Lily Theresa Scharrett Fandel

Sep 8, 2021

PRTSM Online Master’s Program Sparks a New Business for PJ Ray

Agriculture has always been a part of Patricia Joyce “PJ” Ray’s life. In the Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management (PRTSM) online master’s program, she found a way to take agriculture to the next level.  “I grew up on a tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat and livestock farm in Pollocksville, North Carolina. I always knew I… 

Jun 17, 2021

Max Alff Nurtures a Passion for Plants

When Max Alff graduated high school, he didn’t initially plan to study for much longer. He enrolled in the NC State Agricultural Institute for Ornamentals and Landscape Technology, planning to get his associate degree and get out into the workforce. “I enjoy working in the landscape industry and didn’t want to spend more than two years… 

May 17, 2021

Graduate Returns to His Roots in the Online Master of Animal Science

When Dillon Mellick graduated from Coe College in 2011 with a degree in biology, he was not quite sure where he wanted to take his career. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, he joined Kemin Industries as a quality assurance auditor, but he always felt pulled back to science. Fortunately, Kemin had an open marketing and… 

May 5, 2021

Cultivating Balance in Online Courses

This article was written by Elizabeth Porter and published by Lily Fandel.  You wouldn’t expect to learn how to juggle in NC State’s Ph.D. of Horticultural Science program, but for Kira Sims, that was the case. “If someone asked me if I can juggle, I could say ‘yes!’ –– if juggling the work-life balance counts,” she… 

May 5, 2021

Active Duty Animal Science: Olivia Jones Pursues Her Passion

Olivia Jones completed the online Master of Animal Science while working as an active duty Air Force officer. 

Apr 8, 2021

How Mindy McDowell Redefined Herself in the Online Master of College Counseling and Student Development

Mindy McDowell, assistant director of counseling and disability services at William Peace University (WPU), wasn’t always on the path that brought her to where she is now. Back in 2015, she faced a major life change, which she says thrust her out of an existence that had defined her for close to 30 years.  “Faced… 

Apr 6, 2021

Natalie Ziemba Achieved Her Career Goals Thanks to Online Statistics Graduate Certificate

When Natalie Ziemba, MSW, joined NC State’s online Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Management, she was already well-established in her career. With a background in social work, she has spent much of her life working with groups and communities. “I love the framework and skills I have as a social worker, but it didn’t… 

Dec 11, 2020

Online and Distance Education Fall Graduates are Ready to Make a Difference

NC State Online and Distance Education fall 2020 graduates from a variety of degree and certificate programs share their journeys and advice for others thinking about continuing their education or launching a new career.  

Nov 20, 2020

Fall Graduate Found Flexibility in the Jenkins Professional Evening MBA

During her time in NC State's Jenkins Professional Evening MBA, Gadeer Alzabit gained a degree, a promotion and connections to last a lifetime. Now she's sharing her journey with us. 

Nov 20, 2020

Jenkins Professional Online MBA Opens Doors for Fall 2020 Graduates

We caught up with four fall 2020 graduates to discuss their time in the Jenkins Professional Online MBA program and why they're leaving with much more than just their diplomas.