Your Story Continues at Briar Cliff University…

Vicki Thomas, Sioux City, Iowa

 Bank Branch Manager, Security National Bank Corporation

 

I started my degree at Briar Cliff in 1984 but didn’t finish. I got married and had a family. After my children were grown, I wanted to continue my education, but felt I couldn’t do it. There were a number of people who inspired me to return. Every so often, I would run into Professor Richard Poole around town. He always encouraged me and asked me when I was going to return to Briar Cliff.  I would tell him, “One day I will.” 

I noticed that when my sister earned her degree, she was really happy about it. She encouraged me along with my other sister and my mom. So with all this encouragement and inspiration, I decided to go back to school. Taking that first step was difficult. I was so nervous about how I was going to be able to juggle my work schedule and study at the same time. But I made my mind up that graduating from college was a personal goal that I wanted to achieve.

When I did take the next step, I found everyone at Briar Cliff to be so friendly and helpful, especially Sharisue Wilcoxon, who made me feel like I could accomplish anything. All the BCU administrators care as much about my success as my professors do. The Briar Cliff ADVANCE Program really fits into my work schedule.  I have grown personally. I have learned new things and have been challenged.

A friend once told me “The pain of discipline is easier to bear than the pain of regret.” Going back to get my degree at Briar Cliff has been a great experience and I have no regrets! I am truly happy to say that that “one day” has finally come, and I am really looking forward to reaching my goal by walking across that stage and graduating. 

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Erin Baird, Moville, Iowa

HR Generalist, Sabre Towers & Poles, Sioux City, Iowa

A few years ago, I began thinking about returning to school to finish my degree. One day a friend of mine told me about the Briar Cliff ADVANCE Program and it was just what I was looking for. With BCU’s ADVANCE Program, I could continue working full-time, have time for my family, and complete my degree.

When I first started, I was very nervous about returning to the classroom after being away for 10 years. Even though I had a fear of failure, I took a leap of faith and enrolled. 

My experiences at Briar Cliff have led me on an amazing journey. The faculty and staff are very knowledgeable and supportive. BCU professors relate what we are learning to everyday life, and many bring their own real-life experiences to the classroom. This has made it much easier to apply what I am learning to my daily life, including my work life. Plus, students who are taking ADVANCE courses are working adults, just like me.

At Briar Cliff, I have been inspired to continue my education for my master’s degree in human resources, after I complete my bachelor’s degree.

Since going back to school, I have more my self-confidence that I can still learn and grow. I recommend the ADVANCE Program to any working adult who is thinking about returning to school.  Briar Cliff is awesome!

Tracy Erlandson '08, Professional Studies

Account Executive, JD Gordon Advertising, Sioux City, Iowa

Even though my experience at Briar Cliff University challenged me, I knew from Day 1 it was the right choice. I had considered other colleges, but I chose Briar Cliff because my academic advisor really listened to me and understood my needs. Plus, I had heard so much positive feedback about Briar Cliff from former students.

In the ADVANCE Program, classes are designed to fit the lives of working people with families. I needed an evening program that would fit with my schedule. This was necessary to be able to complete the program and keep up with my job and family responsibilities.

It was great being in the ADVANCE Program with the same group of people, all who had jobs and were working toward their degrees. The small class sizes really helped my learning process. My professors always were willing to schedule one-to-one sessions outside of class if I needed this.

Completing my college degree helped me obtain my current position as an account executive with JD Gordon Advertising, which was a complete career change from being a graphic designer.

It certainly wasn’t easy going back to school while working full-time, going through a divorce and raising two small children. The caring and helpful Briar Cliff professors and staff made it easy for me to make it through…hair intact. [I even miss it on occasion!]

Overall, you come away from Briar Cliff with the feeling that everyone really cares about you and your success.

Sharon Bolden, Sioux City, Iowa
Center Service and Sales Rep, Qwest, Sioux City

I love Briar Cliff University! The classes work with my busy schedule. My advisor helps me by encouraging me and telling me that I can do it. My professors really understand and work with me to make sure I succeed. BCU provides all the tools you need to get your degree. All of this makes the transition smoother and helps prepare for the job market. I am so happy I chose BCU for my continuing 
education experience.

The compatibility of my Briar Cliff experience combined with my professional growth has been immeasurable. Being able to work while going back to college has been invaluable to me.  

The knowledge, skills and abilities I have gained from all of my classes are the main advantages of attending Briar Cliff. My work ethic, prioritization of time, sense of community and societal responsibilities all have been strengthened.

The initial fear and anxiousness I experienced before enrolling in college was quickly replaced by a feeling of belonging to an understanding and relatable group of students and instructors. My comfort level with my peers and with my professors cannot be matched.

BCU’s foundational courses have given me a well-rounded respect for the world and how I can be a productive part of it.

While my professional and educational goals have not changed since attending Briar Cliff, my abilities and understanding of how to reach my goals have been greatly enhanced.

Looking back at my Briar Cliff experience, I can't imagine what I would have done without it. I have not yet accomplished everything, but at Briar Cliff I have been given the tools I need to accomplish anything.

I chose Briar Cliff specifically to further my career in human resources management.  With the evening and weekend courses in BCU’s ADVANCE Program, I could continue my job while earning my degree in human resource management. Plus, my family has been very supportive of my evening and weekend schedule. 
 
The experiences I’ve had at BCU have been very fulfilling. The challenge of juggling college courses, family life, work life and personal time have been a terrific life-learning experience for me. I am a much better organizer. I am more attentive to what’s happening in the business world, and I’m learning how all of that affects my role at GELITA. I have more self-confidence in my interpersonal and professional skills. 
   
Even though I’m looking forward to completing my coursework, my college experience has been wonderful. I will be excited and proud to earn my degree. I encourage others to enroll in Briar Cliff’s Advance Program.