Dr. Toshua Cornwell-Clark never set out to earn a doctorate. Her original goal was to become a cosmetologist.

But when a teaching opportunity at San Diego City College required a degree, one step led to another: an associate degree, a discovery of sociology, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and eventually an Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation and Leadership from National University.

In this episode of the Engaged By Design podcast, Vernon Smith talks with Dr. Tosh about that journey—and about what colleges and universities can learn from students whose education has to fit alongside careers, businesses, families, and the rest of life.

They discuss the importance of faculty mentorship, designing education around the whole student, connecting sociology with cosmetology and beauty standards, and Dr. Tosh’s research on texturism and Eurocentric beauty standards. She also shares the story behind her book Eternal Black Eye, her work as a children’s author, and the remarkable experience of earning a doctorate alongside her sister.

At the center of the conversation is a simple principle for educators: students may not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

In This Episode

• Dr. Tosh’s journey from beauty school to college professor and doctoral graduate
• How one sociology course changed the direction of her education
• Balancing education with business, teaching, and family responsibilities
• Why flexible programs matter for working adult learners
• The importance of responsive faculty mentorship
• Her 2026 Distinguished Golden Apple recognition from San Diego City College
• The story behind Eternal Black Eye
• The connection between sociology, cosmetology, beauty, and identity
• Her research on texturism and Eurocentric beauty standards
• What higher education leaders should understand about the whole student
• Two sisters earning their doctorates together
• Why caring for students has to become visible through action
• Hearing learners rather than merely listening to them

About Dr. Toshua Cornwell-Clark

Dr. Toshua Cornwell-Clark, Ed.D., is an adjunct professor, sociologist, public speaker, published author, and licensed beauty professional. Her scholarship brings sociology and cosmetology together to explore identity, internalized racism, texturism, and Eurocentric beauty standards.

She teaches at San Diego City College and is the recipient of the college’s 2026 Distinguished Golden Apple Award, an honor selected by students.

Her published works include Eternal Black Eye, The Adventures of Camp Pallo, The King and the Corn, Christmas, Kwanzaa, & the Snow Globe, and Jot & Journal: Affirmations.

https://toshuacornwellclark.com/books

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