Hear from a UofL Health Surgeon and UofL Online MBA Graduate!

Hear from a UofL Health Surgeon and UofL Online MBA Graduate!

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We had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Kellen Choi, a surgeon with UofL Health and the Advisory Dean for UofL’s School of Medicine. Dr. Choi also completed UofL’s online MBA program, and offered some interesting insights as to how the program can be beneficial for students at any stage of their careers. Read Dr. Choi’s insights below!  

Please provide your full name, title, and any credentials.  

My name is Kellen Choi DO, FACOS, MBA.  

Could you please share your current employer and occupation?  

I work as a Urologic Surgeon at UofL Health, and serve as an Advisory Dean at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.    

Why did you choose to pursue UofL’s online MBA? 

I chose an online MBA at UofL to be part of the Cardinal family. I have been part of UofL Health and have also been teaching our students over the years at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine. I was impressed with how Cardinal students are proud of their school and thriving in life. As the medical field is becoming more complex and innovative ways to maximize our healthcare are crucial, I wanted to learn how to be an effective leader in our healthcare. I am a second-generation Aggie (Whoop!) and have also met several Aggie-Cardinals in our community, helping others and making the world a better place! 

Did you complete the Business of Healthcare certificate? 

I took business healthcare electives courses before the certificate was available but have thoroughly enjoyed taking valuable courses, which I use daily in my practice. I look forward to teaching as a faculty member for such an amazing program! 

What was your favorite part of the online MBA experience? 

I loved learning about different aspects of the business world that I was not familiar with as a physician, but the real joy was making connections with my professors and colleagues I still keep in touch with. 

How has UofL’s online MBA helped you advance your career? 

The UofL online MBA helped me be a more well-rounded physician who helps patients and healthcare in more innovative ways. 

How does earning the online MBA through UofL fit into your life story? 

My husband helped me navigate MBA classes while our two daughters saw me studying all the while working full time as a urologic surgeon. Now, my husband is getting his MBA while our two daughters see him study and work full time as critical care physician. Our girls love to see us study and grow as a family and help each other reach our goals to help others effectively! 

What would you tell others considering pursuing an MBA? 

Just do it! You will love it! 

Thank you for your answers, Dr. Choi! You can learn more about UofL’s online programs here.  
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: BS IN OLL STUDENT FROM ALASKA SHARES HER STORY

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: BS IN OLL STUDENT FROM ALASKA SHARES HER STORY

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More than 3,875 miles away from Louisville, KY, Jen Hankins is heading toward the finish line, diligently working to complete her online courses at the University of Louisville (UofL) in preparation for graduating in May 2025. From beautiful Alaska, Jen is pursuing UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) degree, taking advantage of a top UofL program from almost 4,000 miles away. This is her story.

When Jen decided to return to college after a 28-year hiatus, her lifelong dream of obtaining her bachelor’s degree was the goal. While she was not sure which degree to pursue or which school to attend, she recalled her time spent with her husband in Fort Knox, and her love for the state of Kentucky as well as the Louisville area. Plus, her former brother and sister-in-law were professors years ago at UofL – in the College of Business and School of Nursing, respectively – and they spoke highly of UofL.

Since she loved the area and had relatives who taught at UofL, Jen enrolled in two classes and rediscovered her love for learning, and proceeded to enroll in the online BS OLL program. When we asked her about her experience, Jen stated, “The coursework is comprehensive and is highly relevant to my current professional role as a Corporate Paralegal, where I support the many entities my organization owns, and maintain compliance while providing support to the General and Deputy Counsel and Corporate HR department. What I learn today, I apply on the job tomorrow.”

Jen has not only reignited her passion for learning but has also discovered a community of support. She shared, “While interacting with many of my professors, Dr. Thomas Teague has been incredibly inspiring by fostering a learning environment with a sense of community, showing that he cares, encouraging engagement among classmates, and providing a safe space to collaborate. I have seen firsthand how this sense of community has created a cycle of interconnectedness and support among students. Dr. Teague also provided immense inspiration each week and just when I needed it most. His attentiveness to students is precisely what adult learners need to remain motivated to press on to the finish line.”

Jen’s lifelong goal of graduating is around the corner, and she already has plans of pursuing graduate school next. She credited English Department instructor Steve Smith as he reminded her that, “Completing the degree wasn’t just checking a box on a life goal but rather one that should be continued.” 

As Jen prepares for graduation, she notes, “I am a better person for having pursued UofL’s OLL program. Through the coursework and a critical thinking approach to organizational challenges, I have sharpened my skills and added robust experience to my professional tool bag.”

Thank you, Jen, for sharing your story. Best of luck as you approach graduation in May 2025!

You can learn more about UofL’s online OLL program here. 
The University of Louisville Earns Military Friendly® Gold Seal for ‘24-’25

The University of Louisville Earns Military Friendly® Gold Seal for ‘24-’25

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The University of Louisville (UofL) has received the prestigious Military Friendly® Gold Seal for the 2024-2025 academic year. This gold-level recognition, achieved for the third consecutive year, places UofL among an elite group of only 12 R-1 universities to earn this distinguished honor. Additionally, UofL has been recognized with the Military Spouse Friendly® designation, underscoring the institution’s commitment to supporting military members and their families. 

Why the Military Friendly® Gold Seal is Significant  

The Military Friendly® Gold Seal designation highlights the university’s commitment to supporting military members and their families as they pursue higher education. UofL offers military-connected students flexible and supportive learning environments, no matter where their service takes them, with an extensive catalog of online programs and resources for military-connected students.   

Kayla Lopez, the National Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly®, explains the importance of this designation: “Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and data-driven standards. Schools that achieve the Gold Seal not only meet but exceed these standards, showcasing a genuine commitment to enhancing the educational experience for the military community.” 

UofL’s Commitment to Military Students and Families 

UofL’s continued recognition as a Military Friendly® Gold Seal School and its Military Spouse Friendly® designation demonstrates its ongoing dedication to supporting military-affiliated individuals. Key benefits for military-affiliated students include: 

  • Tuition Assistance: Special rates are available for active-duty, Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard service members who qualify. See tuition rates by individual program for specific details. 
  • Deployment Flexibility: Return to your program seamlessly after deployment assignments without any penalties. 
  • Credit for Military Experience: Earn college credit toward your degree for your military experience, working knowledge, leadership, professional development or any certificate program courses you have previously taken.
    • Click here to see the online programs currently awarding credit for these areas.
  • Career and Transition Support: Access comprehensive career guidance, planning services and transition assistance to help you achieve your professional goals.
  • Dedicated Support Team: The Center for Military-Connected Students is here to support you and help you reach your educational and career objectives.  

Ready to Advance Your Education? 

UofL is dedicated to helping military-affiliated students achieve their educational and career goals. Discover how UofL’s online programs can support your ambitions and provide a flexible, high-quality education. Click here to learn more and get started!
Use Blackboard Ultra as a Tool to Facilitate Your Academic Success

Use Blackboard Ultra as a Tool to Facilitate Your Academic Success

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For many, Blackboard is a familiar resource and tool used by many colleges and universities around the country to help students manage their assignments, locate a syllabus, communicate with professors and so much more. While beneficial for in-person students, Blackboard is particularly helpful for online students, who don’t always have the opportunity of being able to check in with professors in-person.  

Starting with the fall 2024 semester, UofL has transitioned to Blackboard Ultra! Blackboard Ultra provides users with a more modernized view and better accessibility for mobile users.  

For those who have been away from school for some time, managing and navigating this software can certainly be intimidating. That’s why we took the time to prepare two quick resources to help you learn how to navigate this platform with ease, simplifying your academic pursuits!  

Click here to watch a quick video from Blackboard Ultra that can help you better understand where to find common features, like where your grades and assignments are located.  

Additionally, you can click here for a full Blackboard orientation! This can be especially helpful for first time users, or for those who have been away from higher education for an extended time.   

The start of the semester can be a challenging and overwhelming time, with new software, due dates, expectations and so much more getting thrown at you all at once. Let us be the first to say, we believe in you! You’ve made the exciting and honorable choice to advance your life and your education, and we’re here to support your journey however we can. Check out the links above to learn more about Blackboard Ultra, and best of luck with the start of your new semester! Go Cards!  

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