ALAMOSA — In a celebratory message noting a significant achievement, Diana Jones, superintendent of Alamosa School District, announced that Luis Murillo, ASD assistant superintendent, has been awarded his doctorate of education from the American College of Education.

Earning a doctorate is not an easy feat for anyone but that is especially true in Murillo’s case, who was working full-time in a demanding job for the entirety of the doctoral program.

As he describes it, getting his doctorate took “about three years and three months to finish, working most of the time on the weekends, while also working 50, 60 or, a few times, 70 hours or more during the week, especially during the pandemic.”

Murillo’s background includes a degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in instruction and curriculum. His dissertation was “A qualitative study looking at the experiences of Latino parents regarding parental involvement in rural schools in Colorado.”

Given what he does and where he does it, Murillo’s educational background is nothing short of invaluable.

“As assistant superintendent, I get to lead instruction and curriculum and I think I get to model what a lifelong learner can do. I think, as an English language learner myself, I can also model what English language learners can do. And I also think that getting my degree brings more prestige and credibility to our district since we now have Dr. Jones and Dr. Murillo going into the future,” he said.

Even with all the investment and hard work involved in the effort, Murillo believes the message getting his doctorate sends to students was worth it.

“Getting this degree says to students that determination, grit, and endurance will pay off,” he said. “I think that’s obvious. But the main message is that, if our students want to get a doctorate degree, the sky is the limit. And it is possible. I came from another country and spoke English as a second language. Now, through education, I’m getting the chance to practice as a Doctor of Education. It all comes down to grit and determination.”

When asked what significance the advanced degree holds for him, Murillo says, “Becoming a doctor is the third best thing in my life behind being a dad and getting married. There’s a sense of euphoria. This is something that no one can take away. Even when I die, I will still be a doctor.”