Through UA Online, Noel enrolled in the EdS in Educational Leadership program. He embraced the academic rigor of his courses along with the camaraderie and companionship.
There’s an unassuming elementary school in Killeen, Texas, that holds an incredible room dedicated to The University of Alabama. From a desk at the center is where Noel Taylor, fondly called Mr. T. by the students, is surrounded by pictures, memorabilia and tokens in crimson, white and houndstooth. He’s a beloved assistant principal and diehard Bama fan.
This native Texan doesn’t take a second look at anything maroon or burnt orange. Not for sports; not for education. When he was ready to pursue his next degree, he only considered The University of Alabama Online.
“Through being a fan, I learned about the academic programs at the university, and I learned about the standard of excellence that runs through everything at Alabama. The standard speaks for itself. That’s what I wanted to be a part of,” said Noel.
Leaving Texas wasn’t an option, but in 2014, Noel set to figuring out how he could be a part of UA. He called the Admissions office to learn how he could attend, but there wasn’t a program that fit his needs at the time. Or the next semester when he called to check in. Or the next.
Noel and his admissions representative, also originally from Texas, clicked immediately. Every few months when Noel would call to check on program status, the admissions rep would promise to follow up with the College of Education.
Finally, in 2020, Noel’s persistence paid off. “That last time I called back, he said, ‘We have something I think you’ll be interested in.’ And that’s what started the rest of it. I must have called that man 17 or 18 times. And he always knew who I was, and he always had information for me. And to me, that speaks to the standard of excellence that’s a part of The University of Alabama.”
Through UA Online, Noel enrolled in the EdS in Educational Leadership program. He embraced the academic rigor of his courses along with the camaraderie and companionship.
“In class, you’ll have your cameras turned on and you will participate in the discussion. I love that, because I want interaction. I want to hear other people’s opinions and to know what’s going on. The University of Alabama provided that even through their online programs.”
Noel pushed through, balancing his full-time job with a full-time course load to graduate in Summer 2023. And when it came to graduation, he celebrated big. His pride and joy for UA was palpable. Traveling from Texas for both the ring and commencement ceremonies, Noel sported a crimson blazer with a matching chain he had made specially for the occasion. When UA President Dr. Bell took notice during the ring ceremony, Noel had another chain made just for him, which he delivered as they shook hands on stage.
As an alum of The University of Alabama, Noel feels empowered to carry the UA standard of excellence forward.
“Once you complete a program at this level, that excellence is even more ingrained into what you do and how you behave, in your work habits and your work ethics. Sometimes it was grueling, but it was worth it. It is definitely worth it.”
Are you ready to persevere with The University of Alabama standard of excellence? Visit online.ua.edu.
