My name is Paul Archie and I am a father of 4 wonderful children (2 boys and 2 girls). I am also blessed with a wonderful wife. I served for 27 years in the United States Marine Corps, both overseas and continental. My wife also served in the USMC for 20 years. I retired in 2015 and moved to Chicago, Illinois to become a Marine Corps JROTC Instructor and the Academy Sergeant Major. I love my job of aiding in the education and life skills of students that are in tough life situations. We make a huge difference and get many of our students to college and the military. My hobbies are God, my family, and my continuing education with ���Ĵ�ý.

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

My motivation for obtaining my degree is that I want to be an example for my 4 children at home as well as for my 890 cadets at my high school.�� Your education is forever!!

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

I am a 2004 graduate of ���Ĵ�ý!!! I loved my experience when I obtained my BBA, so I thought that there was no better situation for my family and me. I love ���Ĵ�ý!!!

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

Coming from decades in the military I felt like I had a lot to learn in the field of education. I have learned a tremendous amount, and have been able to give more knowledge to my cadets. I have learned so much that after obtaining my Masters of Education, I will pursue my Doctorate in Education in the fall of this year. I am excited!!!

I have learned a tremendous amount, and have been able to give more knowledge to my cadets.

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

Have fun, stay on schedule, ask questions, and do something with your education every day!! The professors are great and will work with all students if you put forth the effort. My fellow students are great and we all support each other!!! Do not quit or give up! And lastly have goals and milestones throughout the entirety of your GPS program. The time goes so quickly!!!!!! August of 2016 is when I started and now it is 2018 and I am almost complete!!

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

My family and friends know that I am in school and they have been understanding of my homework requirements in the evening when I return home from work. These education goals have always been in me and no matter what I will be successful!

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

I am 3 weeks away from my Masters of Education degree completion! May 4, 2018 will be a great day for my family and I!!!!!!

Learn about our M.Ed. Program

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We have four (4) daughters and have instilled in them through life that it does not matter how long it takes to complete a task, just complete it. After allowing my husband and my daughters to move forward and complete their respective degrees, I have finally taken the time to complete something I started some time ago (leading by example).

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

My husband is an ���Ĵ�ý Alum of the MBA program and I loved how the program worked for him, so it was an easy decision, when I decided to finally complete my degree, and ���Ĵ�ý was my first choice. The support from the school is great. My schedule is very busy with life, after-retirement work, my network marketing business and singing with a band, so I needed a program that fits into my schedule. The GPS program is just that. I do not have the luxury of having the time to go to a brick and mortar building for class. Being able to go online or on my smart phone, at my convenience, and submit my work is the best method for my lifestyle.

Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:

One tip is hard, so we’ll count this as one. Work ahead of schedule if at all possible and do not wait until the last minute for preparation of papers, etc. I print out my complete assignments for the upcoming week, in advance, keep a copy with me at all times, and check them off as completed. Any down time is used for research, which I save and then compile it all together. Also, save a backup of everything on a flash drive (technical problems will occur, but you will be prepared).

What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?

The fact that I can show my children and grandson how being persistent and consistent pays off in the end is priceless to me. Also, if at all possible, get it all done before the responsibilities of a family, etc. are added to the equation. I can show them better than I can tell them, any day. They have seen the struggles and the appreciation for hard work, and ultimately the joy of finishing what is started!!

The fact that I can show my children and grandson how being persistent and consistent pays off in the end is priceless to me.

What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?

���Ĵ�ý, Class of 2018.

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We asked J.J. why he chose ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program, and he writes, “I chose ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS program because of Trish Nicols. Trish was one of ���Ĵ�ý’s recruiters, and she had a booth set up at my workplace along with other recruiters from different schools. After telling Trish my desire to pursue a college education she explained how the GPS program worked and I knew right away ���Ĵ�ý was the school for me.”

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We asked Jennifer why she chose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program, and she writes, “The reason I selected ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS program over all others is for ease of access. I live in a rural area so even attending classes at the higher education center two nights a week seems overwhelming after finishing a full day at school only to have to meet for graduate classes and not get home until very late in the evening. With ���Ĵ�ý’s program, I have the flexibility to work on assignments on my time. I have been very pleased with the rigor and the platform.”

We asked Jennifer to share a few tips with fellow and future classmates…”The best tip I can give to fellow classmates about the GPS program is just to remember to utilize the discussion boards. I have learned so much from all of the others that are taking the classes with me. Their experiences have helped to broaden my knowledge and skill set.”

Lastly, we asked Jennifer what keeps her motivated while in the . She writes, “I have found that is because of the professionalism of the instructors, the in-depth conversations with my peers and the ease of access that keeps me motivated in the program.”

Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story, your insight, and your tips for your classmates. We are so grateful to have you as a student here at ���Ĵ�ý, and proud of what you have accomplished and will accomplish in this program and beyond! It is an honor to have you here with the. We look forward to celebrating your Graduation in 2017!

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We recently asked Onna what is motivating her to obtain her BBA degree. She writes, “My motivation for obtaining my degree is to further my career goals and to show my children that through hard work and dedication, you can obtain your dreams.”

We asked Onna why she chose , and she writes, “���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program is a great fit for my busy life. I am able to complete my classes online and around my work schedule.”

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