Franky Knepp is currently earning her bachelor’s in Human Environmental Sciences all the way from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where she works as a civilian HR specialist for the Army. In 2018, she transferred to The University of Alabama from a school in Alaska, where she was living before her family moved to Fort Bragg.
A veteran of the U.S. Army and a military spouse, Franky’s life has moved her across the country in the last decade. Before Alaska, when she was stationed in Georgia (but living in Alabama), she fell in love with Alabama football. So when her daughter was born the first day of classes in Anchorage and her adviser suggested she consider some online course options, Franky found herself wondering if she could attend her favorite school – The University of Alabama – but online.
“I found this program through UA Online and saw how it still fit in with my career path and supported my plans for advancement. Whether I choose to go back into the Army or stay on the civilian side of it, having this bachelor’s degree will help me move up the ranks.”
Through the Human Environmental Sciences bachelor’s degree program at The University of Alabama, students are able to select courses tailored to their interests and career goals. They develop a program of study with a focus in one area of Human Environmental Sciences while still receiving a broad-based understanding of other areas.
“The classes have given me a well-rounded understanding, but I’m also able to take classes about things I’m interested in personally. The leadership classes have supported my professional development and continued to grow me in that path of leadership that the Army has put me on,” Franky said.
A student, professional, wife and mom, Franky appreciates the convenience that UA Online offers her in pursuing her degree. “I can read for courses while I’m doing my cardio in the mornings, or I can work on assignments during my lunch break. I love the flexibility it gives me to participate in my classes at any time of day that works for me.”
In what little free time she has left, Franky enjoys powerlifting, running, and, since their recent move to North Carolina, has even started to help others in her community try weightlifting and learn to make healthy lifestyle choices. The Human Environmental Sciences program has given her an opportunity to explore these interests from a more educated standpoint. “I took a nutrition course and an athletic training course that I really enjoyed. I love that about the program – that it supports my professional career path as well as my personal passions.”
Franky had concerns about how the online component would affect her experience as a student. “I was worried I’d feel a disconnect from UA, but I don’t. My adviser (Darryl Thornton) is the best adviser I’ve ever had, and he’s been great at connecting me to campus. He reached out recently about nominating me for a student recognition, and that really meant a lot to me. I also thought online classes would make me struggle academically, but I’ve already hit the Dean’s List twice!”
And now she even shares the connection to UA with a friend she made during airborne school at Fort Bragg, fellow soldier and former Crimson Tide star and San Francisco 49er, Glen Coffee (pictured, right).
“Being a veteran and having those benefits, I could’ve gone anywhere in the country, but I’m really glad I picked this program. Being a mom and the working wife of an Army soldier, it’s just been a program that fits my life, and I’m so glad I chose it.”
Published: August 30th, 2020