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.