job they are best suited for. Dr. Malloy teaches her students, "You must know the process before you can understand the language."

One of her dreams is to start a program to help bring technology to minorities through community service. She will be starting a flagship program in the communities around the University of Alabama in 2003.

If you are a PhD Project participant and would like to share your story, send e-mail.