Category: Feature Stories

Read UofL Online feature stories highlighting university achievements, faculty excellence, and the dedication of military students and partners in online learning.

Pathways to Leadership: Online BS OLL and Online MBA

Pathways to Leadership: Online BS OLL and Online MBA

Great leaders are vital to an organization’s success, now more than ever before. Managers, innovators, motivators and force multipliers are needed in almost every industry to drive meaningful change, inspire growth and improve performance. The University of Louisville recognizes this demand and offers online programs like our Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) as well as our Master of Business Administration (MBA), both curated to help students who are emerging leaders develop the skills they need to succeed.  

One such student is Melissa Hill, a BS OLL graduate and a current online MBA candidate. She came to UofL with decades of career experience which earned her Credit for Prior Learning and prepared her for the next step in advancing her education. Melissa knew that she was capable of more and went on to pursue her MBA online with UofL. Melissa is on track to graduate in Spring 2026.  

Watch Melissa’s story below:  

There’s more: BS OLL and MBA program directors, Dr. Randy Whetstone Jr. and Dr. Zac Goldman discuss how these programs benefit adult learners like Melissa Hill. Watch below: 

Whether you’re just getting started with your journey in leadership or you’re a seasoned professional ready to take things to the next level, UofL has the programs to help you move along the way. Click here and jumpstart your adventure today!  

From LPN to BSN: How Kasen Meek is Advancing His Nursing Career Online with UofL 

From LPN to BSN: How Kasen Meek is Advancing His Nursing Career Online with UofL 






When Kasen Meek decided to leave a career in marketing to pursue nursing, he knew he wanted a program that would help him serve his community while advancing his education. Through the University of Louisville’s online RN-BSN program, Kasen is doing exactly that. 
 
“The kindness of nurses struck me over and over again – and solidified that nursing was my calling,” Kasen said.  

Kasen enrolled in UofL’s LPN-to-BSN pathway, which allows working nurses to continue providing care while earning credit towards their degree through online coursework. The flexible format and strong faculty support have helped him balance coursework with his role as a licensed practical nurse in Kentucky. 

Meeting Kentucky’s Need for Skilled Nurses 
 
UofL’s online RN-BSN program is designed to meet the growing demand for nurses with a BSN degree. The program’s focus on leadership, evidence-based practice and community health prepares nurses like Kasen to make a greater impact on the profession and the patients they serve. 

Why Choose UofL Online for Your RN-BSN 

UofL’s online RN-BSN programs offers a number of benefits that make this program compelling to future nursing leaders. 

  • Transfer-friendly 
  • Taught by experienced faculty  
  • Scholarships available 

The benefits don’t stop there. Online RN-BSN students can earn credit for their prior nursing experience. This program offers a Professional Nursing Portfolio component that awards you 30-credit hours tuition-free (saving you more than a year of classwork and $11,250 in tuition). This helps students to save time and money on their path to becoming a nursing leader.  

Applications for the Spring Term are open now. Apply by December 1 to take the next step in your nursing journey. 

Apply today! 






How a Communication Degree Opens Doors to Diverse, High-Growth Careers 

How a Communication Degree Opens Doors to Diverse, High-Growth Careers 

In a world powered by media, messaging and connection, persuasive communication skills are more valuable than ever. The University of Louisville’s online Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication equips you to turn your voice into your career and your words into lasting impact. 

Why Communication Majors Thrive 

Communication graduates are everywhere: managing campaigns, directing teams, building brands and shaping the stories that move organizations forward. Over 3 million professionals work in communication‑related fields, earning a median annual wage of about $65,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) and other sources. For “media and communication occupations,” that figure rises to $70,300. Job growth for these roles is projected at roughly 7.8% from 2024–2034. 

Career Paths, Median Salaries and Projected Job Growth 

  • Public Relations Specialist: $69,780 (+6%) 
  • Communications Coordinator: $45,586 (+5%) 
  • Marketing / Advertising Manager: $138,730 (+6%) 
  • Corporate Communications Manager / Director: $89,000–$137,000 (+5%) 
  • Human Resources Specialist: $69,540 (+5%) 
  • Social Media Manager: $59,900 (+8%) 
  • Digital Content / Web Specialist: $50,983 (+7%) 

BA or BS: Two Paths, One Powerful Degree 

The Bachelor of Art (BA) in Communication emphasizes media, interpersonal skills and the cultural aspects of communication. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication focuses on analytical, data‑driven and research‑based communication. You can pick the degree path that best meets your career goals. Learn more about the differences between the BA and BS.

Flexibility That Fits Your Life 

100% online, transfer‑friendly and designed to fit your schedule. This program was designed with working professionals in mind. We know that life gets busy; make sure you can complete your degree on a schedule that works for you.  

Get Started Today! 

Strong communication skills help you get noticed and make an impact. With growing demand, competitive salaries and flexible learning, now is the time to invest in your communication skills. Get started today! 

Apply Now | Learn More 

Earn Your PhD Online At UofL

Earn Your PhD Online At UofL

The University of Louisville (UofL) recently launched the online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (PhD ELOD) with a Specialization in Higher Education Administration (HEA), the first online PhD program offered by UofL. This program was specifically designed with seasoned higher education professionals in mind and was deliberately curated to prepare these individuals for administrative leadership roles within their current or future higher education institutions. Given the evolving state of higher education, there has never been a greater demand for experienced professionals to lead universities into the future.  

This program combines rigorous research training, strategic leadership skills and hands-on research lab experience to create a well-rounded higher education leader. Our status as a Carnegie R1 University combined with nationally recognized faculty will allow you to thoroughly research topics like Student Experience and Campus Environments, Equity and Experiences in Postsecondary Education and more.  

Furthermore, this PhD program is specifically designed for you to complete your PhD without putting your career on hold. The 60 credit hour program combines online flexibility with immersive in-person experiences, like the in-person Summer Intensive at UofL’s campus, or the annual ASHE conference. These experiences create opportunities to bond with your cohort, expand your network and present research in front of your higher education peers.  

This program is meant for those who want to build, lead and inspire the future of higher education. Much will be required of students in this program, but extensive and difficult work is what makes the mantle of PhD meaningful. Learn how to earn yours today and join our inaugural cohort here 

Want to learn more about our program? Join our 11/12/25 info session at 12:00 p.m. EST, hosted by Program Director Dr. Casey George! RSVP here: https://uofl.me/4oXQ74H  

Program Director, Dr. Casey George