Lauren Scheer has helped to run a successful homeowner’s association management business since 1980, but she wanted to contribute more to the company. She saw an opportunity to expand her skill set by pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Ashford University. Scheer, who graduated last year, has been able to apply her education to her career and was named Ashford’s Outstanding Alum of the Week.
When Scheer’s company opened a new division in Las Vegas, she faced a challenge. “I found that things were done differently there and I wanted to learn more about business and do better for my company, so I enrolled at Ashford,” she said. “I didn’t just want the letters behind my name. I actually wanted to learn something. I liked that Ashford is a real brick and mortar accredited college that also has an online degree program.”
With her busy work schedule, Scheer appreciated the fact that she could do everything online when it was convenient for her. She set aside Thursday nights and Sundays to devote to her course work and kept Monday evenings as a standby in case she had any school work she needed to finish. “Yes, it takes time and yes, it’s work, but it’s very doable. It was amazing,” Scheer stated.
One highlight for Scheer was the opportunity to make friends online with a group of fellow MBA students who lived in her area. She also appreciated the interaction with Ashford’s faculty. “I was really surprised with the quality of the professors. You had people in the real world doing real things and you could ask them things in the real world. That was wonderful.”
Scheer’s increased confidence as a result of having earned her MBA is clear. “I have a plan now,” Scheer added. “I have a great business plan, and I know my company and our new division is going to be successful because of what I’ve learned.”
At her commencement ceremony near Ashford’s Clinton, Iowa campus, Scheer stood and took it all in. She had flown there with her business partner and two adult children to receive her degree. “I kept tearing up. It was a lot of hard work and this was not easy, but that’s why it feels so good.”
The Ashford University Outstanding Alum of the Week 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.
