In 2009, Terry Satchell was one of 10 recipients awarded a national Project Working Moms and Dads full-tuition scholarship to Ashford University. His winning essay was selected from more than 130,000 entrants that year.           

Having just finished his course work at the end of January, Satchell plans to officially receive his diploma at graduation ceremonies being held in April at the Ashford University campus in Clinton, Iowa. He will graduate with his master's degree in Health Care Administration. 

"I currently work at a hospital and would eventually like to move into administration," he said. "Ultimately, my aspiration is to be a chief nursing officer for a hospital. Because of the scholarship, I'm able to get my graduate degree, which will put me in a position to achieve my long-term goal."           

As a part of the Project Working Moms and Dads program, Ashford University, a regionally accredited university offering online and on-campus graduate and undergraduate degree programs, awarded 50 full-tuition scholarships, valued at more than $2 million, in the past three years. 

Developed by e-Learners, a web resource of Education Dynamics, the program awarded scholarships to deserving parents who wanted to pursue a college degree, but didn't have the time, financial resources or confidence. 

"Students, like Terry, who are successfully achieving their higher education aspirations, have made our participation in the Project Working Moms and Dads program particularly worthwhile," Ashford University President Elizabeth Tice said. "Online higher education makes it possible for working parents to achieve their goals, and it is an honor to have provided the resource for 50 of them to attend Ashford University." 

Satchell says, "To be a successful online student, you have to be dedicated and structured in your approach. It takes a time commitment, and I advise that working parents who wish to pursue an online higher education be prepared for it." 

He adds that his children have found it funny to have their Dad doing his homework at the same time that they are. "They have had to allow me space to work on my own papers at the end of each class," Satchell concluded.                       

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.