SAN DIEGO, Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheryl Jackson-Matthews was tired of regretting her unfinished college education. In 2008, she enrolled in Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree program. One month after completing her bachelor's degree, Jackson-Matthews was back at Ashford, where she earned her MBA in 2011. For her determination and perseverance, Jackson-Matthews has been named Ashford's Outstanding Alum of the Month.
"My decision to pursue my bachelor's degree was guided by my passion for knowledge," explained Jackson-Matthews of Houston, Texas. She had already earned two paralegal certifications and built a strong career, but, as she described it, "I wanted the personal satisfaction of knowing that I had finished what I started many years ago."
Jackson-Matthews' career began in marketing for a major airline, and then, in 1991, she became a consultant in the business sector. "My specialty is administrative law and compliance. I am also fluent in Spanish, which has opened a whole new world of cultural experiences." Jackson-Matthews also volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate through Child Advocates, Inc.
She chose Ashford University because she was able to transfer several of her previously earned credits and also because of the brick-and-mortar campus in Clinton, Iowa. "During my research, I found that Ashford was established in 1918 [as Mount St. Clare College]. This was the single most important factor in my decision – I knew that this school had a history and had the students' best interest in mind."
The University's instructors also impressed Jackson-Matthews. "My Ashford instructors really understood that adult students learn from each other. Our life experiences, our hopes and dreams, and our perspectives make us prone to teach ourselves. You never know what your classmates, or even your instructors, will learn from what you post on the discussion board. This is why I enjoy online learning!"
Jackson-Matthews says her MBA helped her to prepare for her current role by giving her a broader perspective of the family law process. "When parties are divorcing, there are usually four main things to consider: custodianship of the children, property, division of the assets, and spousal support. In the State of Texas, child support is a pre-calculated formula, however, the other issues mentioned are generally negotiated or mediated prior to going to trial. Having an advanced degree is extremely helpful in explaining to the client what to expect during the divorce process."
Jackson-Matthews believes education is a continuing process. To that end, she is earning her family law specialization for paralegals. Having these credentials indicates that the recipient knows the Texas Family Code.
Jackson-Matthews said her time at Ashford dramatically changed her life. "Once your brain has been stretched by the learning experience at Ashford, it will never return to its original state. I see life through a different lens."
The Ashford University Outstanding Alum of the Month recognition was created to spotlight Ashford success stories and graduates who have used their Ashford education as a springboard to personal and professional achievement.
About Ashford University
Where heritage meets innovation – that's Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor's, and master's online degree programs, while the Clinton, Iowa campus offers bachelor's programs. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.
Contact: Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations
858.668.2580 · shari.winet@ashford.edu
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SOURCE Ashford University