Inspired to Climb Higher: The Challenges, Questions, Struggles, and Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree invites readers to experience the personal stories of eight women with unique doctoral journeys who, while facing or overcoming the sometimes-mountainous challenges of everyday life, accepted the call to seek the highest level of academic achievement. Inspired to Climb Higher is a "know before you go" guide written to help prepare anyone thinking of obtaining a doctorate for the challenges their journey might present. It provides answers to questions students might have about pursuing a doctorate. The book contains chapters devoted to questions, answers, and advice for anyone considering earning a doctoral degree, as well as a chapter meant to help prepare future candidates for the rigors and requirements of writing a doctoral dissertation.

Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas, EdD, is a senior business & computer science teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a mentor and coach to new teachers. Dr. Middlebrook-Thomas earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.