Hinsdale Mother Earns Doctorate from DePaul After Years Of Perseverance

HINSDALE, IL – Dr. Alexis Gunartt, a resident of Hinsdale, recently earned her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from DePaul University, achieving a goal that required years of dedication, sacrifice, and determination.

For Gunartt, earning a doctorate was never just about obtaining another shiny degree. It represented a promise to herself and an example for her two young sons that persistence and hard work can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

After completing her Master's Degree from DePaul in nonprofit management, a subject Gunartt is passionate about, finding work and affording childcare was a high obstacle to face. Gunartt substitute taught at a local independent school and fell in love with education.

"I felt like education was a way to impact the next generation. It felt impactful."

With a 1- and 3-year-old at home, Gunartt was able to come home at a reasonable time, and plenty of responsibilities were waiting. Gunartt then decided to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership while her children were in early childhood age. This allowed her to have a hybrid schedule with classes and stay home during the day to save money with her children.

Throughout her doctoral program, Gunartt balanced coursework, research, professional responsibilities, and the demands of raising two children. Like many working parents pursuing higher education, she often found herself studying late into the night after her children were asleep and completing assignments during the limited free time she could find. Being a single parent is immensely difficult, but "I want other parents who are going through similar challenges to know it’s possible, don't give up."

Gunartt lives by this motto: "You can be anything you want in life as long as you work hard for it."

There were many moments when the journey felt overwhelming, the finish line felt far away but she wanted her children to see that goals are worth pursuing, even when the path is difficult.

Her dissertation, The Unspoken Struggles and Unseen Strength: An Autoethnographic Exploration of Single Motherhood in Higher Education, focused on the experiences of single mothers pursuing higher education. The day-to-day realities single mothers face while attempting to complete higher education degrees. The topic was deeply personal, reflecting many of the obstacles and experiences she encountered throughout her own educational journey.

Gunartt's path to a doctorate was not without setbacks. The rigorous demands of doctoral study required extraordinary resilience. Yet she remained committed to completing her degree and contributing meaningful research to the field of education.

In June 2026, that commitment culminated in a milestone she once only dreamed about: walking across the stage to receive her doctorate and officially becoming Dr. Alexis Gunartt.

The achievement marks the culmination of years of higher education and professional growth. Gunartt hopes her story serves as an encouragement to other parents, especially mothers, who may feel that advanced education is beyond their reach.

Gunartt plans to continue her work in education and educational leadership while advocating for greater support and opportunities for nontraditional students and parents pursuing higher education.

Among her proudest accomplishments, however, is being able to show her boys firsthand the value of perseverance, education, and never giving up on a dream.

As she begins this next chapter as Dr. Alexis Gunartt, she reflects on the journey with gratitude for Dr. Kiel and Dr. Sylvester, dissertation chair and committee member, family, friends, mentors, professors, and supporters who helped make the achievement possible.

Dr. Alexis Gunartt is with her children on graduation day.