Current occupation:
Talent Management Partner for Cleveland Metropolitan School District
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I decided to pursue my degree because I wanted to learn and understand Human Resources on a deeper level. It is important to have a clear concept of strategic approaches, goals and objectives so that I can be productive in this field.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I chose Tiffin University’s online program because it provided me with the flexibility needed to be successful.
Describe your experience with the program, your cohort and faculty?
My experience with the online program was better than I expected. At the beginning, I was anxious due to the unknown. I was not sure if I would be able to keep up with an online person. I only know or have known in-person classes. Obviously, since the COVID-19 pandemic, that approach has changed. This online program allowed me to be proactive, planning how much time I would devote to class assignments. The greatest goal for me was staying a week ahead every quarter. This helped me to not get overwhelmed and to ensure my work was clear and concise, and not rushed. Technology is technology. When it works, it’s good. It’s the IT support that is provided when a technology situation arises that makes the experience better.
My academic advisor, Kim Martin, ALWAYS responded within 24 hours. Her engagement with me was the reason why I did not take the summer of 2024 off and carried on. Because of her, I graduated in May 3, 2025, which is also my birthday. Thank you, Kim!
How did you juggle work, life, and going back to school? Any tips?
Staying ahead of schedule is what worked for me. Being organized and taking time to read the syllabus thoroughly to have an understanding of what is being asked is a great help. As far as my full-time job, having a supportive manager who wants you to be your best self is a huge relief. My manager was extremely supportive, which benefited my success and well-being.
What kept you motivated to stay in the program?
When I saw that my expected graduation date was my birth date, I knew it was God’s way of saying “you were born for this moment”, therefore, I pushed through and kept going.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Create a plan.
Write that plan down.
Be proactive.
Work that plan.
Silence the distraction.
Be purposeful.
TU’s motto is: Without risk there is no gain. Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and what you gained from it?
My whole life has been risks that I had to take in order to move to the next level. One in particular is graduating from Cleveland State University with an Early Childhood Education degree, but is being hired into Human Resources with no Human Resources experience. Taking those HR risks has led me to gain my MBA in Human Resource Management. As a high school teacher once said to me, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk at all.”