Crystal Smith had accepted that there would never be an ideal time to earn her MSN degree, but that was before there was a global pandemic. Smith endured the challenges wrought by COVID-19 to be named the University’s overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate in 2022.
Not only has Dr. Cheryl Metrejean returned to teach at her alma mater, she’s also accepted the role of graduate coordinator for the MS in Accounting program online. Now she is sharing her expertise and passion for tax law with students.
Julia Smith always demonstrated leadership potential but finding her niche in Health Services Administration online helped her unlock new confidence and ignite passion and drive for her studies and her future.
When Russell Walters began pursuing his MBA degree in 2015, he wanted a seat in the C-suite and wanted the business knowledge and credentials to get there.
If Madeline Cassedy’s teenage self could see her now, no doubt she would be excited to see she’s doing work she’s passionate about and making a positive impact in people’s lives.
As soon as he joined the workforce after college, James Winborne III knew he wanted to go back for his MBA. The flexibility of online courses through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette allowed him to invest in himself and his career while being present for his family.
Dr. Natalie Keefer serves as graduate coordinator for the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Specialist and Special Education programs. She says the opportunity to advise students allows her to advocate for individuals trying to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Insecurity kept Shira Taylor from pursuing her degree online until finally she said, “How will I know if I never try?”
Taylor earned her bachelor's degree through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's RN to BSN online program while working full-time as a critical care nurse at Shreveport's Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and part-time in a supervisory role at a nursing home. Taylor says efficient scheduling and good time management helped her pull it off.
“I got up at a certain time to study for any quizzes or exams, and I always tried to do my work ahead of time,” she says.
With so much going on in her life, the flexibility of an online program was the only logical choice for Taylor, a Shreveport native, who chose UL Lafayette for its reputation where she worked.
Chris Coffin had been out of school for two decades before he decided to seek an advanced degree.
Coffin’s career led him through several consulting jobs in Canada and the United Kingdom before he took on his current role as a global software sourcing manager for Citigroup in Toronto.
