Presented each year at the DEAC Annual Conference, the Outstanding Graduate Award honors graduates from DEAC-accredited institutions who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, professional excellence, perseverance, and the transformative impact of distance education. The award recognizes individuals whose educational journeys inspire others and reflect the value of accessible, career-focused learning.

Ashley Haas was selected as American National University’s Outstanding Graduate nominee in recognition of her dedication to her education, commitment to the pharmacy profession, and determination to achieve her goals through higher education.

“Ashley’s recognition by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission is a proud moment for the entire American National University community,” says university president, Dr. Frank Longaker. “Her achievement reflects the determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence that define so many of our students. We congratulate Ashley on this well-earned honor and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in her profession.”

American National University’s Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree program prepares students for rewarding careers supporting pharmacists in retail, hospital, and other healthcare settings. Through a combination of flexible online coursework, laboratory experiences, and practical training, students develop the technical knowledge and professional skills needed to provide safe, effective patient care.

“Ashley Haas exemplifies the dedication, perseverance, and professionalism that we strive to cultivate in our students. Throughout her time in the Pharmacy Technician Program, she consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for learning,” says Pharmacy Technician program dean, Dr. Aboagye. “This recognition by DEAC is a well-deserved achievement, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate her success and the positive impact she will continue to make in the pharmacy profession.”

The DEAC Outstanding Graduate Award celebrates graduates whose accomplishments extend beyond the classroom, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their careers while serving as ambassadors for the value of accredited distance education. Award recipients are honored during DEAC’s annual conference and featured through individual recognition highlighting their educational journeys.

American National University congratulates Ashley Haas on this outstanding achievement and thanks her for representing the University with excellence, professionalism, and determination.

About American National University

Founded in 1886, American National University is committed to providing career-focused education that empowers students to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. The University offers certificate, diploma, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in high-demand fields including healthcare, business, information technology, cybersecurity, and more. Through flexible online and campus-based learning options, experienced faculty, and personalized student support, American National University helps learners balance their education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Guided by a mission to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong success, American National University continues to serve a diverse community of learners by delivering practical, workforce-relevant education designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s employers.

*Banner is a screencap of the video of Ashley Haas speaking about her award presented by DEAC. View that here.

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“The invitation itself speaks to the relationships we’ve built over many years,” Dr. Longaker said. “Our partnerships in Mongolia continue to grow because both sides recognize the value of providing students with access to high-quality education and preparing them for careers in an increasingly global workforce.”

One of the visit’s most significant achievements was the signing of an agreement with Ömnögovi Province, one of Mongolia’s 21 provinces located in the southern region of the country. The province, among the country’s most economically significant regions due to its mining industry, is investing in higher education as part of its long-term workforce development strategy. The agreement marks the first time American National University, or any other US University has partnered directly with a Mongolian provincial government.

Under the agreement, Ömnögovi Province will sponsor up to 15 students pursuing nursing or computer science degrees at American National University.  “This is the first province in Mongolia that we’ve established an agreement with,” said Dr. Longaker. “This partnership is really the culmination of years of work. It reflects both the strong interest among Mongolian students in earning an American education and American National University’s commitment to helping them achieve that goal.”

During the visit, university leaders renewed and expanded articulation agreements with Royal International University and Global Leadership University and established a new partnership with IKH Zasag University. These agreements provide students with streamlined pathways to continue their education at American National University after completing coursework in Mongolia.

Visiting Mongolia also built upon American National University’s first partnership in the country, established more than 15 years ago with Royal International University. Since then, the university has steadily expanded its presence in the country, creating pathways for Mongolian students to continue their education in the United States while strengthening academic collaboration between institutions.

The partnerships also foster collaboration between faculty and institutional leaders while increasing educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing graduate education and career-focused degree programs. “Our international partnerships are about much more than enrollment,” Dr. Longaker said. “They are about creating opportunities for students, sharing knowledge between institutions, and helping prepare graduates to succeed wherever their careers may take them.”

These initiatives are designed to help address workforce needs within Mongolia by preparing graduates with specialized skills before they return home to contribute to their communities. While the partnerships expand educational opportunities for students from Mongolia, Dr. Longaker emphasized that they also enhance the educational experience for students throughout American National University.

“Our students learn from their professors, they learn from their textbooks, and they learn from the classmates sitting beside them,” he said. “Students from Mongolia and other countries bring different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking into the classroom. That exchange of ideas benefits everyone.”

As classrooms become increasingly diverse, students gain firsthand experience working with classmates from different cultures and backgrounds—an important advantage in today’s interconnected workforce.

“We believe it’s incredibly valuable for students to understand other cultures and learn from people with different experiences,” Dr. Longaker said. “Whether our graduates work in the United States or elsewhere in the world, they’ll be working in a global economy. These experiences prepare them to collaborate, communicate, and lead in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.” These partnerships reflect American National University’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to career-focused education while building meaningful international relationships.

The university continues to welcome students from around the world, and school leaders believe partnerships like these create lasting benefits for students, institutions, employers, and communities in both countries. “What we’re building is more than partnerships,” Dr. Longaker said. “We’re building relationships that strengthen the university, create opportunities for students, and prepare graduates to succeed in an increasingly connected world.”

About American National University

Founded in 1886, American National University has been preparing students for meaningful careers through career-focused education for more than 140 years. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across healthcare, business, and technology for in-demand fields. Through flexible online and campus-based learning options, the university serves students throughout the United States and around the world.

American National University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that prepares graduates to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global workforce. The university’s emphasis on practical, workforce-aligned education, personalized support, and strong industry partnerships helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their professional goals while making a positive impact in their communities.

To learn more about American National University and its programs, visit an.edu.

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

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Ebony Bailey, a mother of five from Memphis, Tennessee, is at the beginning of her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at American National University, stepping into a field she says has felt like a lifelong calling. She shares that nursing was something she first imagined pursuing as a child, with a long-standing interest in pediatrics and pediatric oncology, though she spent years exploring other academic paths while trying to find where she truly belonged. A recent and difficult hospitalization following a personal health setback became a turning point for her, as the care and compassion she received from nurses left a lasting impression and inspired her to ask questions about the profession while still in the hospital. That experience, along with a step into medical assistant training to test the waters of healthcare, ultimately reaffirmed her decision that nursing was not just an interest, but the path she was meant to follow. Her dedication to her craft earned her the title of Term Trailblazer for Term 260!

Ebony got her start in the medical field by becoming a certified medical assistant. Earning that education inspired her to join American National University’s BSN program to fulfill the dreams she’s had since she was a young girl. “That just gave me the extra push to go ahead and do nursing,” she explains. During her tenure in the hospital is when Ebony found us for her education. “I know I have kids, so my biggest thing was finding a place that would work around my schedule. I know I need a job, and I know that I needed something that was flexible,” she recounts about her motivation to joining our program.

“And [American National University] is most definitely flexible! I love the fact that [they] have night classes, because my mornings are always tied up with my children… To be honest, that probably was my number one, top choice on why I chose [American National University].”

Despite only being in her third term of her education, Ebony has found great success in her classes. She not only utilizes her previous medical assisting and phlebotomy experience to get through her anatomy classes, but her professors are all well-versed in what they do. “The teachers are very knowledgeable,” she says, “I feel like if I can ask my teacher a question and they’re able to answer it, that’s big for me. Because a lot of schools I went to I feel like I was teaching myself. I can read a book, but I need somebody to explain it to me, not in the book way, but [their] way.”

Some of the professors that have already made an impact on Ebony are Dr. Carlos da Silva, Tina Ousley, Dr. Michelle Ginn. “I love Dr. Ginn’s classes, all of her classes are awesome!” She exclaims.

So far, in her education, she appreciates the time she has available to her. “I like the fact that I actually have time to work on my schoolwork! Most of our schoolwork opens on Sundays, that gives me time because Sunday is usually my downtime, anyway. I use my Sundays to actually get ahead,” she explains. “I really like that they put things in Canvas early so if I’m done with week three notes, I can move onto week four if I want to!”

Her future goals once included working in pediatric oncology because of advertisements she used to see growing up. However, now she hopes that within the next ten years, she can work in cancer research. “I love to research, I love to read, I love to use the microscope,” she said. This is inspired by both the loss of her mother to breast cancer, and her close friend being diagnosed with lung cancer. She also recalls making a promise to a little girl that she would “make a difference someway, somehow.”

Would she recommend the university to anyone else looking to earn their higher education? “Yes I would! Actually, I already have!”

“I just feel like [American National University] is the perfect school for any parent or adult learner who’s not really into going to a big class… I’ve never seen a school so flexible a day in my life, and I have been to a lot of schools!”

Ebony’s advice to new students at the university would be “do not wait until the last minute!” She recommends making a schedule and utilizing the classwork and assignments as soon as they are open on Canvas. “Even though you’re in nursing school, still make time for yourself! Mental health is very important. You do not want to get burnt out already while you’re in school – you aren’t even in the field yet!” Her favorite way to motivate herself is to reward herself with tacos at the end of a week when she meets all of her goals.

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The Important Role of the Medical Laboratory

Laboratory testing serves as one of the important unseen facets of modern healthcare. As said by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), Medical Laboratory professionals are “vital healthcare detectives.” Before a physician can diagnose an infection, monitor a chronic condition like diabetes, identify the cause of unexplained symptoms, or develop an effective treatment plan, they often depend on laboratory results to provide critical insights. While patients may spend only a few minutes having blood drawn or providing a sample, the testing that follows plays a significant role in guiding their care. From routine wellness screenings to complex diagnostic investigations, laboratory data helps healthcare providers make informed decisions with greater confidence and accuracy. Without the work performed in clinical laboratories, many of the diagnoses and treatments we rely on today would simply not be possible.

This is where Medical Laboratory Technologists make a meaningful impact. Working behind the scenes, MLTs analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other patient specimens using sophisticated laboratory instruments, microscopes, and testing technologies. Their role requires a combination of scientific knowledge, technical skill, and attention to detail, as even the smallest finding can provide valuable information about a patient’s health. In many ways, Medical Laboratory Technologists act as healthcare detectives, carefully examining samples for clues that may reveal infection, disease, nutritional deficiencies, or other medical conditions. By generating accurate and reliable test results, they provide physicians and healthcare teams with the information needed to better understand what is happening inside the body and determine the most appropriate path forward for patient care.

What patients cannot say, their body can, and medical lab techs help translate.

The Kind of Testing Medical Laboratory Technologists Perform

Medical Laboratory Techs perform a wide range of tests that help healthcare providers diagnose illnesses, monitor ongoing conditions, and evaluate a patient’s overall health. While many people associate laboratory work with routine blood tests, the reality is that MLTs are involved in analyzing many different types of specimens and conducting testing across several specialized areas of the laboratory. Each specialty focuses on a different aspect of human health, and together they provide a more complete picture of what may be happening inside a patient’s body. Below are a few of several that medical laboratory techs can enter into.

Hematology

When many people think of laboratory testing, hematology is often one of the first areas that comes to mind. In hematology, MLTs study blood and blood cells to help detect conditions such as anemia, clotting disorders, infections, and certain blood diseases. They often examine blood samples under microscopes and use automated analyzers to measure and evaluate various components of the blood, looking for abnormalities that may provide important clues about a patient’s health.

Hematology testing plays a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of medical conditions. Medical Laboratory Technologists who work in this area can be found in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and diagnostic laboratories, where they help provide the accurate results healthcare providers rely on every day.

Microbiology

This is the area of the laboratory that focuses on identifying bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause illness. In microbiology, MLTs analyze patient specimens, grow cultures, and perform testing to help determine what type of infection may be present. They may also assist in identifying which antibiotics or treatments are most likely to be effective against a particular microorganism.

Microbiology plays an important role in helping healthcare providers diagnose infections and develop appropriate treatment plans. Some common places where MLTs may perform microbiology testing include hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, public health laboratories, and research facilities.

Chemical Chemistry

This area focuses on analyzing blood and other body fluids to measure substances such as glucose, cholesterol, hormones, enzymes, and electrolytes. In this area of the laboratory, MLTs perform testing that helps healthcare providers evaluate how different organs and systems in the body are functioning. The results can provide valuable information about a patient’s overall health and help identify potential medical concerns.  Clinical chemistry testing is commonly used to monitor conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disorders, and heart disease.

Medical Laboratory Techs working in this department often operate advanced laboratory analyzers and computerized testing equipment to process large numbers of samples accurately and efficiently. These professionals can be found working in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare facilities where timely and reliable test results are essential to patient care.

Immunohematology

Immunohematology, often referred to as blood banking, focuses on ensuring patients receive safe and compatible blood products when transfusions are needed. In this area of the laboratory, MLTs perform blood typing, test compatibility between donor and patient blood, and help prepare blood products for routine procedures, surgeries, and emergency situations. Their work helps ensure that patients receive the correct blood products while reducing the risk of transfusion-related complications.

Because transfusions can be lifesaving, accuracy and attention to detail are especially important in blood banking. Medical Laboratory Technologists working in this specialty play a critical role in patient safety by carefully verifying results and following strict testing procedures. MLTs in immunohematology can often be found working in hospitals, blood banks, transfusion services, and other healthcare facilities that provide blood products to patients in need.

A Typical Day for MLTs

A typical day for a Medical Laboratory Techs is structured, fast-moving, and full of important details that directly support patient care. While no two shifts are exactly the same, and each of the aforementioned areas of work can have varying responsibilities, most MLTs follow a workflow that balances preparation, testing, analysis, and quality control.

A typical day can, but is not limited to, include, according to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Getting the lab ready for testing
  The day often starts with setting up the laboratory for incoming specimens. This includes checking that instruments are functioning properly, running quality control tests, and making sure everything is calibrated and ready to produce accurate results.
• Processing incoming patient samples
  Throughout the day, MLTs receive a steady flow of samples such as blood, urine, and other body fluids. Each specimen must be carefully labeled, sorted, and prepared before testing.
• Running diagnostic tests
  Once prepared, samples are analyzed using automated laboratory equipment or manual testing methods depending on the department. This could include loading samples into chemistry analyzers, examining blood under a microscope, or setting up cultures in microbiology.
• Reviewing and verifying results
  After testing, MLTs carefully review the data to ensure accuracy. If something looks unusual or inconsistent, they may repeat the test or troubleshoot equipment to confirm the findings before results are released to healthcare providers.
• Troubleshooting equipment and resolving issues
  Laboratory instruments are highly advanced but still require monitoring. If an analyzer flags an error or produces unexpected results, MLTs step in to identify the issue and correct it so testing can continue without delays.
• Maintaining quality and safety standards
  Throughout the shift, MLTs follow strict protocols to maintain a safe and controlled environment. This includes documenting procedures, cleaning work areas, managing supplies, and ensuring compliance with laboratory regulations.
• Communicating critical results
  When urgent or abnormal results come through, MLTs may need to quickly communicate findings to healthcare providers. In some cases, these results can directly impact immediate patient treatment decisions.

Places an MLT Can Work

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Physician offices
• Public health laboratories
• Research facilities
• Specialty clinics
• Blood donation centers

Check out this infographic from Laboratory Science Careers to see all of the different careers that can come from becoming a Medical laboratory technologist.

A Career That Helps Healthcare Move Forward

Medical Laboratory Technologists may work behind the scenes, but their role in healthcare is essential to every stage of patient care. Each day, laboratory professionals provide the accurate and timely test results that healthcare teams depend on to diagnose illness, monitor chronic conditions, guide treatment decisions, and improve overall patient outcomes. While patients may never see the work being done in the laboratory, the information generated there often plays a defining role in the care they receive. From routine screenings to urgent diagnostic testing, MLTs help ensure that providers have the answers they need when they need them most.

For students interested in combining science, technology, and healthcare into one meaningful career path, Medical Laboratory Technology offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact—one test, one sample, and one patient at a time. Through the Medical Laboratory Technology associate degree program at American National University, students can build the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to enter this in-demand field. The program is designed to prepare learners for real-world laboratory environments by introducing core testing areas, laboratory procedures, and quality standards that reflect current healthcare practices. Graduates are equipped to step into roles where precision, critical thinking, and attention to detail are essential—supporting healthcare teams and contributing directly to patient care through diagnostic science. If you’re ready to look for a future in this career field, visit American National University’s website: https://an.edu/programs/associates/medical-laboratory-technology-associates/

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After graduating high school in 2003, Robert Fiedler took a different path than many traditional college students. Rather than immediately pursuing higher education, he built a successful career in website design and development before discovering a passion that would ultimately shape the next chapter of his life: constitutional law. What began as a personal interest evolved into nearly a decade of work in legal research and analysis, including roles with legal and political think tanks. As he looked toward advancing his career and pursuing new opportunities within the legal field, he realized he needed the academic credentials to match his experience. At 40 years old, Robert enrolled in American National University’s Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies program to turn his passion into a profession. His dedication to his studies and career goals earned him recognition as a Term Trailblazer for Term 258.

When searching for a school, American National University stood out for a very specific reason:

“I was looking for a school where I could take what had been, for me, really sort of a personal hobby and a personal passion and get an academic background behind that as well,” he explained.

The university’s ABA-approval was a major factor in his decision. “What I love about [American National University] is because you guys do the online program, and you have the ABA [approval] which is totally awesome, and I love.”

Although he entered the program with years of professional experience, Robert found that the university exceeded his expectations. “I have been just so impressed with the quality of the teachers that I have had here,” he shared. He credits much of his success to the support he has received from faculty members, particularly Professor Sheri Clark and Dean Wendy Notz. “Professor Sheri Clark has been so amazing and so supportive of me. It’s great because I know that she shares my interest and my passion in constitutional law, and it’s been so great to have her,” he said. “Dean Wendy Notz has been very supportive of me as far as not only my education here, but encouraging me to continue my education elsewhere, encouraging me to maybe go on to get another degree, maybe go to law school. So they’ve both been just absolutely fantastic.”

One aspect of the online learning experience that surprised him was how connected it felt. Through faculty encouragement, students formed class discussion groups outside of the classroom environment, helping create meaningful connections with their peers. “I’m always surprised how much I am sort of meeting and becoming friends with classmates who are working in the medical field, or they’re working in finance, or they’re working in business,” he said. “It’s really amazing how varied the backgrounds of the students here are.” These connections were built because of Dean Notz encouragement for the Paralegal students to create chat groups to connect. “And that has been really amazing for me as well, because that’s really a way for me to connect with the other students in my class on a one-on-one basis, almost in the way you would in a real-world face-to-face class.”

Robert has already seen the impact of his education on his professional work. Courses in legal research and writing have strengthened his understanding of Bluebook citation, APA formatting, and the academic rigor required in the legal profession. “I think the big thing is academic rigor,” he began. “In my work in the past, I have tried to be very inclusive of blue book citations, but I never really had a formal education in how to do that. First, through legal research and writing, which I took with Dean Notz, which gave a very, very comprehensive understanding of how to do Blue Book citations, but also through formatting and including that has been really important for me.

“It’s really improved the professional tenor of my work when I put it out now.”

His ultimate goal is to work for a public-interest law firm focused on constitutional rights, such as the Institute for Justice. After previously being turned down for opportunities because he lacked formal academic credentials, he believes his education at American National University is helping position him for the future he envisions. “I’m really hoping that by getting this degree, by getting the ABA [approval], and other things too, like the LexisNexis certification, it’s really going to set me up for that next step that I really want to take.”

Would he recommend American National University to others? Absolutely. “The price is so exceptionally reasonable,” he said. “The remote learning program you have for the paralegal program is just fantastic for anyone who wants to get into legal studies in general.” He also emphasized the importance of the program’s ABA approval, noting, “That means so, so, so much in this field.” When asked to summarize his experience at the university, Robert didn’t hesitate. “It’s been fantastic,” he said. “I can’t say enough great things about the professors. They have absolutely been amazing.”

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For years, pursuing a career in law remained a dream on the back burner for Melissa Winans. Between supporting her husband through a decade of active-duty military service in the Marines, raising two children, working full-time, and earning both an associate and bachelor’s degree online, life was filled with responsibilities that came first. With a strong work ethic instilled by her mother and a determination to keep moving forward, Melissa built a successful career spanning across customer service, operations, management, and government services. But the goal of working in the legal field never faded. Inspired by the belief that it’s never too late to pursue a passion, she enrolled in American National University’s Paralegal Studies Certificate program, viewing it as the opportunity to finally turn a lifelong interest in law into a new career path. Her dedication to her education earned her the title of Term Trailblazer in her final term!

Working in law has been Melissa’s dream for as long as she can remember, but life changed the course of her plans as she started her family and supported her husband through active-duty service. However, after working with a “phenomenal” paralegal, Melissa knew where she wanted her future career to go. “It was that point for me when I looked at him and was like, ‘I’m going back to school!’ That was my turning point right there,” she explains.

When Melissa began looking for her Paralegal education, she already had one of the key skills that all Paralegals need: research. “I did a lot of research. I knew that I absolutely, hands-down, needed an ABA-approved school,” she says, “I want that ABA stamp on there. So I went further, I looked into the Military Friendly, because I did utilize Chapter 35 [benefits]. So I’m like ‘who has this program? Who could I possibly have classes with veterans or their family members?’ And it was 100% [ANU].” When she finally applied, ANU’s financial services team was able to help her through the process of utilizing her benefits. “The financial aid team definitely did help me. They had to walk me through not just the student loans again – because it’s been 10 or 12 years, I mean I have no idea what I’m doing anymore, so they definitely walked me through that.

And then they definitely helped me as far as utilizing my Chapter 35 benefits, because I had never used them before, I didn’t know how it worked. And they told me how it worked and walked me through it! They were a life saver on that part.”

Now that she has graduated, Melissa is working to get into the Paralegal field in places she hopes to help and benefit military personnel, veterans, and their families. Once she gets into the field, she knows her ANU education will have her prepared to jump into it “100%, hands-down.” She explains that earning her Paralegal Studies certificate has been harder than earning her previous bachelor’s degree. “That just bounces back with having to do everything right,” she explains. “Knowing that if you make a mistake, that clerk is going to send it right back! You have to not just find stuff on your own, but you have to utilize yourself and what you know.” She goes on to say that one of the very first classes she took in her program prepared her for the rest of the education she had ahead. “It was getting into LexisNexis, how to research LexisNexis, how to write, beginning that IRAC. That [class] in itself really homed in on what skills I was able to gain from that. And then going deeper into it, I wanna say Torts with Dean Notz, she really made sure we knew how to do an IRAC analysis. Come to find out what I thought I was doing correctly, I really only was doing it about 75%. There was more I should have done – and so now I do know how to do that correctly and that will stick with me for sure!” She says these two classes, Legal Research & Writing and Torts and Personal Injury, prepared her for everything she would experience within the field.

“Completing this program totally rewired my brain on how I write, how I think, how I look at things, how I research, how I raise my children!”

When asked which of her professors have left a positive impact on her, she responds, “each and every one of them have.” She goes on to name several: Professor Conrick, Professor Henderson, Dean Notz, and Professor Clark. “Yes, they each teach their own ways, but they give you their own perspectives. So going into it and having active practicing attorneys or active paralegals that are also instructors, you are getting all aspects of everybody’s brains! And I think that’s amazing.”

Melissa’s future goals include a five-year goal of getting into her career working with veterans. She also sees herself moving into a senior role or a management role. Upon reflecting on her goals, she states, “I don’t think I would have gotten at least to this point of actively applying to federal jobs if I hadn’t have gone through this program.”

Would she recommend ANU to others? “I actually already have done that!” She explains that she is part of several groups on Facebook for Paralegals and recommends the program there. “I have recommended ANU because they are an ABA program that just recently got their recertification for several years down the road. But not just that – even though it’s online, you still have that face-to-face time that is required. So you’re still in class for two hours whenever you do have class time,” she says. “I have done online school where they did not have lectures or class time, and then I’ve done it with ANU. And I would prefer [ANU]. I think you learn much better when you have somebody teaching you face-to-face and you’re interacting personally with your peers and instructors.”

Her advice to new Paralegal students is “to listen to the professors. Because they know what they’re doing, and they know what they’re talking about.” She says that students should be prepared to be humbled by what they do not know. “But it’s a great experience, and I would do it all over again with ANU! I really felt like I was part of something that was close-knit and not just doing something online.”

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After first graduating from American National University when it was known as National Business College in 2000 with an associate degree in accounting, Stephanie Holley built a career in the tax field before stepping away to focus on raising and homeschooling her two sons. Over the years, life brought both challenges and change — from navigating multiple sclerosis and breast cancer to facing major personal transitions later in life. Determined to create a new path for herself and driven by her faith, she returned to ANU at 53 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management, inspired by a desire to build a stable future and step confidently into a leadership role. Her hard work has not only deemed her a Term Trailblazer for Term 258 but has her inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at ANU!

While Stephanie enjoyed her time as a medical transcriptionist, the role she was in was being phased out. And after some thought, she said to herself, “why not return to ANU?” Upon her research, she found that we moved our business programs online, a big change since she attended in the early 2000s. “The fact that I could do it all at home, and I am so used to doing everything at home – I really enjoy it! When I saw that I could do it all online, and, of course, the financial aid, I’m like, ‘okay, this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” she explains with a smile. She also goes on to explain that her switch from accounting to management was to help her better her work with people and how to lead and supervise them. “I thought, ‘why not go back to ANU?’ when I found out they’re now a university instead of a college!”

“Having the Zoom classes is huge! I wouldn’t think it would make that big of a difference, but it does… I have learned so much just taking the six classes I have taken – but I am looking forward to getting my degree!”

In Stephanie’s time at ANU this time around, she has been impacted by her professors and the way they teach their courses. One that stands out to her is Dr. Steven Stoddard. “I graduated the first time with a 4.0, and I thought I would like to do that [now], but I’m 53 years old, my mind’s been affected by MS, there’s no way,” she begins to explain. “But Dr. Stoddard – I mean, I have become a better writer because of him… he really took what was in the reading and he made it applicable.” She goes on to explain how he made learning more than just reading from a textbook. “The first class I had him was Customer Service Management. And I thought the things I learned in that class I am taking that, because part of my job will be to start new businesses. I will take that and what I learned about how to segment your customers and everything – and that were things that were practical, and you don’t quite get it in the reading, but once you go through the Zoom class and doing the assignments, that’s what really put it in perspective.” While she entered class with apprehension, she left it with more knowledge and understanding than she could have guessed, and it’s made her both a stronger student, but a stronger future employee.

“I have embraced AI because I use it for research. I try to keep an AI journal to turn in with each assignment to say I use this for research. So just learning that kind of thing – that’s something I never would’ve even tried had I not been in school [at ANU].”

Stephanie’s goals after graduation reflect the journey she has been on to get here. “Hopefully still cancer free,” she begins, “and not getting any worse with my MS, because that can rear its ugly head at any time… just running this non-profit and, I guess the biggest thing is, to answer God’s calling for my life.” Upon her graduation, Stephanie talks about having a job lined up with a non-profit organization. “And so this happens to be part of it. I have been called to help run this non-profit. I want to honor Him with that calling and to help people to make their lives better… to make the world a better place and this is a steppingstone to that, by getting my degree and learning what I do need to know about taking on this endeavor.”

Would she recommend ANU to others? “Oh I definitely would! It’s been a great experience for me,” she says. She explains the differences between going on campus 26 years ago to her online experience now. “It’s casual, there’s been times I just want to wear my [pajamas], and I couldn’t do that if I were going on campus! It’s nice not to have to drive.” She also appreciates the structure of ANU. “I enjoy that the fact that it’s terms and not semesters. It seems like you do more classes in a year [with ANU] than you would if you were doing a semester.”

Her advice to new students who join ANU includes “keep an open mind and embrace technology, especially someone in their 40s or 50s, if you’re gonna go back to school, get to know the technology – because it’s going to be a big part of your life, and I think it’s going to be a big part of the future no matter what we do… Hard work pays off, and you’re never to old to go back to accomplish your dreams.”

The post Keeping an Open Mind appeared first on American National University.

When Egbeichi Egwu Okoro enrolled in the MBA program at American National University, she was balancing more than just coursework—she was navigating the field of corporate law in both the United States and Nigeria. What she found in the program reshaped not only her professional path, but her confidence in what she could achieve. She happily paints in her free time and advises other creative people on their intellectual property rights. Her work in the corporate world inspired her to dive into the business side with her education. Egbeichi’s dedication has earned her the title of Term Trailblazer for Term 258!

Question: Why Did You Choose ANU for Your Education? How Did You Find Us?

Answer: I found ANU through a colleague and upon doing my research, I realized that ANU’s curriculum was exactly what I needed.

Q: Why Did You Choose Your Program?

A: While my legal background has given me a deep understanding of business law, I chose this MBA program to solidify my business acumen and bridge the gap between my current experience and long-term goals, ultimately allowing me to better drive organizational outcomes.

Q: Where Do You Work? What Are Your Daily Responsibilities?

A: I work full-time for consulting firms where my daily responsibilities span from advisory to strategic implementation. While I secured my current role through independent initiative, my experience at ANU has significantly expanded my professional toolkit, enabling me to deliver more impactful, data-driven results for my clients.

Q: Do You Think ANU is Preparing You for the Work of Your Program?

A: Absolutely! ANU’s curriculum focuses on cross-functional knowledge to help leaders solve complex, parodical problems, a daily reality in my field. Additionally, by systematically embedding research skills into every course, the program ensures output is always grounded in rigorous, data-driven frameworks.

Q: How is Your Overall Experience with ANU? Do Any Moments Stick Out That You Will Take with You When You Graduate?

A: A moment that sticks out is an intensive project in Financial Management where I had to lead a cross-functional team under tight deadlines. Coming from a legal background, I initially focused on risk mitigation. However, collaborating with peers from finance and tech challenged me to pivot toward value creation. That shift in mindset, from being a ‘protector’ of assets to a ‘driver’ of growth, is something I will carry into every client engagement.

Q: Are There Classes or Instructors Who Made Positive Impacts on You?

A: Two professors were particularly impactful. Dr. Racquel Thompson-Best in Business Research taught me to use data to buttress my professional recommendations, while Dr. Traci Dingle in Legal Environment of Business helped me reframe my legal background as a strategic tool for value creation. Their courses provided the foundation for shifting my mindset from a risk-focused advisor to a driver of organizational growth.

Q: What Do You Like Most About ANU?

A: What I appreciate most is the immediacy of the curriculum. I can take a framework from Monday’s exercises and apply it to a client project on Tuesday. It’s not just academic theory, it’s about functional expertise that I can use in real-time.

Q: What Are Your Future Goals? Where Do You See Yourself in 5-10 Years?

A: In the short term, I plan to move into senior strategic roles where I can apply the frameworks from my MBA to manage more complex business operations. Looking ahead 5 to 10 years, I see myself in an executive leadership position, using my combined legal and business expertise to drive large-scale organizational growth. My focus is simply to become a versatile leader capable of navigating both the commercial and regulatory sides of a major enterprise.

Q: Would You Recommend ANU to Others Looking to Earn Their Higher Education? If so, why?

A: I would definitely recommend the program to professionals who want a practical, practitioner-led education. What sets ANU apart is the immediate ROI; the curriculum is designed so that you can take a framework from the courses offered and apply it to your work the very next day. It’s an ideal environment for those looking to sharpen their existing expertise with functional business acumen.

Q: What Advice Do You Have for New ANU Students?

A: My biggest piece of advice is to engage with the faculty early. Professors like Dr. Racquel Thompson-Best and Dr. Traci Dingle bring immense real-world experience to the classroom, and their insights can help you reframe your perspective far beyond the textbook. Also, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone; the real value of the program comes when you stop thinking like a specialist and start thinking like an integrated business leader.

The post Looking Beyond the Law appeared first on American National University.

Long Beach, California, native Siedra Johnson built her life around caring for others—both professionally and personally. Working as a direct support professional, she assists elderly individuals with their daily activities, a role that reflects her natural compassion and dedication. Raised by her grandmother, she grew up with a strong sense of resilience and creativity, often finding joy in creative ventures. Surrounded by a supportive boyfriend, family, and her two stepchildren, she found fulfillment in caregiving careers like home health, where helping others brought her a deep sense of purpose. Although she excelled in school, she once stepped away from her education—until the memory of her grandmother, who always believed she had what it took to work in healthcare, inspired her to pursue that dream with renewed determination. She joined American National University’s online Medical Assisting program to pursue her passions. With her dedication, Siedra was named a Term Trailblazer for Term 258!

When she made the decision to return to school, she began researching programs online, determined to find the right fit for her goals. It didn’t take long for American National University to stand out. “ANU was just on it! They answered all my questions, everything was [sic] timely, everybody was nice and very helpful… I got a good vibe from everybody, it just felt right,” she shared. That positive first impression was only strengthened by her experience with her admissions representative, I’Kea, who played a key role in making the process feel manageable and personal. “I’Kea was very supportive and she understood little things I had going on, she would work around it, I would work around her schedule, it was very cool!”

Throughout her time in the program, Siedra found encouragement and support from her instructors, including Carrie Rodriguez, Dr. Stephanie Denton, and Andrew Halverson. However, one professor who made a particularly lasting impact was Abby Chelstowski, especially during a challenging term when balancing school, work, and life became overwhelming. “She worked with me for Term 258! It was hard! It was like – I wouldn’t say it was hard, it was just with work and the things I had to turn in – I was exhausted! I started procrastinating a lot. And most professors won’t get into depth… she was like, ‘hey, you didn’t turn this in, if you don’t turn in something, you’re gonna have to repeat all of this!’ I was probably like four or five weeks in [a term], she would open things back up for me… I would get it done,” she explained. In reflecting on her time in Professor Abby’s class, she smiled and said, “she was just like, ‘Sisi relax, you got this!’ She was just so supportive, it didn’t seem like she got irritated by my questions… She was always nice and prompt and I love her! She really got me here at this point.”

“I think they, for some positions, they probably overly prepare us for!”

Her future goals include working in a unit for children or within a clinic to give back to her community. “I would love to have an opportunity to work with babies!” She enthuses.

Would she recommend ANU to others? “I definitely would. Especially the busy person who [sic] can’t physically go into a school, that are working or busy with homelife… [With ANU], you can move how you want to, just make sure you get it done. I would definitely recommend it, it’s ten out of ten. And it’s a great online school!”

Her advice to new students: “Come to class, make time for your work, study but don’t overstudy, and just make sure you’re paying attention to all of the material the professors are posting. Check your emails to keep yourself on top of everything.”

The post Back to School, Forward in Purpose appeared first on American National University.

After dedicating 14 years as a full-time caregiver to her three special needs children, Vernee Thompson made the decision to return to school and pursue a Paralegal associate degree at American National University. Married for 16 years and supported by a strong network of family—including her husband, children, mother, siblings, and extended relatives—she approached her education with determination and purpose. Building on her previous bachelor’s degree, she chose to expand her skill set through ANU’s Paralegal program, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue new professional goals. Her journey reflects resilience, commitment, and the impact of a strong support system in achieving academic and career success.

Her decision to pursue a career in the paralegal field was driven by both practicality and personal interest. After initially planning to earn a second bachelor’s degree, she discovered that her intended program had been dissolved, prompting her to explore alternative educational paths. With a long-standing interest in law, she began researching various legal services careers and identified the paralegal profession as a strong fit. She reviewed programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) to ensure quality and credibility. “And since I wasn’t able to attend in person because of children’s disabilities, I decided to see if there were any online schools that the American Bar Association approved of,” she explained. “One of them was American National University, so I reached out to them, they reached back out to me, and that’s how I got enrolled!”

Vernee also highlighted how ANU’s paralegal program expanded her understanding of the paralegal role, as well as prepared her for the realities of the workforce. She explained, “I feel like I – it was a really great course in legal services and legal theory, something I didn’t really think about. Because I’m thinking, ‘oh I’m just a paralegal, I’m just gonna be handling paperwork.’ Well, it’s more than that. You’re also interviewing clients, you’re handling confidential information, you communicating with the courts, you’re communicating with attorneys.” Additionally, learning from career-experienced professors deepened her understanding. “It prepares you for the life of working in a law office – and it helps that your professors are also lawyers, or former paralegals, or current paralegals! So they understood what needs to be done in a law office through our assignments and discussions to help us become paralegals.”

She also pointed to the hands-on tools incorporated into the program as a key part of her preparation, particularly the use of industry-standard legal research platforms like LexisNexis®, which she had access to within her courses. Reflecting on this experience, she shared: “Lexis+ is basically a subscription for legal aid – it helps you look up cases, it helps you research how the cases were decided, how it was treated – was it treated negatively and favorably by the courts – and it gives you the background information on the cases. Also you can use it look up cases – previous cases, supreme court cases, cases in your state, federal as well as state administrative laws, and different things like that. So it was a great, helpful tool… for legal students to use because if you go to your law firm.”

“[ANU] prepares you for life outside of school. It’s not just a bunch of theories, but its real world applications mixed with clinical evaluations when you’re doing your assignments and doing your discussions.”

Throughout her time in the program, she found consistent encouragement and guidance from her instructors, including the Paralegal program dean Wendy Notz, as well as professors teaching her law and business like Traci Dingle, Dr. Lyndsey Obringer, Sheri Clark, and Lisa Custer. Reflecting on their impact, she shared, “All of the professors at ANU have been phenomenal for me. I could reach out to them, they were available for me, to answer questions timely. No question was off limits, everything was clearly explained, and if I had trouble with something, they were very detailed and they were very open and honest with me. All of them were very inspirational for me. So there is not a single one that I could say – they all inspired me, every last one of my professors did.”

Vernee’s future goals are to continue to be a solid figure for her children. Since graduating from ANU, she wants to work within the realm of family law as it was something she focused on in her previous career of social services. However, she takes things day by day. “I take it as it comes, and I just try to live each day to the fullest – because tomorrow is not promised to anybody!”

Would she recommend to ANU to other students looking to earn their higher education? “Yes, I would! I like the ease of the program. It’s still intensive because [a term] is ten weeks. But you learn so much in those ten weeks… You learn synchronously and you learn asynchronously as well,” she explained. “You know I also would recommend it because there’s the flexibility. If you work days, they have night classes – if you work nights, they have day classes. And the professors are very accommodating! I’ve met cohorts in my classes who have full time jobs and are [sic] full-time parents and they still were able to do their work, they were still able to attend their classes.”

“I think no matter where I go in law, I feel like I am prepared more than I would have been if I had not gone to ANU.”

Vernee’s advice to new students: “I would suggest that they do their work – not try to do everything at one time but try to space it out. Know your deadlines. Just time manage. If you have trouble, go to the professors, they’re very accommodating.”

The post From Home to the Courtroom appeared first on American National University.