To recognize the achievements of the millions who study at a distance today, the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a nationally recognized accrediting agency in Washington, DC, conducts an "Outstanding Graduate" program each year.
Here are stories about people who have succeeded in the corporate world by studying distance education programs. They are representative of the millions of adults who study by distance education.
Mr. John David Ritter
Promoted to Processing Technical Superintendent by Newmont Gold Company.
“I believe CNU has significantly contributed to my increase in knowledge and experience through the guidance of CNU’s faculty. This knowledge gained has been recognized by my current employer, allowing me to be considered for many other opportunities.”
Mr. Karl Guenther
Manager of Human Resources Development at FedEx Express. Karl and his team are responsible for developing and deploying a corporate-wide training effectiveness measurement system, for automating manual HR processes and maintaining policy and procedure manuals across all of FedEx Express.
“Now the real career-development fun will start. The Cardean MBA has reinvigorated my self-esteem and personal confidence to know that I can compete intellectually with anyone at anytime.”
Mr. James L. Hovers
Employed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as a Flight Electronic Systems Technician.
“Distance Education is very instrumental to my education because I have a very vigorous and hectic work schedule. I could not have done this without my wife, Ruth, and the support of the staff at Cleveland Institute of Electronics.”
Ms. Sherri Knape
Serves in the leadership role as Manager of Transportation and Logistics for Waste Management’s Western Group.
“The curriculum at ILM is right on track. I ‘live’ transportation day in and day out, and I found that each CLP course strengthened my understanding of the strategies and practices I use in my management career every day.”
Mr. Michael D. Pixley
Works for Raytheon Missile Systems Company.
“Distance education positively influences our national life, society, and local community in diverse ways.”
Mr. Theodore J. Kochanski
Works for the BoeingCompany, where he received Boeing stock, a promotion, and pay raise upon graduating from CIE.
“There is nothing comparable to the peace of mind that comes with completing my education. It feels good to know that my degree can be used anywhere in the world.”
Mr. David Jeffery Engle
Works as an inspection subcontractor at a large bank.
“Distance education was a perfect fit for me. Because I was on worker’s compensation, I did not have the money to make the long drive every day to the closest home inspection school. The distance learning type of school worked out perfectly.”
Ms. Carol Nelson
Works as a Human Resources Coordinator for a construction company, Northstar Materials, Inc.
“I have been selected to help facilitate the strategic planning meetings for our region, which includes seven construction companies in the Midwest. This is an accomplishment that I have been privileged to receive in part because of my degree from CNU.”
Mr. Dominik P. Reinmund
Works as a Division Controller for Siemens VDO. He is responsible for the whole NAFTA region.
“Distance education helped me to get my degree quickly while maintaining my flexibility.”
Mr. Jim Roscovius
Works as a system administrator for the Information Solutions Department at Gateway
“I believe that one should never stop learning, and ACCIS has made my learning experience very enjoyable. In these times of high-tech job shortages, it is more important than ever to keep skill set up-to-date, and distance learning allowed me to do just that.”
Ms. Sharon Steinbacher
Promoted to a new position managing the financial end of a $12 million environmental grants program with approximately 300 non-profit clients
“I feel more self-confident and I now know I can do whatever I put my mind to. My degree has enabled me to apply my new information management skills in order to more efficiently and effectively carry out these responsibilities.”
Mr. Robert Bryan Parker
Works as a strong and increasingly important contributor to his corporation. He is currently the senior technical infrastructure project manager for the conversion of Fleet Bank to the Bank of America’s retail platform.
“I’ve been a lifelong learner, however the challenges of obtaining an advanced degree were difficult due to job and travel requirements. With the curriculum offered by UMT, I was able to take specialized classes in my chose profession, developed and delivered by some of the foremost experts in the field.”
Mr. Ronald A. Barrett
Now corporate controller at Wacom Technology Corporation, part of the highly-competitive computer hardware industry
“This MBA program provided me with the opportunity to better my business management understanding and achieve personal and professional success through an adaptable schedule and quality course content.”
Mr. Kevin R. Burke
Works as a Staff Security Engineer and Program Manager with Harris Corporation in Melbourne, FL.
“Attending Aspen University has been one of the most professionally rewarding experiences of my life.”
Ms. Marcia H. Hauflaire
Active professional career in management at UPS after graduating from Concord Law School.
“My work schedule prevented me from attending local law schools, and I’m so glad I chose Concord. I’ve learned so much, have met wonderful people, and have grown (even at my age!). Concord has a great program with dedicated professors who care about giving us the best legal education available. What a wonderful experience!”
Mr. Kenneth Alan Hudacsko
Works in the Office of Information Systems and Technology Services at the U.S. General Accounting Office to achieve its strategic goal of demonstrating model management practices for the federal government.
“UMT gave me an extraordinary opportunity to build on my project management experience while continuing full stride in my profession and keeping an important balance with my family and community.”
Mr. Jamie Gauthier
Works in the State of California, for the Scotts Valley Police Department, as the Adult Police Detective. The adult detective works all types of crimes including homicides, robberies, high technology crimes, background investigations, burglaries, vice and sex crimes. The adult detective also assists in narcotics investigations including working undercover operations as needed. Also an adjunct professor at Henley-Putman University and Cabrillo College assisting in the development and teaching of online courses. Prior to law enforcement, worked as a senior loss prevention manager in the retail industry managing complex internal investigations, surveillance teams, risk management and safety regulations.
“Since graduating from Columbia Southern University with an MBA, many doors of opportunity became available that were not present before, including teaching positions at universities and colleges and promotional advancement within the corporate and governmental sectors. CSU offered the MBA with a concentration in public administration, which was the prefect educational blend needed for my career choice. My CSU undergraduate and graduate degrees have given me the practical and theoretical knowledge within my career field.
