Hi! My name is Takoda! My career is in the Business Administration program which I hope I can either move up into management or start my own business. My hobbies include writing fiction and poetry. I get asked all the time where my name comes from and Takoda is actually a Native American name meaning, “a friend to everyone.” My parents are part Blackfoot and Cherokee, but the name comes from the Sioux tribe.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ���Ĵ�ý?

My motivation is to keep striving making myself a little bit better every day. With this degree I can branch out to more and better companies who can see the potential within me.

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

I chose the GPS program because I cannot afford to go physically, and I’ve seen my friends, family members, and co-workers struggle paying off student debt because they didn’t work full-time or goofed off and had to drop out having taken out more than one student loan. My motto is “work smarter not harder.” The GPS program is very flexible as well and they give you the tools and mentors needed for success.

The GPS program is very flexible as well and they give you the tools and mentors needed for success.

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý��University assisted you in your career?

As someone who is on their way to getting a Bachelor’s degree, it has opened a few doors that I couldn’t open a year ago such as a back-up manager position.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

I would tell anyone to keep a planner with you at all times so you can keep up with assignments and when they are due. Also, start on essays at least two weeks before it is due.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

My current job keeps me motivated that I will find a better one because I am currently tied down with a contract to keep reimbursements. Another motivation is my grandmother who passed before I received my Associates degree. I want to not only be successful is business, but also be a successful author. It lets me know there is always something better.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

My anticipated date of graduation is hopefully the end of fall semester of 2019.

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My name is Lyndsay Thorne and I was born and raised in Danville. I have been happily married to my husband, Robert, for 13 years. We have a 9 year old son, Wesley. I currently manage the pediatric department of PATHS in Danville. We enjoy spending our time in Florida on the gulf coast and I really enjoy watching my son play baseball and golf.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ���Ĵ�ý?

My motivation was my son. I started college in 1998 immediately after I graduated high school and I never finished due to my father’s terminal illness. I want to show my son that hard work pays off and that college is very important in today’s society and you are never too old to finish!

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

I chose ���Ĵ�ý for my GPS program after hearing all the wonderful accommodations for working mothers like myself. I work a full-time job and being a mother is another full-time job. After hearing from Dr. Hodgson how easy this would be, I was convinced that I was destined to finish my degree with ���Ĵ�ý!

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý��University assisted you in your career?

I am hoping my degree from ���Ĵ�ý will help me be a better manager at my job. I have learned so much already about myself and how I conduct business. This degree will be an added bonus in my career.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

Don’t be afraid! I was terrified and learned quickly that there was nothing to be afraid of or intimidated by! Everyone is so helpful and kind. My transition has been effortless! I absolutely love the GPS program!

Everyone is so helpful and kind. My transition has been effortless! I absolutely love the GPS program!

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

My motivation is my son and husband. They are my biggest support system along with my other family members. All of my family and friends rallied around me when I announced my plans to finish college! I have an amazing support system in place and that is very helpful!

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

Anticipated Graduation: December 2019

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Hi! My name is Grady! I am 45 years old and have lived in Halifax County, VA my entire life. I am married with two beautiful daughters. My wife and children are my life. I like to spend quality time with them on camping trips and lazy afternoons on the lake in the summer. I have worked for ABB over twenty years. Currently I am a project Manager for ABB��Transformer Remanufacturing & Engineering Services (TRES). My personal hobbies are hunting, raising cattle, and gardening.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ���Ĵ�ý?

When I first decided to obtain my degree, it was for job security, I had lots of work experience but no formal education to back it up.

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

How I chose ���Ĵ�ý was by chance, a friend at work had registered for the online program and was telling me about it. The ability to take classes from home or just about anywhere seemed interesting and let me tell you I have, from camping, waiting at airports, to sitting in a parking a lot discussing a problem with my professor. I reached out to ���Ĵ�ý and the rest is history.��

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý��University assisted you in your career?

What this program has taught me is well beyond what was expected. I have a better understanding of the inner workings of business models and evaluating data to make more informed business decisions. Getting my degree from ���Ĵ�ý will allow me to move up the cooperate ladder.

I reached out to ���Ĵ�ý and the rest is history.��

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

My advice to current and incoming ���Ĵ�ý GPS program students is to have planning and preparation. Always be prepared and complete assignments on or before the completion date, you may never know when the internet may go down. Also, no matter how difficult it may seem, you can do it.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

My family helps to keeps me motivated, always reminding me that “You can do this. Each class gets you closer to the finish line.”

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

My anticipated graduation is August of 2019 and what a celebration it will be.

Learn about our BBA Program

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For one thing, many of our professors have hands-on experience in the fields they teach, so they know what it takes for you to be successful. For another thing, we work with big employers in our area and use their input to develop our course content. This helps you know what to expect and prepares you to tackle real-life day-to-day challenges. And, we’ve got tons of career development resources to help you land or move up in the job of your dreams.

A great example is Wendy, one of our nursing students. She came to ���Ĵ�ý to get a degree required for a certain position, never expecting it to make such an impact on her career immediately. “I thought I would churn out a bunch of papers and collect a grade without gaining any practical knowledge,” she said. “I’m astonished at what I’ve learned and how much it helps me in my day-to-day practice.”

“I’m astonished at what I’ve learned and how much it helps me in my day-to-day practice,” said Wendy Dahmer, RN-BSN student.

There are plenty of ���Ĵ�ý stories like Wendy’s. We make it a priority to mirror real-life situations in our classes, so you can literally use tonight’s lessons in tomorrow’s workday. “I had to do a class project on how to educate home health patients on conditions like congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” said Wendy. “I presented my idea to my manager at work and he loved it. We’re implementing it now to try to reduce re-hospitalizations.

“It’s so rewarding to use what I learned in school to make life better for real patients,” Wendy concluded. “My education at ���Ĵ�ý will no doubt have a great impact on my future career.”

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���Ĵ�ý has invested a lot in making sure our students have access to the support they need.

���Ĵ�ý has invested a lot in making sure our students have access to the support they need. We provide:

• personalized career advice,
• résumé reviews and
• webinars on career development and advancement.

We’re also part of the (CCECC), which works with employers and other partners to provide support, resources, counseling and networking to ���Ĵ�ý students and alumni.

“We do so many things throughout the year to help our students reach their goals,” says Angie McAdams, ���Ĵ�ý’s director of Career Development. “We host an annual Career Expo, conduct job fairs, facilitate mentoring partnerships, offer skills training and deliver workshops to prepare students for the future. We want to make sure they leave ���Ĵ�ý not just with a degree, but with a clear plan and resources to start a new career, move up in their current career or make more money for themselves and their families.”

Request Info

Angie McAdams serves as the Director of Career Development. To schedule an appointment, please visit��. For questions, please contact her directly at��amcadams@averett.edu��or 434-791-5629.

The post After You Graduate, What’s Next? appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

Hello, my name is Joel Moore. I am thirty-one years old and I am a Systems Engineer for one of largest beer companies in the world, Molson-Coors. I live in the Harrisonburg, VA area with my wonderful wife. We love to travel and enjoy hanging out with friends. I also enjoy playing guitar, yoga, golf, and skateboarding.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ���Ĵ�ý? ������

My major motivation for obtaining my degree at ���Ĵ�ý is for my career. With a good career I can do all the things I enjoy doing. Also, the staff is really amazing and helpful too.

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

Due to my lifestyle and schedule, the IDEAL program worked best for me. I am currently working on a B.S. in Computer Information Systems with ���Ĵ�ý. I chose this program because it suits me and my career.

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý assisted you in your career?

I was able to get promoted��to a Systems Engineer with my company by starting towards a B.S. in Computer Information Systems with ���Ĵ�ý. The staff here at ���Ĵ�ý sent my company a letter informing them that I will be working towards my degree and my company promoted��me for it. So my career was being assisted before I even have the degree.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

Take as many classes as you can manage. Do not overload yourself. Get a good schedule going and do not fall behind on your class work. Discipline is key.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

The thought of having a degree that will allow me to move into even more exciting roles one day really keeps me motivated. Also, the idea of making more money so that I can do the things I want to.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

At the rate that I am going I should graduate by 2021.

Learn more about our IDEAL program

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The post Meet Joel Moore, BS in Computer Information Systems Student appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

Hi My Name is Sherlon Ligon-Ayala. I currently work for the Federal Government at the US Department of Housing and Development for over 30 years! I have been married going on 12 years and have two children. My son attends Valdosta State University and my daughter is in middle school.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ���Ĵ�ý? ������

My motivation for obtaining my degree at ���Ĵ�ý was my family. I wanted to show my children that it can be done. After losing my parents when I was in High School my motivation to attend college was not there, I went to college but did not apply myself. As I got older and began to heal I wanted to go back to school to get my degree to be able to apply for advancement positions at my job.

Then when I had my children, I felt like I can’t say what they needed to do if I did not follow in my own footsteps, so here I am creating footprints in the sand.�� My husband and children are very proud of me and keep me focused on my end goal and that is graduation!

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

I chose ���Ĵ�ý because it was a great school that offered working people an opportunity to attend school according to their schedule.

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý assisted you in your career?

���Ĵ�ý Professional Studies Program offered me a degree in Business Administration and are providing me skills in these courses that I can use at work and my home life.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

I would encourage students to choose a major that you are truly passionate about, you have to love what you are learning, know what your goals are, remain focused, and keep your eye on the prize.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

My family keeps me motivated and I actually love the courses that I am taking.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

I look forward to seeing my family and friends as I am walking across that stage with pride in May 2019!

Read 6 Reasons Why Now is the Perfect Time to Earn Your BBA Degree

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The post Meet Sherlon Ligon-Ayala, Bachelor of Business Administration Student appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

A degree in criminal justice doesn’t limit you to being a police officer or a detective, although at a median salary of almost $63,000 a year, those are not bad gigs.^1��The ���Ĵ�ý Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree prepares you for a wide range of career options, including juvenile justice, corrections, research, private security administration, social services, counseling, nonprofit administration and public administration.

Our accelerated program is 100% online and academy credits and military background may count toward degree completion credits. That means you could be out of school and making a difference in the community in practically no time.

If you’re already in criminal justice and ready to move into leadership, ���Ĵ�ý’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership may be the next logical step. It’s an intense program, but you could be done and on your way up the ladder in less than 20 months. To give you an idea of your potential earning power, the median pay for first-line supervisors of police officers and detectives is $87,910, with top jobs paying more than $140,000.²

Criminal justice careers are interesting, demanding, always changing and, as long as there are bad guys in the world, secure. Find out more about a criminal justice degree from ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate and Professional Studies programs for working adults. It just might be the calling for you.

[1]Occupational Outlook Handbook, Police and Detectives, , April 13, 2018.

[2]Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2017, 33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, , March 30, 2018.

The post Want Options? Get a Criminal Justice Degree. appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

My name is Debra Arrington. I am so fortunate to be employed at my local Electric Coop for almost 17 years.�� I am a Member Service Representative and I love my job. I enjoy camping and spending time with my family and friends and doing different things to my house and yard.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ���Ĵ�ý? ������

My motivation is to hopefully advance in my job so I can provide more for my family.

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

After careful research, I found students from my area who have and are attending ���Ĵ�ý and Adults that went through the GPS program and some who received their master’s degree through ���Ĵ�ý. After careful thought and prayer, I decided that ���Ĵ�ý was the school for me because it feels like more of a family University.

I am so glad I made this decision, I have had the best experience so far. I love ���Ĵ�ý.

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý assisted you in your career?

I am hoping that when I complete my degree I will have more chances of advancement in my current job.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

My advice for anyone in the GPS program or coming into the program is, stay focused and know that you can do this program and you will love it. If you have any questions or concerns the professors are there to help you with everything. Your advisors are there as well. Don’t feel overwhelmed, you will get through it and the outcome is well worth it.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

What keeps me motivated? When I get tired and feel like I can’t study one more minute all I do is sit back and think of hearing my name being called as I am walking across the stage and handed my degree, looking out in the crowd and seeing how proud I have made my family. My goal is to graduate with honors if at all possible.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

December 2019 is my anticipated graduation date and I am planning to continue on for my Masters at ���Ĵ�ý.

Read 6 Reasons Why Now is the Perfect Time to Earn Your BBA Degree

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The post Meet Debra Arrington, Bachelor of Business Administration Student appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

My name is Maricelis Cintron. I am a single mother of a 7-year-old daughter that keeps me very busy. I currently work as a Compliance Analyst for a big Medical Organization and have been in the same field for over 10 years. When I am not at work or doing homework, I enjoy watching movies, going to local eateries, and traveling.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at ���Ĵ�ý?

My motivation for obtaining my degree at ���Ĵ�ý has been my daughter, family, and the support of the ���Ĵ�ý staff.

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

I chose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program because of the flexibility. As a working adult, we face a lot of challenges but this program has made it so I can juggle everything and still get my school work done.

As a working adult, we face a lot of challenges but this program has made it so I can juggle everything and still get my school work done.

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý assisted you in your career?

My degree has helped me obtain a better paying job within my field and I am hopeful that obtaining my Masters can help me to get further in my career.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

The advice I would share for new or current students is to ask for help. The professors, admissions counselors and student advisors are there to help you get where you need to be. I often reached out to the admission advisor and she helped me tremendously. I would also add to manage your time wisely. It is hard work but well worth it at the end.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?��

My daughter keeps me motivated to stay on track. I initially went just to get my bachelors but at the last minute decided to obtain my masters. Throughout my college years, I have come to realize that I am able to do anything I set my mind to.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

My anticipated date of graduation will be in December 2018!

Read��3 Ways an MBA Online Can Help You Advance Professionally

Read��3 Ways an Accredited Online MBA Can Help You Advance Personally

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