Anan M. Abu Hummour dreamed as a little girl of coming to America to get a degree. On August 10, 2012 she arrived in Jackson, Mississippi to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at Jackson State University. This program was chosen “because I saw a real potential in this degree to prepare me with the knowledge, skills, and experience that I needed to achieve my goals.” As one objective came true, another one was placed on hold when she left husband, Mohammad and a new born son, Owen in Jordan. It was “incredible painful” for her to resume studying in another country away from her family. The desire to make life better for those she loves drove Anan to pursue her aspirations of studying abroad. A year later Mohammad joined her at JSU majoring in the Master of Public Policy and Administration program. The two of them faced financial, social, and personal challenges; however they refused to allow trials to kill their ambitions. They weathered the storms of life through people who inspired them to keep moving forward. A “wonderful student/professor relationship” between them and the Dr. Johnny Gilleylen developed. He served as Anan’s dissertation chair.
Two years ago, Mohammad and Anan gave birth to their second child, Eden. Eden became the youngest student in the department. She attended many classes and departmental events. On December 9, 2016 Eden witnessed her daddy receiving his MPPA degree and her mother being hooded for her Ph.D. degree during the Fall Commencement Exercise. Through all the difficult times Anan faced, she maintained academic excellence. She received numerous awards including being inducted into three academic honor societies: Chi Alpha Epsilon, Alpha Chi, and Pi Alpha Alpha.
Mahammad, Anan, and Eden are excited to be going home to Jordan where Owen awaits their arrival.
