Current occupation: Director, Aftermarket Planning & Strategy – Collins Aerospace
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I consider myself the definition of a “lifelong learner.” I never want to stop learning, both inside the classroom and out. Getting my Ph.D. has always been a bucket list item for me. I love to learn new things, interact with smart, passionate people, and think about new ways of doing things, and a doctoral program allows me to do exactly that.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
It’s funny – Tiffin wasn’t on the top of my list when I started to look for a Ph.D. program. I considered it my “backup” plan, until I began to talk with Dr. Rausch about the program more in-depth. I really appreciated his approach to learning at this level, and he even introduced me to a few current students to get a real feel for what the program is like. His philosophy, the personal touch in recruiting, and caring for me as a prospective student catapulted Tiffin University to the top of my list.
What has been your experience with the program so far?
I have had an excellent experience in the program so far. I was worried that with an online format I would not be able to engage with the content, professors, or fellow students, but that has not been the case. I’ve met some amazing people in the program, and the faculty and staff at Tiffin are always there if you need them.
How has your experience been with your cohort and faculty?
Even though I didn’t think it possible before I started, I have been able to build some bonds with my classmates and faculty over the Moodle platform and various Zoom calls and projects. I also took advantage of the opportunity to travel to Romania with several faculty members and a fellow student, which was another wonderful opportunity to connect and learn.
How are you juggling work, life, and going back to school? Any tips?
It’s not always easy to juggle everything, but my family, friends, and coworkers are very supportive of my goals. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made, but if you keep the longer-term balance in mind, I think it all works out. I also find the majority of our coursework really interesting, and applicable to what I do every day at work, which makes it easier for me to complete assignments.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
I want my kids to know that the world is their oyster – they can do anything that they put their mind to. Providing a healthy example of what that looks like is very important to me and keeps me motivated.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Make sure you are passionate about what you will be learning, and that you are going back to school for the right reasons. These two items will help you stick with it when it gets challenging.
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?
I am a firm believer that if you don’t have butterflies in your stomach with some frequency, you aren’t learning and growing. I crave that feeling – in my coursework, my career, my personal goals. THAT’S where the gain is!