Student Stories

Vishell Duff is a dedicated and ambitious student who just earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through The University of Alabama Online. As a working mother of two young children, Duff has faced her share of challenges. Still, her passion for nursing and drive to provide a better future for her family have kept...

 

“The primarily online format was perfect for me,” said Ayana Hendricks-Boyland, a recent graduate of The University of Alabama’s primarily online Master of Social Work (MSW) program. As a new mother with a full-time job and also serving in the Air Force reserves during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayana needed a flexible program when she started...

 

A steadfast commitment to service has defined Dalton Becker’s journey. Enlisting in the military at just 18 years old, he has dedicated over a decade to protecting his country both at home and abroad. Currently, Dalton is deployed and serving in Germany as a trainer for partnership forces. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Criminal...

 

U.S. Army Maj. Kimberly A. Smith is the recipient of the fourth annual University of Alabama Online Legendary Service Award. The prestigious accolade recognizes Maj. Smith for her 14 years of exceptional service and leadership as an active-duty aviator in the U.S. Army. Currently a Brigade Operations Officer pursuing her master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering...

 

Chelsea Fancher is pursuing her EdD in Higher Education Administration through The University of Alabama Online. She is also a program manager for UA Online, working with the College of Education to support the development and delivery of online programs. With a commitment to advancing her career in higher education, Chelsea has embraced this opportunity to...

 

For Hannah Homan, the decision to pursue a master’s in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Learning and Assessment program was driven by her deep-rooted passion for psychology and education. Now 12 credits into the 30-credit program, she has found the coursework to be a powerful blend of theory and practical application, designed to align...

 

For Casey Evans, the pursuit of a master’s degree has always been on the horizon. After earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1995 from the University of Montevallo, Casey began her career in the mental health field, gaining over a decade of valuable experience.

 

As an academic advisor for the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama, Hannah Hare has a deep passion for supporting students and helping them succeed. This passion, paired with her determination to progress into leadership roles in higher education, led her to pursue a master’s in Higher Education Administration from UA Online. For...

 

Nathan McDonald, a high school biology and earth science teacher at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, is pursuing his EdS in Secondary Education (General Science 6-12 Certification) through UA Online. With a bachelor’s degree in biology from 2015 and a master’s degree in secondary education from 2018, Nathan is dedicated to expanding his educational horizons....

 

Dani Sagirs is currently pursuing her master’s in Instructional Technology through The University of Alabama Online, while also working full time as a student success coach with UA Online’s Student Success department. Dani started as a success coach in 2022, providing comprehensive support to UA Online students, but her own education was also always in...