For students who have spent their entire academic lives inside classrooms, the transition to online learning can be challenging and overwhelming. But Courtney Tucker has always been one to welcome a challenge and get the most out of everything. She faced her trepidation about online learning and emerged with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. For her accomplishments, Tucker has been named Ashford’s Outstanding Alum of the Month.

After earning a scholarship coming out of high school, Tucker received her associate’s degree at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville, Mo. and later transferred to a four-year university. It turned out to be the wrong time for school, as Tucker felt compelled to serve her country in the Air Force Reserve.

“I did not come from a military family, but there was always something pulling me toward that path,” said Tucker.

Upon finishing active duty, she began to shift back into civilian life, and immediately set her sights on earning her bachelor’s degree. “It didn’t take me long to realize that I wanted a challenge, to continue to better myself through a solid education,” said Tucker. “I chose Ashford based off of their reputable status with other military students.”

Earning her degree would also mean fulfilling a promise to her father, who passed away from cancer shortly after Tucker enlisted.

Like many learners accustomed to the classroom, Tucker was hesitant about Ashford’s online format. However, once she got a taste of the class schedule, participated in classroom discussion boards, conducted research, wrote research papers, and got to know her instructors, Tucker began to feel right at home.

“I knew that the uncertainty of where I’d reside, my family being hours away, and traveling for drill weekends would interfere with physically attending a college,” Tucker said. “I wanted to ensure that my college degree would be just as meaningful, insightful, and have the same accreditation as attending an onsite university. My choice with Ashford truly proved to be the best of both worlds. Not only did I get in contact with military assistance and the finance department in a timely manner, but I was also included in the ‘goings-on’ of campus life, including career services, webinars, and other assistance programs.”

Tucker also found the help she needed when making a critical choice about her degree path. Although she’d begun school with an eye toward an accounting degree, she was beginning to have a change of heart and reached out to her advisor for guidance.

“He spoke to me for over an hour and did not seem rushed or aggravated that I was consuming so much of his time,” she recalled. “His attention and his insight, along with his personal endeavors with his own degree, helped me come to the conclusion that I needed to switch degrees.”

Tucker’s advisor was pursuing his business administration degree. After the two talked about its advantages and potential career paths, she decided that was where she wanted to focus.

“I was finally excited about the rest of my journey, and no longer worried about whether I was able to understand the coursework,” she said. “I will never forget how helpful he was, and I am truly grateful that Ashford employs people who sincerely care about the success of the students.”

With a clearer picture of her future, Tucker was able to focus on her studies. She continued to earn high marks and was accepted into Ashford’s SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society. In May 2015, Tucker graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree.

“Not only do I feel ready and able to conquer the business world, I also feel confident in pursuing careers that were outside my skill level before,” said Tucker. “I have zero regrets about my decision to attend Ashford University to pursue my bachelor’s and am grateful for the opportunity to receive my education at such a prestigious and reputable school. Thank you for giving me the education I have always strived for.”

Ashford University’s 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 degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. 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 x11601.