Ashford University's Outstanding Alum of the Month Jared Bailiff has always gone after the things he wants in life. He graduated from high school a year early and went directly to the Navy when he was 17 years old. Bailiff soon realized that the next step in his personal development would be a college education. "I knew a bachelor's degree would open doors for me within the military as well as in the private sector once my time in the military was up. I got to a point in my life and career where I knew I needed a degree to get to the next level."

Bailiff began attending Ashford University when he was stationed overseas. He chose to attend Ashford for a couple of different reasons. "First, because of the major. Ashford has a broader range of degrees. Next was the online platform. Maintaining a full-time job – especially in the military – and having a family, I needed the flexibility of online classrooms and being able to go to school anywhere in the world."

"The Ashford online platform proved to be a very resourceful means of earning my degree. Ashford has always been a military-friendly school, which has allowed me to earn my degree while stationed overseas. It allowed me to choose the time of day in which I focused on my studies," continued Bailiff.

Bailiff mentions that he regularly used the Ashford Writing Center and Library, noting that both were easy to navigate and provided invaluable information and resources. He also credits the faculty and staff members at Ashford for providing a great deal of guidance throughout his time at Ashford. One instructor in particular sticks out in his mind. "Professor Jolivet had the most impact with me. He took an interest in everyone in the class and was very informative and knowledgeable during the capstone class. He kept the class involved and made sure we had the motivation to make it over the last hurdle."

Bailiff cleared that last hurdle when he graduated with honors in July 2014 with his bachelor of arts in political science and government. Bailiff is still on active duty with the Navy and is currently stationed in San Antonio, Texas.

"Personally, it's a pretty big sense of accomplishment – and it's always nice to make mom proud, too," Bailiff said as he reflected on his graduation. "Professionally, I am more competitive in the workplace. Working through the degree and the classes I completed has made it easier for me to understand issues on a much larger scale. I approach problems differently, and am better at solving them now."

Bailiff is looking forward to his future. "Having a bachelor's degree has opened up doors for me. It has given me control of my future. I have been accepted to business school at a private university, and I expect to graduate with an MBA in the next few years. My experience at Ashford has given me the tools and confidence to succeed beyond the goals I had when I started the program."

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.