Persistence in Action: Amy Bisset’s Journey Through NC State’s Online Bachelor’s Program

For Amy Bisset, earning her degree through the NC State Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) online bachelor-completion program is more than an academic achievement. It is the culmination of a decade-long commitment to personal and professional growth. 

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Bisset is a mother of two and currently serves as the operations coordinator and administrative assistant of the Office of International Programs at Meredith College. She also runs her own international education business, Bisset Study Abroad, which connects South Korean students with English language programs in the United States.

Because of her professional and family responsibilities, Bisset needed a pathway to finish her bachelor’s degree that wouldn’t involve putting her life on hold. The LPS program provided the flexibility and structure she needed to steadily work toward a degree that would sharpen her leadership capabilities and open new doors.

Choosing the NC State Online Bachelor-Completion Program

Bisset’s academic journey started with an entirely different focus. She initially enrolled at NC State as a history major, but after founding her study abroad business, she recognized the need to improve her leadership skills in order to better serve her clients.

“I became motivated to develop myself as a leader after founding Bisset Study Abroad,” she explained. This realization prompted her to switch to the LPS program in 2019, while maintaining history as a minor.

The NC State Leadership in the Public Sector program is an online bachelor’s degree completion program designed specifically for non-traditional students who have already completed an associate degree or earned more than 60 credit hours of college-level courses. The program also provides a foundation in the ethical, theoretical and analytical skills necessary to be effective leaders in public and nonprofit sector organizations. 

Bisset’s decision to choose the LPS program aligned perfectly with her entrepreneurial focus and her desire to find a program that would provide practical leadership skills that she could immediately apply to her work. 

“The program also worked much better around my schedule with online flexibility for classes,” she added, highlighting a crucial factor for someone juggling multiple professional roles while raising a family.

Navigating Work, Family and Earning a Bachelor’s Degree Online

Balancing academics with her professional and personal duties proved challenging but rewarding for Bisset. 

“Between being a student of the LPS program as well as my responsibilities as a mother and a full-time worker, graduating through the program took about 10 years,” she shared. “I took one or two courses per semester; however, I learned a lot from each course I took and enjoyed every part of it.”

Throughout her time in the program, Bisset found invaluable support from faculty and staff who understood these unique challenges. She specifically acknowledged the contributions of her advisor, LaShica Waters, and her LPS professor, Tracy Appling. 

“My time with the LPS program has been full of nothing but wonderful experiences, with my advisor and professors showing great care and support personally and professionally,” she reflected. 

Applying Leadership Skills in Real Time 

One benefit of Bisset’s extended academic journey was the chance to immediately apply what she learned in her courses to real-world situations. The LPS program significantly influenced her professional life, especially in her role of connecting international students with educational opportunities.

“The skills I’ve gained from LPS have helped me work with customers and business partners,” she said, noting the practical applications of her coursework in both her role at Meredith College and in managing her own business.

The program’s focus on leadership principles and public sector management provided Bisset with frameworks and approaches she could test and refine through her daily work. This continuous cycle of learning and application enriched both her studies and her professional practice.

Beyond Completing Her Bachelor’s Degree

Bisset views completing her Bachelor of Arts degree as just one step in her ongoing educational journey. She has already been accepted to the MBA program at Meredith College and plans to begin in the fall of 2025. Bisset also explained that her goal is to continue her leadership studies, ultimately aiming to obtain a PhD in Business Administration.

Her ambitious academic plans reflect her commitment to continuous growth and development, with each milestone building toward her long-term vision of leadership in international education and business.

After a decade of balancing coursework with personal and professional responsibilities, Bisset plans to thoroughly celebrate her achievement. 

“I plan to throw a party with those close to me to celebrate my graduation. I will also have friends and family attend the in-person Commencement Ceremony as well,” she shared.

Lessons Learned and Looking Back

Looking back on her entire NC State experience, Bisset expressed gratitude for the support she received across multiple departments.

“I had a wonderful experience during my time at NC State. I have felt included and cared for by both the History and LPS departments. Even though I had changed my focus from History to LPS, they still were very supportive throughout my journey towards obtaining my degree,” she said. “I cannot say thank you enough to all the advisors and faculty who have provided encouragement to help get me to where I am today.” 

She particularly recommends online programs for adults balancing multiple responsibilities. “I would highly recommend the online program, especially for those who are adults or work a job and may require the flexibility offered by these courses.”

Bisset’s story reminds us that determination can overcome obstacles, and more importantly, that the timeline is less important than the commitment to reach the finish line.

As she approaches the end of her journey, Bisset gives sage advice for a lifetime of growth: “Have resilience. Never give up on your goals, no matter how long or difficult they may seem.”

Interested in completing your undergraduate degree with the NC State Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) program? Visit the NC State Online program page to explore this and other flexible, online options for working professionals.