Ashford University has selected Marcus Allen as the University’s Outstanding Alum of the Week. Allen graduated magna cum laude from Ashford in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in social science, education concentration. After completing an alternative certification program and passing the special education content exam required by the state of Texas, Allen secured a teaching position at Spring High School (SHS) in Spring, Texas. He now instructs special education/structured learning classes for students with autism.

Allen enrolled in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating high school in 1995 and was honorably discharged after eight years of service. In search of a new career, he began attending a community college but found it impossible to balance full-time work while also attending classes. He put college on hold and went to work in the construction industry, which required him to be away from his family on a regular basis. “I got tired of it,” Allen stated. “I decided I wanted a career that let me spend the maximum amount of time possible with my family.”

“I had always been interested in being a teacher, but I knew I’d have to go back to school and earn a degree,” Allen said. “Luckily, I found Ashford, where I could work full time and finish school as well.”

Using the Montgomery G.I. bill for financial assistance, Allen chose Ashford because of its veteran-friendly reputation, saying, “At first, the online experience made me nervous. However, once I finished the first few classes I found the experience to be very enriching. The initial process of getting registered was also very smooth and stress-free.”

Allen says he learned a lot at Ashford that he has been able to apply to his everyday life and work. “I learned so much from all of my instructors at Ashford,” he says. “They always answered my questions in a timely manner; in most cases they’d even leave multiple ways to contact them. Ashford University, as a whole, showed me that they were with me 100 percent of the way. My success was their success.”

Allen’s work at SHS was recently recognized with a Red Apple Award from Capital One Bank. He plans on eventually obtaining his master’s degree in special education. Allen says, “My experience at Ashford has given me so much confidence, I feel as if I can accomplish anything. The sky is the limit!”

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

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.