Stacie Shine, PhD Global Leadership and Change
Current occupation: Regional Director-Prison Coordinator for Higher Education/Professor
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I chose to further my degree as an adult to develop my career and take life to the next level. The opportunity poses career options that coincide with the direction that the Ph.D. program offers. Adult education also gives me opportunities to increase my knowledge, develop new skills, and gain the qualifications and credentials necessary in which to advance my career. Adult education gives mature learners the chance to increase their knowledge, develop new skills and gain helpful qualifications and credentials to assist others in developing new skills and improve the career prospects available to them.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
After exploring other universities and colleges, I chose Tiffin University because of the Ph.D. program and the endless possibilities that the program offers. I was particularly interested in the ‘change’ aspect that the Ph.D. incorporated into the global leadership program. Change is prominent in today’s world and one must develop leadership skills in which to help drive this cultural change.
I was also intrigued by the residency opportunities that existed within the Ph.D. program. Tiffin University not only helped lessen the travel expense and time away from my family and job, but they brought the speakers to Tiffin University, which gave me a sense of pride in committing to represent Tiffin University as a Dragon.
What has been your experience with the program so far?
My experience with the Ph.D. program is beyond grateful. The instructors go above and beyond what is expected of them, oftentimes committing to endless hours in helping students succeed. Not only do I appreciate the instructors, but the administration within the program are also mindful of scheduling, developing personal relationships, and assisting students with any concerns that may arise. Moodle, the technological piece of the coursework delivery, is easy to access and easy to navigate. The technology helpdesk will provide immediate assistance should a technological issue arise.
I am thankful that I met some incredible individuals during this journey. I have developed friendships (some now have become best friends) along the way who are encouraging, uplifting, and by your side each step of the way. This holds true for the faculty at Tiffin University, as well. Not only are you a student, but you become part of their personal and professional family and they take pride in your success as you represent Tiffin University. Your success is their success! Allow yourself to open up to the faculty and engage them in your struggles and in your successes because they care!
Not only are you a student, but you become part of their personal and professional family and they take pride in your success as you represent Tiffin University. Your success is their success!
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school?
Surround yourself with positive, upbeat individuals who support your education. As we know, life sometimes throws us curveballs and we think we cannot continue on, but I am here to encourage you to rely on your family, your cohorts, and your work family and engage them in your pursuit of furthering your education. Prioritize, organize, and know your self-worth during the process. You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel when you first begin your degree and it will take time to do all of the above, but the time will come when you realize that you can and will juggle work, family, and school and it will be then that you realize that it is worth the journey.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
I would be remiss if I did not say there were multiple times when I wanted to throw in the towel and pick up my education when my life was not so demanding. This includes a time when COVID-19 hit and changed our lives and I was just getting started in the program. However, through the perseverance and mentoring of my cohorts, family, and instructors, I was glad that I did not give up and continued with the pursuit of my degree. History speaks for itself, and I knew if I did not continue, I would never go back to college and earn my degree.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
The best advice I would give a student who is thinking about going back to school is to not think twice about the opportunity and take advantage of the programs that Tiffin University offers. You will gain confidence, pride, and a sense of ‘being’ as you embark on the journey.
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 took a risk when I submitted my application letter for acceptance into the Ph.D. program at Tiffin University. I just knew I would not be accepted into the Ph.D. program, but when I interviewed with Dr. Rauch and he noted that my submitted letter of intent to earn a Ph.D. through Tiffin University was accepted, it was then that I regained the confidence that I had once lost as an adult student/learner and who had not been to college in over 20 years. My only regret is that I waited this long to go back to school – but it was worth the wait and I would have to agree with the saying that timing is everything.