“I love the pacing of the program. As a teacher, wife, mother and volunteer in numerous organizations my time is definitely valuable. We have one class at a time which makes it easier to focus and not be so overwhelmed.” – Courtnee Austin

Courtnee has been teaching for 20 years in a school division where she grew up and was well educated, and will soon be moving to a new position as a Title 1 Math Specialist in the upcoming school year. When not teaching and attending school, she likes to collect Barbie dolls in her spare time and currently has over 300 in their boxes.

She chose to attend ���Ĵ�ý Online due to classes being in an online setting, making them ideal for working professionals like Courtnee. “The online platform was a definite draw to the school. Also, having one, eight-week class at a time. I knew that I wouldn’t be as overwhelmed with all of the other obligations that I have.”

With a positive and encouraging mindset, we are sure that Courtnee is meant for great things and are proud to have her as a part of the ���Ĵ�ý family.

Click here to learn about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs!��

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“My favorite thing about ���Ĵ�ý has been the people I have met along the way including the faculty and staff. The professors and advisors truly care to see you succeed.” – Jessica Tate, MBA

Jessica has been an emergency nurse at Sovah Health in Martinsville, VA for over 12 years, where she is currently the clinical manager of emergency services. She met her husband, Aaron, of 23 years while serving in the United States Navy. The couple has two daughters, Lindsey and McKenzie. Jessica loves to travel with her family and takes advantage of doing so anytime they can, trying to travel to a new place each year. While not traveling, working or busy with schoolwork she likes to watch reality TV and read to de-stress.

She chose to attend ���Ĵ�ý Online to receive her MBA due to a friend recently graduating and highly recommending the program to her. Her favorite thing about the program was being given the opportunity to choose the amount and type of classes that she wanted to take each term.

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s MBA program!��

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“My favorite thing about the program is the level of open communication, the flexibility of classes and the help I received from the very 1st day I called and talked to the recruiter.” – Shiris Wyatt, BBA

Shiris is currently employed at Dominion Energy in Richmond, VA as a business process analyst and has been working with the company for over 13 years. She enjoys traveling and one of her goals is to fly somewhere every 60-90 days. However, the past two years have been challenging in the world of flight and vacation. Her travel bucket list consists of visiting Hawaii, Paris, Africa, Fiji and Dubai between 2023 and 2025. Shiris also likes to spend her free time with her fiancé and friends, as well as tailgating NFL/college football games.

She decided to attend ���Ĵ�ý Online due to a co-worker, Monica Davies, who attended and recommended the program to her. Monica spoke very highly of the school and said that Shiris would love the programs.

Before attending ���Ĵ�ý Online, she explained that she never really liked school as a child and when she enrolled at ���Ĵ�ý she vowed to do her very best. The outcome of that vow landed her a well-deserved spot on the Dean’s list for the 2021 spring semester. Her favorite thing about the program is the attentiveness of the advisors.

“…I’ve had the best advisors and student success coach. Mrs. Erma was fantastic before retiring, and since that time, Liz Cervantes has been a God-sent blessing.”

On the topic of those interested in attainting their degree, Shiris stated that she, “…would support their decision by encouraging them to enroll in the Business Administration program at ���Ĵ�ý Online. I have enjoyed the majority of my classes and learned a lot!”

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s business programs!

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“The professors are genuine and care about the students. The course work assignments and materials provided are enriching and intriguing.They align to real world situations that can be relatable to current working environment settings.” -Keith Burdette, M.Ed., 2021

Keith chose to obtain his degree at ���Ĵ�ý because of the flexibility the programs provided him with his busy work schedule. He was inspired by the ���Ĵ�ý faculty and staff and their commitment to providing students with the best educational experience possible.

As part of the M.Ed. – Administration and Supervision program, Keith valued the flexibility offered in his coursework. He enjoyed the asynchronous classes within the program and how they provided him with the ability to work on his own schedule and complete his work at his own pace.

Outside of the classroom setting, Keith enjoys watching documentaries to learn new things. Also, Keith is a music guru and often partakes in listening to a variety of music genres.

When we asked Keith to provide advice for those thinking about pursing their educational journey, Keith said the following; “If you have a career in mind and what to achieve better for yourself, then pursue your degree. Don’t let fears or doubts discourage you from furthering your education.”

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs!

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So far, my favorite thing about ���Ĵ�ý is how all of my professors have been available to answer questions and to explain any material that I have confusion over. – Debbie Spear, M.Ed. – Curriculum and Instruction

Due to a partnership between ���Ĵ�ý Online and Petersburg City Public Schools, Debbie Spear decided to pursue her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. ���Ĵ�ý Online welcomed her and a cohort of other teachers from Petersburg City Public Schools to support K-12 teachers. Debbie has a passion for math, so she was excited for the opportunity to go back to school and learn new skills.

���Ĵ�ý Online is dedicated to student success and makes it easy for students to transition back into their studies. Debbie is especially appreciative of the dedication provided by her instructors and how they are there to help her every step of the way. If she is ever confused about course material, they are quick to respond and guide her in understanding.

When asked to provide advice to those debating going back to school, Debbie said, “Do it! Don’t let age or anything else keep you from bettering yourself. Just make sure to get a planner to keep yourself organized and on task.”

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs!

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“I loved my time at ���Ĵ�ý! I enjoyed being able to complete my courses online while still feeling like part of the AU family. ���Ĵ�ý made continuing my education fit into my busy schedule.” – Jessica Lule, M.Ed., ’21

Jessica is a wife and mother of two daughters while also being an elementary educator for Pittsylvania County Schools. Her driving force to complete her education was her family, and wants to show her daughters that they can accomplish their goals despite life’s “curveballs.”

After graduating from Liberty University in 2017, she chose to enroll in ���Ĵ�ý’s Master of Education program in 2019. She decided to attend ���Ĵ�ý due to the family atmosphere and resources available for online students, including on-campus support if needed.

Her advice for those wanting to further their education at ���Ĵ�ý Online is to “Go for it!” You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.” While she just graduated in May, Jessica is already applying what she learned in curriculum and instruction to her own classroom. We love having you be a part of the Cougar family Jessica!

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s M.Ed. programs.��

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“One of my favorite things about ���Ĵ�ý was the family-like atmosphere. I also appreciated the flexible class scheduling and the willingness that everyone provided to ensure your educational successes.”

– Darryl��DuBose, MBA, ‘20

Darryl chose to pursue his degree at ���Ĵ�ý to improve his self-knowledge and marketability. He graduated from ���Ĵ�ý with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is 2018,��then��received his��master’s��in��business��administration with a��concentration in��human��resource��management��in 2020. Darryl’s time at ���Ĵ�ý equipped him with “…enhanced study and learning habits,” and those habits were used to prepare for higher opportunities.��

Darryl enjoys being a father and grandfather. He is also 20-year veteran of Lynchburg Fire Department where he currently works as a��master��firefighter/paramedic. Before he joined the fire department, he worked as a department director, facilities manager,��team��supervisor and as a high school educator.��

“If anyone��was on the fence about going back to school, the advice that I would suggest is to be fully dedicated, to be certain you have a solid support system, and to also have a firm handle on your time management skills. These items are key in your success at furthering your education, but without either of them failure could slow or hinder your success in achieving your goals,”��Darryl said.����

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý Online’s MBA program!

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“The ���Ĵ�ý family embraces the importance of community and involvement which made for a meaningful and memorable experience.” –Tiffany Crews, MBA ‘21

Tiffany Crews, a native of Danville, VA, chose to further her degree at ���Ĵ�ý Online because of its reputation for being a welcoming and supportive community for our students.

Tiffany currently works as an area manager at Goodyear in Danville, and is responsible for ensuring smooth production of the radial and bias aero departments of the plant. Previously working in law enforcement, Tiffany said earning her degree from ���Ĵ�ý Online allowed her to easily transition into the field of business. She earned her Masters of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management while working full-time and earned a 4.0 GPA her studies.

“Throughout my time at ���Ĵ�ý, I was able to create connections that guided me in the right direction for my career.” Tiffany credits these connections she has made throughout her time at ���Ĵ�ý to her success after graduation.

She also attributed ���Ĵ�ý Online to being a “community-oriented” school where her opinions were valued, and she recommends it to anyone wishing to further their education.

Click here to learn more about our MBA programs!

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“My degree helped me succeed and increase my skills in human services, criminal law and management. Every course meant something to me and led me to successfully complete my Bachelor of Science degree.”

-Wade Viar, BSCJ, ‘21

As a father, husband and full-time employee, Wade was eager to find a program with flexible options to make balancing his responsibilities more convenient. He chose ���Ĵ�ý Online based on their ability to offer programs that allow you to study anytime and anywhere.

Wade started his journey at ���Ĵ�ý in 2018 and graduated in Spring 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice. He is currently a program manager for enCircle in Lynchburg, VA, where he manages the operations for group homes and provides support to those with mental and physical disabilities. Wade’s degree has helped him expand his knowledge in many areas, including human services and management and he hopes to develop more skills in the future through his employment with the company.

There are many things Wade loves about ���Ĵ�ý Online, but his favorite are the online accessibility, the effective communication from ���Ĵ�ý team members and the one-on-one support from professors.��Wade found that ���Ĵ�ý offered courses that were consistent with “everyday life” and he could relate to in terms of material and interactions. Overall, Wade’s time at ���Ĵ�ý was more than just an education, it led to a brighter future filled with beneficial life skills that led to success in his career.

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý’s Criminal Justice and Sociology programs!

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“I was able to receive my degree due to the flexible format and amazing faculty and staff at ���Ĵ�ý.”

–Barry Booth, MBA ‘21

Barry Booth is a retired police officer of 30 years and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. In ���Ĵ�ý’s recent 2021 graduation, Booth received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. He is now planning to use his MBA to begin a new career in Columbia, SC.

When we asked why he chose this program, Barry told us it was to establish a building block for his career. Earning his MBA provided him with valuable lessons, experiences and information that he will need in his supervisory career.

As Barry completed his coursework, he was able to work a full-time job and take care of his family through the flexibility of ���Ĵ�ý Online.

When asked to provide advice to those considering starting or returning to school, Booth said “there is no time like the present to get started.” He also mentioned he believes it is important for students to look for a program that offers flexibility in their coursework, such as ���Ĵ�ý. This will allow you to easily and successfully manage family, school work and your career at the same time.

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý’s MBA program.��

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