By: Nathan Anderson
For Rashad Hayes, a PhD student in the Community Health Promotion program, the journey to higher education has never followed a straight line. But through every unexpected turn, from the loss of a lifelong dream in sports to a cancer diagnosis and the emotional demands of social work, Hayes has discovered purpose in perseverance.
Originally from Enterprise, AL, Hayes first arrived at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2013 after transferring from a Division II school in South Carolina with hopes of continuing his football career on a larger stage. At the time, the plan seemed clear: work hard, walk onto the football team and earn his place. However, Hayes had to take a step back from sports due to financial complications.
After attending school on a full athletic scholarship, Hayes suddenly found himself balancing two jobs, working at Barnes & Noble and Party City, while putting himself through college. He stayed focused on his goal of earning a spot on the team, but when UAB’s football program was temporarily paused in 2014 before returning in 2017, Hayes was forced to rethink his path. Rather than letting the setback define him, he adapted and embraced new opportunities that broadened his perspective beyond the field and shaped the next chapter of his journey.
“It was the first time in my life that I realized that I would never put on a football helmet again,” Hayes said. “However, it was also the moment that I discovered that I had so much more to give and offer, so I took advantage of my opportunity to embrace this new journey.”
That journey would eventually lead Hayes to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UAB. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Community Health and Human Services in 2017, followed by a master’s degree in Social Work in 2019.
During his senior year as an undergraduate student, Hayes faced another life-changing challenge when he was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, an incurable form of cancer. Despite the diagnosis, he remained determined to complete his degree.
“My experiences as a cancer patient influenced my desire to become a social worker and help those navigate their tough times,” Hayes said. “I became an expert through personal experience, and now I’m determined to add to the practical experience as well.”
For the past eight years, Hayes has worked in social work, supporting others through some of life’s most difficult moments. But witnessing the emotional toll of the profession, combined with his own experiences navigating the healthcare system as a patient, inspired him to continue his education at the doctoral level.
“I decided to take a risk and pursue my doctoral journey to become an expert on burnout and resilience,” he said.
Now, Hayes says his doctoral experience has allowed him to connect his personal hardships to a greater purpose.
“Honestly, this journey has been one of a kind,” he said. “It allows me the opportunity to put purpose behind my pain.”
Throughout his academic career, Hayes credits UAB with helping him grow both personally and professionally.
“UAB has challenged me to not only think outside of the box, but to never limit myself to who I can become,” he said.
One of the most defining moments of his graduate journey came when he passed his comprehensive exams on the first attempt — a milestone that brought both relief and renewed confidence.
“In my program, you only get two opportunities to take your comprehensive exams, so I was beyond nervous,” Hayes said. “Passing comps made me realize that despite how hectic my life may be at times, prioritizing your time to prepare is the greatest life hack.”
As he prepares for dissertation research and works toward an anticipated graduation in 2028, Hayes remains open to wherever the future may lead.
“When we set plans, they tend not to work out as we expect them to,” he said. “Once I earn the title of PhD, I’ll be looking forward to embracing the journey of what’s to come.”
For current and future graduate students, Hayes offers simple but meaningful advice: “Enjoy the wave. Enjoy the process. Enjoy the transformation of becoming a better version of yourself. It’s worth it.
“Pressure is inevitable. Life is not about what you go through; it’s about your response. The greatest thing I learned is to be willing to embrace the journey to learn more about yourself.”