Two Small Steps for a DL Graduate

Folks - I've been posting in this NG for some time now. I wanted to pass along some good news that has come in my life as a result of DL.

In 1992 when I started the DBA program at Nova Southeastern, I was a manager in an IT firm and an adjunct teacher at a local university. I loved to teach (and learn), but knew that to go into teaching full-time I had to have a doctorate. I worked for 4 and a half years in the NSU program to earn a DBA. When I started at NSU I had some doubts as to whether the degree was the right way to go and whether NSU was a viable institution.

About a year after I graduated I went into full-time teaching at a local university. Four years later I moved to my current school as an associate professor.

Yesterday, the board of trust at the institution I teach at granted me tenure. Also, a couple of weeks ago, I received notice that I've been accepted as a visitor for a professional accreditation body. These two accomplishments are small steps by one DL graduate, but certainly seem to validate the notion that a DL degree can be a viable way to advance one's career.

Both of these successes would not have been possible without a DL doctoral degree program. My DBA was a necessary, though not sufficient, condition for me to leave industry to a life that I truly love. Industry experience, teaching ability and scholarship were also part of the equation. Without the Nova program, I would still be in industry somewhere, teaching as an adjunct and yearning for a full-time teaching position. I know that I am not alone, as I have been in touch with NSU peers that have had similar experiences.

As was pointed out in a Chronicle Of Higher Education article a few months ago, DL degrees don't always work out as well for everyone. But for me - DL has really improved my life. Finally, as a Christian, I feel truly blessed by God to have had the opportunities I have had and to have had the support of my family through the past years.

Regards - Andy

 

Andy, I offer sincere congratulations on your steps upward. You may consider these as small steps, but I feel they are big ones.

As one of the few posters (perhaps the only one) who has met you in a DL academic setting, I feel a sense of shared pride in hearing of your successes.


The very best to you as you climb higher.

Bill Hurd

 

Congrats

Your supposed small step is a big one on the path of acceptance for distance learners.

 

Congrats Andy! Good News.

 

Please accept my most sincere congratulations for your recent accomplishments. Gaining tenure can be considered a testimonial to your hard work and service, and the recognition by a professional body should allow you to make an even larger impact in your field.

Regards,

J. Ayers

 

Andy, those are great news! Congratulations!!!

 

Congratulations, Andy. Your achievements are inspirational to me, and without doubt to many others as well.

 

This is terrific news for both Andy and those who might follow in his academic footsteps.

 

Congratulations Andy, and thanks for all your contributions to this forum.
Jack

 

Congratulations Andy!

You have been a source of reliable information and honesty for many years here and on the newsgroups. Thanks!

 

Congratulations Andy!

 

Andy, landsman, well done! Blessings, Janko

 

Andy,

As someone who has read your posts many times, I can say that
you always give others terrific advice and do so in thoughtful, professional manner. Congratulations to you! Who says good guys don't finish first? This proves they do.

 

Andy,

As someone who has read your posts many times, I can say that
you always give others terrific advice and do so in thoughtful, professional manner. Congratulations to you! Who says good guys don't finish first? This proves they do.

 

Congratulations Andy, these are terrific news.

 

Thank you

Thank you all for your kind comments. They are much appreciated.

Regards - Andy

 

Thank you

Thank you all for your kind comments. They are much appreciated.

Regards - Andy

 

Andy:
Congratulations! Your recent achievement is a giant stride for you in particular and for DL in general.

Ike Okonkwo, PhD
(Nova Southeastern University)

 

Congratulations Andy,

It is indeed an achievement and not small steps

Even though I had stopped pursuing my PhD this fall, you certainly have inspired me to consider re-taking a doctorate in the coming years (give or take 6 years from now) and to subsequently improve upon my personality and my life.

Education is indeed important, and especially higher education. What I have seen is that if one goes on to do studies through DL, it might not work out for academic or employment reasons in some cases, but it does build one's confidence and independent thought. On-campus training is definitely important in order to develop learning discipline, but is not vital in my view for graduate studies.

Once again, I am really happy about your accomplishment! Bravo

 

Congratulations, Andy.

Perhaps what moves DL forward the most are not the various programs that are offered by a growing number of schools, but rather it's the DL graduates, like Andy, who are smart and hardworking, who will give DL the legitimacy and recognition it deserves.

Well done.