Kyle Sponseller, PhD in Global Leadership and Change
Current occupation: Inspection Specialist at the Public Accounting Oversight Board and Certified Public Accountant
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
My wife finished her Ph.D. in Biomedicine and is the chair of an Occupational Therapy program at a University outside of Philadelphia. She had always encouraged me to complete my Ph.D. but I was nervous and hesitant. She said if she could do it, I could do it but you never will if you don’t try!
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I had been looking to pursue my Ph.D. for several years however I never pursued it because most traditional Ph.D. programs would require me to pause my professional career. When I found the Ph.D. program at Tiffin University and reviewed the curriculum along with the flexibility afforded by the program, I knew immediately this was the program for me.
What has been your experience with the program so far?
I was very nervous about balancing my professional work and my schoolwork. The technology and flexibility afforded was tremendous. I was able to work full-time while completing my coursework in the evenings and during the weekends. It was a significant time commitment, but it was manageable. I am a proud father of two boys, and I was able to balance my career, my family commitments, and my course work. I found a routine where I would work during the day, spent the evening with my family and then once my boys went to bed, I would do my schoolwork.
How has your experience been with faculty?
The faculty are outstanding! They are very understanding of balancing school, work, and family. The faculty engage each student, foster learning environment, and encourage everyone that they can do it. They understand the changes many students face and work with you to find reasonable solutions.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
It is absolutely doable; the key is to start a routine and stick with it! I developed a routine where I would read course materials and develop my weekly course discussion and materials on Monday through Thursday evenings once my children and wife would go to bed. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday I would work on my weekly papers for each class while juggling football, basketball, swimming and many other activities my boys were involved in. Usually, the weekly papers are due on Sunday nights so I would have flexibility on the weekends to complete them. Everything is manageable, the key for me was developing a schedule and sticking with it!
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
My wife and family. I want to make them proud and show my boys that if you work hard, you can accomplish anything!
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Just do it, stop making excuses and you got this!! If you don’t ever try you will never succeed.
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?
Starting the program was a risk; a financial risk and a time risk. As a working professional and proud husband and father, I could find other things to do with my time. While there are not many things that are certain, I do know if I never start working on my Ph.D. goal, I surely will never successfully reach it!
Learn about our PhD in Global Leadership and Change