For Megan Welborn, the path to earning her advanced degrees was not a straight line, but it was one that ultimately led her to discover her passion for higher education. After graduating from The University of Alabama with an undergraduate degree in broadcasting, Welborn took a job in Atlanta working in sales before being hired by The University of Alabama as an out-of-state recruiter. “I ended up taking a job as an undergraduate admissions recruiter and did that for about three years, and that’s when I fell in love with higher education,” Welborn said.
Seeking to further her career, Welborn decided to pursue a master’s degree but needed the flexibility that an online program could provide. In 2012, she discovered UA Online’s Master’s in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Learning & Assessment. “At that point, we were moving back from Georgia to Alabama,” said Welborn. “Balancing my studies while working (and moving) was challenging, but the program’s flexibility made it possible.”
Welborn also took advantage of being a staff member for The University of Alabama and used the school’s staff benefits to pursue her master’s. “The beautiful thing about The University of Alabama is we have so much support for the student and their success,” Welborn said. She said that even though she was in an online program, “the faculty knew who I was … and that speaks volumes.”
The supportive faculty and staff at UA Online were crucial as Welborn balanced her studies with planning a wedding. She appreciated the asynchronous nature of the program, which allowed her to complete coursework on her own time, even while on vacation. “I vividly remember having to take a quiz in Destin, Florida, but I found hotel Wi-Fi and logged in. It was great,” said Welborn.
During her time in the master’s program, Welborn reflected on the importance of having a solid support system. “I knew that I needed to have my husband’s support to return to school. He knew I was passionate about it and was very supportive,” said Welborn. She also acknowledged the support of her parents and friends. “Having the support from somebody, whether it’s parents, friends, church members, or babysitters, is important.”
In 2014, Welborn graduated with her master’s but soon looked toward what’s next. “Midway through my program, I realized I wanted a terminal degree. I knew I needed the next step. So for me, that master’s degree opened the door to what would eventually become doctoral-level studies,” Welborn said. She completed her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from UA, defending her dissertation in 2020 just a week before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person dissertation defenses.
Offering advice to other students considering pursuing their education online, Welborn highlighted the significance of finding an accountability partner within the program. “Find the person that’s going to keep you accountable and that’s in the program with you. They’re in the trenches with you when it’s time to write a 10-page paper or create a budget model,” said Welborn. “I found two in my doctoral program, and both helped me with my dissertation. I call them out in my acknowledgments because I wouldn’t have made it through without them.”
Now, Welborn has come full circle, working as the director of Program Development and Enrollment Management for UA Online. In this role, she oversees the launch of new online programs, drawing on her experiences as an online student to ensure UA Online continues providing a high-quality, supportive experience for all its learners.
Published: August 26th, 2024