Category: Feature Stories

Read UofL Online feature stories highlighting university achievements, faculty excellence, and the dedication of military students and partners in online learning.
University of Louisville Recognized with “Best Online Programs” Award by U.S. News & World Report for 2026, a Decade of Excellence! 

University of Louisville Recognized with “Best Online Programs” Award by U.S. News & World Report for 2026, a Decade of Excellence! 

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We are thrilled to share the exciting news that, in a span lasting a decade, the University of Louisville (UofL) has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for having some of the Best Online Programs in the nation! The 2026 rankings re-affirm UofL’s fully online programs as some of the nation’s leading educational opportunities across multiple categories, including: 

Kelvin Thompson, EdD, Vice Provost for Online Strategy and Teaching Innovation at UofL, highlighted the importance of quality online education in advancing lives and careers while offering the flexibility to balance life’s responsibilities. Dr. Thompson stated, “Providing accessible, high-quality online higher education is crucial for American social mobility. At UofL, our students come from all walks of life and in all manner of circumstances (e.g., First Generation, post-traditional, under-resourced, etc.), and recognition from organizations like U.S. News & World Report reaffirms our commitment to excellence in everything we do.” 

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, we understand the challenges you face as a learner. That’s why we’re committed to providing flexible, high-quality online education that aligns with your needs. UofL has over 70 online programs across the undergraduate and graduate levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and a wide variety of certificate programs. Whether you’re juggling a career, family care or other priorities, UofL’s online programs are designed to help you succeed. 

To further extend our commitment to education, we introduced several new online programs in 2025, including our very first online PhD program, the online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development with a Specialization in Higher Education Administration!  

Join the ranks of our successful online learners who have embraced the UofL advantage. Your future starts here! View all our available programs and get started today on advancing your education with an online degree from UofL! 

For those interested in exploring UofL’s online programs, the enrollment team can be reached at 502.852.8565, or visit louisville.edu/online for more information. 
A Story of Leadership, Service and Advocacy: Meet DSW Student Lindsay Gutierrez 

A Story of Leadership, Service and Advocacy: Meet DSW Student Lindsay Gutierrez 

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On November 11, 2025, UofL DSW student Lindsay Gutierrez appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show to share her inspiring story. Lindsay is a two-time living organ donor, an Air Force veteran and an advocate for both living donors and American veterans. 

In honor of Veterans Day, Jennifer welcomed Lindsay as a special guest whose service did not end when the uniform came off. On the show, Lindsay shared how she saved multiple lives through living organ donation. Her first donation was her kidney, which went to a fellow veteran. Later, she gave 40% of her liver to someone she had never met. Her appearance served as a powerful reminder that service comes in many forms and that love can break barriers to create new hope for others. 

Her commitment to service began during her years in the Air Force where she discovered a deep calling to help others. That calling led her to social work and later to UofL’s online DSW program where she is focused on the mental health and long-term support of living donors. 

Her work shows the heart of the doctoral program in social work and highlights what it means to lead with knowledge and compassion. 

Why Choose the University of Louisville’s Online DSW 

UofL’s online Doctor of Social Work gives experienced social workers the advanced skills they need to grow their impact in classrooms, agencies and communities. 

DSW Program includes: 

  • A 100% online format built for working professionals 
  • Applied coursework that supports leadership, teaching and organizational change 
  • An applied capstone project shaped by your professional goals 
  • A supportive and engaging online learning cohort  

 
Apply by March 15 to Start Fall 2026 
Pathways to Leadership: Online BS OLL and Online MBA

Pathways to Leadership: Online BS OLL and Online MBA

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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 

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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! 






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