In 2009, while Nick Saban was leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to their first National Championship since 1992 and a perfect no-loss season, Chris Poarch was charting his own path to victory as he enrolled in his first college course – online.
Poarch began his education through UA Online after serving for nearly 16 years in the National Guard in Tennessee. Ten years after beginning his first class with UA Online, Poarch recently graduated with a bachelor’s in Human Environmental Sciences while at the same time raising a family and continuing to serve in the National Guard as Sergeant First Class for Recruiting Command.
Poarch worked part time in automobile service for 12 years. When the economy crashed in 2005, Poarch knew he wanted a degree to bolster his experience in the military.
“With all the leadership and management experience I’ve gotten through the military, I needed a degree to back that up,” said Poarch. “I have a nice resume, but most businesses want that piece of paper to go with it.”
Poarch plans on earning a master’s in Global Business through UA Online in the near future. Poarch explained that a master’s would only further benefit him post-retirement in the civilian world.
“I want to be as diversified as possible when I retire. I’ve got the experience; I just need the education to back it up,” said Poarch.
Poarch has been a Crimson Tide fan since he was 14 and when he was looking for online programs, he found UA Online and knew it would be a good fit. All the professors that Poarch had were willing to work with him and understood the flexibility needed for someone serving full time in the military. Between military and family life, Poarch didn’t have time for a traditional, face-to-face degree program.
“Homework doesn’t start until the kids go to bed,” said Poarch. “It has to be that way because family time isn’t optional for me, so there was no other way for me to pursue this.”
Family is a primary focus of Poarch’s life, and his wife and two children have supported him through his education journey. Poarch’s son and daughter have watched him complete classwork as they’ve grown up, an example that Poarch is proud to have set.
“In the military you’re taught to lead by example. How could I sit here and tell my kids to go to college in a couple years if I didn’t do it? How can I expect them to do something that I haven’t done?”
No matter the amount of time it took Poarch to earn his degree, he’s proven to those around him that he’s a leader capable of great accomplishments. Much like we watched the Crimson Tide’s rise to a steady string of championships after a long drought, we look forward to the payoff and future success from Poarch’s grit and determination to earn his degree.
Published: August 30th, 2020