David V. Tolliver, III, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. David Tolliver’s passion for serving and uplifting society stems from his experiences in his northeast Louisiana community in the historic Mississippi Delta. His interest in public policy and higher education ignited during his time as a K-12 teacher in Title 1 and alternative schools. These roles shaped his educational philosophy and inspired him to seek solutions to policy issues at institutional, state and federal levels. He found invaluable support from scholars with similar interests and expertise, which was crucial to his growth.

Tolliver earned his doctorate in public policy as a Southern Regional Education Board State Doctoral Scholar from the University of Arkansas, specializing in higher education policy. Prior to joining A&M-Commerce as an assistant professor, he held various positions at the University of Arkansas and within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. His professional background also includes roles in K-12 education, military and public service, and brand strategy.

A Conversation with Dr. Tolliver

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

Graduate programs in the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies prepare students to study theories in higher education and related disciplines and apply those theories to their professional practice, research or evaluative objectives. 

What has been your favorite course to teach?

I have equally enjoyed teaching the courses in our graduate programs, as each course focuses on information critical to the success of higher education professionals.

Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.

Currently, I am conducting research studies that identify enabling factors that encourage students to enroll in post-secondary education, as well as studies that explore and measure the influence of enabling factors (e.g., social and cultural capital variables) on students' identity formation, college enrollment decisions and success in post-secondary education.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Public Policy and Higher Education Policy Specialization, University of Arkansas, 2020
• M.Ed, Educational Leadership, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 2012
• Alternative Teaching Certification, Grambling State University, 2012
• B.B.A.,Marketing, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 2006
• Tech. Certification, Information Management, Community College of the Air Force, 2000

Research Interests

• Access to post-secondary education and student success
• Social structures of community
• Internalization and identity formation (development)
• Tolerance for disagreement
• Student engagement and activism

Professional Organizations

• American Association for Adult and Continuing Education
• Southwest Educational Research Association
• Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate
• Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education

Selected Publications

• Tolliver, D.V., III, Miller, M.T., & Nadler, D.P. (2022). Presidential perceptions concerning human capital in college student enrollment and persistence. Journal of Research on the College President, 6, 61-71.
• Tolliver, D. V., III, Miller, M. T., & Gearhart, G. D. (2021). The postsecondary enrollment of African American men: Perceptions of environmental variables. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 11(2), 1-13.
• Miller, M.T., Tolliver, D. V., III, & Gearhart, G. D. (2020). Correlation between tolerance for disagreement and postsecondary enrollment among African American Men. Human Resource Research, 4(1), 314-322.