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Student Stories

Kelsey Piper

May 12, 2021

Online Graduate Found a New Career in a Familiar Place

If you ask Kelsey Piper how she started her career in data, you may not expect the answer to be with a graduate degree in Wildlife Science from NC State.  “I worked for a number of years combining my passion for wildlife biology coupled with spatial analysis as a GIS biologist, and loved what I did… 

Vicky Weaver and her family.

May 10, 2021

Vicky Weaver: A Growing Family and Career in the Jenkins Online MBA

As the longtime Assistant Director of Technology for GP Strategies, Vicky Weaver considered herself a “triathlete” of the learning and development software world. “I worked in pre-sales and customer engagement, participated in requirements gathering, solution design and business process improvement, and led workstreams for data migrations, integrations and reporting,” she says. But even with this… 

Kira Sims.

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… 

American flag waves in the Fall breeze next to the Belltower

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. 

John Fertig at his desk.

Apr 29, 2021

John Fertig: Learning to Lead in the Online Master of Forest Biomaterials

Thirteen years ago, long-time educator John Fertig decided to make a career change. He accepted a position at one of the largest bleached board mills in the world in Covington, Virginia, where massive amounts of specialty paper products are produced.  As a training professional, he soon decided that he wanted to gain a more detailed… 

Wolf image with Student Shoutouts

Apr 28, 2021

Student Shoutouts: Sarah Bunn Makes Earth Day Impact

While Sarah Bunn is still in her first year of the Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management (MPRTSM) online program, her tremendous impact is already being felt in the community. 

Brian Handelsman.

Apr 21, 2021

On the Fast Track to Career Success

Brian Handelsman has always strived for a career in renewable energy. So instead of inching toward his goal, he decided to take a fast track with the online Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Assessment and Development.   A lifelong fan of NC State, Handelsman attended the university for his undergraduate studies in environmental technology and management with… 

Sheila Ogaye portrait outside.

Apr 12, 2021

Online Graduate Student Expands Her Skills in the MAC Program

As a student in the Jenkins Master of Accounting (MAC) online program, Sheila Ogaye has expanded her knowledge of accounting and beyond. 

Jonathan Bentley

Apr 12, 2021

Jonathan Bentley: A Story of Leadership, Passion and Never Giving Up

Jonathan Bentley is the director of creative media for the NC State Women's Basketball team and is currently finishing up his Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management (MPRTSM) online. 

Mindy McDowell.

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…