Online Student Resources

Melissa Hill Online Student Highlight (BS in OLL and MBA)

By Conner Mackowiak | November 5, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Online BS in OLL Graduate, Current Online MBA Candidate

Hope is a powerful thing. It stems from a belief in the possibility of something better, of a future that can be achieved with some hard work and a little luck. Hope requires nurturing, with love and attention given in the appropriate amounts.

Hope is the exact characteristic that Melissa Hill demonstrates in her daily life. Melissa is a graduate of UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS in OLL) and is a current candidate in UofL’s 100% online MBA program. Melissa originally started her undergraduate journey at UofL in ‘91, though she wasn’t sure that college was the right fit for her at the time. She entered the workforce and spent the next few decades raising her family and building her career. After some input from mentors and conversation with her family, she made the decision to complete her undergraduate degree online with UofL’s BS in OLL program, with a track focus on Healthcare Leadership. She didn’t stop there however; after completing her undergraduate degree, Melissa made the bold move to start up with UofL’s online MBA program, something she described initially as being out of her comfort zone.

Melissa is a natural leader, and her story demonstrates that it’s never too late to take a leap of faith in life. Melissa had a hope for a better future when she resumed her undergraduate journey; she is now on track to graduate with a UofL MBA in May 2026. Watch her story below:

Do you have hope for your future? Consider what that might look like with UofL’s Organizational Leadership & Learning bachelor’s and the MBA+ program, both 100% online, on your time!

Earn Your MBA+ at UofL

By Conner Mackowiak | September 26, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Earning an MBA is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your career. It opens doors to new opportunities, expands your understanding of business and connects you with a network of ambitious peers who share your drive for success.

But what if your MBA could do even more?

At the University of Louisville, our online MBA program goes a step further. While completing your MBA, you can also earn a Graduate Certificate in one of six specialized fields at no extra cost and without extending your timeline.

This unique opportunity allows you to tailor your MBA to your passions and professional goals. Imagine standing out in your field with expertise in:

Horse Racing Business

Distilled Spirits Business

Franchise Management

Business of Healthcare

…and more!

By pairing your MBA with a graduate certificate, you’ll graduate with both broad business knowledge and targeted expertise, making you even more competitive in the job market.

Hear From Our Program Director

Want to know more about how it works? In the video below, Dr. Zac Goldman, Director of the Online MBA program, explains how students are using the certificate option to gain an edge in their careers.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t wait—this is your chance to earn an MBA+ a Graduate Certificate at no extra time or cost. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and set yourself apart in today’s competitive business landscape. Learn more here!

Prioritize You: Celebrating International Self-Care Day as an Online College Student

By Laura Dorman | June 16, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

July 24 marks International Self-Care Day, a reminder for all of us—especially online college students—to slow down, check in and invest in our well-being. When classes, work and life blend together on a screen, it’s easy to push YOU to the bottom of your to-do list.

Self-care is whole being care, essential to your academic and personal success.

Why Self-Care Matters for Online Students

Your typical days may be filled with lectures, assignments, discussion boards along with a job and personal responsibilities. The flexibility of online learning is a huge advantage, but it also requires strong self-discipline and boundaries. Without those boundaries, burnout can sneak in, silently. That’s where a solid self-care routine comes in.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. It fuels your focus, lowers your stress and improves your ability to retain information and deadlines and enjoy their college experience.

How to Discover Self-Care That Works for You

Self-care looks different for everyone. The key is to find activities that help you recharge mentally, physically and emotionally. Here are a few ways to explore what self-care practices may suit you:

Identify what energizes or calms you. Are you more relaxed after a walk, journaling or chatting with a friend? Pay attention to what helps you feel grounded and reset.
Try something new each week. Not sure what works? Explore meditation apps or videos, stretch or dance breaks, digital detoxes, or creative hobbies like painting or baking.
Schedule it like a class. Block off time on your calendar for self-care—even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.
Discover free resources. Check out wellness-focused podcasts and YouTube channels for ideas on workouts, mindfulness exercises and creative tutorials to help you unwind.
Don’t overlook the basics. Good sleep, hydration and regular breaks are simple yet powerful self-care tools.

Your Self-Care = Your Success

Building a self-care routine that works for you is an investment in your long-term success. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to manage stress, stay focused and fully engage in your studies.

So, remember to mark July 24 as a day for you, when you take a moment to pause and ask yourself: What do I need right now? Then give yourself permission to act on it and honor that need. And while you’re at it, mark some time on the days leading up to and following July 24. Why not? You deserve it.

For more resources, visit our UofL Online student resources page.

According to LinkedIn, MBAs are back in style; we say, they never left.

By Conner Mackowiak | April 10, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

A recent LinkedIn news story shared that professionals are seeking MBAs and similar graduate business degrees once again. The story cited a recent application trends survey indicating that 2-year MBA applications had grown 19% in 2024.

UofL’s online MBA program director, Dr. Zac Goldman, had this to say of the article:

“Given current economic uncertainties, these trends are not terribly surprising. When career or industry outlooks worsen, many people invest in pursuing an MBA to enhance their future prospects. Like anything, MBA applications can trend up or down year-over-year; but long-term, the MBA degree continues to be one of the most resilient and valuable credentials across industries. Those who earn an MBA consistently have greater access to promotions and other opportunities, while also earning more on average than those without an MBA. Our team in the College of Business at UofL is always ready to support and assist professionals who are ready to take this important next step in their careers.”

UofL’s online MBA is designed with the future in mind. This program was created with built-in graduate certificate opportunities and innovative electives, all meant to prepare you for leadership in the workplace of tomorrow. This program also features a 10-day business trip built into the program, intentionally added to give students a global perspective from a program which can be completed from your living room, 100% online.

This program also features the Cardinal Choice Assignment, an exciting deliverable completed throughout the course of the program which allows you to tailor your degree to the Career, Industry or Issue that matters most to you. Doing so allows you to show a prospective employer the diligent work that you completed while still a student in the program.

If you’re interested in joining the growing number of future business leaders looking to energize their future with an MBA, learn more about our program and start your application today!

The Priority Deadline for fall semester applications is May 1.

Category: Online Student Resources