Kerri Matheny yearned to finish up earning a college degree, but was saddled with everyday work and family obligations.
Through East Central University and Oklahoma’s Adult Degree Completion Program called “Reach Higher,” Matheny was able to complete her degree in a year and a half.
“It worked out really well,” Matheny said. “Much of it was online, since I was working fulltime. Everything was just brought together.”
With the help of Dr. Shirley Mixon, professor of business and director of ECU’s Reach Higher Program, Matheny began the pursuit of completing her degree in 2010 as a part-time student and finished it up approximately 30 hours later in 2011.
“Dr. Mixon worked really well with me and I was able to put everything together,” said Matheny, who obtained her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.
Matheny is currently working at ECU as an academic counselor and is pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.
“It has all worked out to my favor. I’ve been blessed,” said Matheny. “I never thought that I would be doing what I’m doing now as an academic counselor, to help keep students in school and to help make their stay here at ECU easier. As a working adult, who can’t go to class, this enables you to finish up a degree on your own time.”
The start of a new year can mean a fresh start with an exciting and viable option through Reach Higher.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to get a fresh start or second chance toward obtaining your bachelor’s degree in a flexible format that’s very convenient,” said Mixon.
Completion of the program leads to a bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership. Courses are offered primarily online and in an eight-week format. The curriculum consists of skills and theory regarding organizational behavior, ethics, interpersonal skills, management, finance and communication.
To qualify, you must be 21 years old, have completed a minimum of 72 hours of college work, have a minimum 2.0 graduation/retention grade-point average in past college course work, satisfy all institutional requirements for completion of remedial work and complete an individual degree plan.
For more information on the Reach Higher Oklahoma Degree Completion Program contact Mixon at 580-559-5279 or smixon@ecok.edu .
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