American National University is proud to recognize the exceptional academic success of our students. Each term, we celebrate those whose commitment to their education has earned them placement on the President’s List or Dean’s List—among the highest honors awarded by the university. Students who achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA are named to the President’s List, while those earning a GPA between 3.5 and 3.9 are honored on the Dean’s List. For Term 256, we applaud these dedicated individuals for their determination, effort, and academic excellence. Congratulations on this outstanding and well-deserved accomplishment!

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After fourteen years working as a medical assistant, including time as an office manager, Danielle wanted to focus on the behind-the-scenes portion of healthcare. She wanted to gain knowledge of health information programs to pivot her career, and also to aid her in her future goals of becoming a registered nurse. She chose ANU to get her to this next stage of her career. She joined the Health Information Management program for many reasons. “I chose ANU because, for one, I know that it’s veteran-owned, veteran-founded,” she says. She continues, “when I was researching, I wanted something that had multiple stars, not just general reviews. I wanted something that had strong reviews. And I knew with ANU – looking at the reviews for the college and on social media also – you just see the high reviews for the college. So, for me, that’s what stuck out. And seeing students’ reviews is a huge plus for me.”

Through her experiences with ANU, Danielle’s professors have always stood out to her. Not only is she learning the skills she needs to succeed in her future career, but they have always been there for her to rely on, even when she isn’t in their classes. One who really stands out is Sherry Davis, the very same professor who nominated her to be a Term Trailblazer for Term 254. “I’ve been happy so far! My professors are amazing, I love Mrs. Davis,” she explains. “She’s been there for me through everything, from the beginning to now. Any questions I have, I can just reach out to her with no problem.

It just makes me feel that I’m wanted there as a student – that’s huge!”

Not only that, but Tracy Dingle has stood out to her for the same reasons. “She has high expectations for us as a student, but also if there’s questions, then don’t think we can’t ask [them],” she says of Professor Dingle. No matter what the question is or what Danielle is looking for, her professors have stuck by her side. “They always said, ‘if you’re not in my class, or in any one of the classes I’m teaching, we’ll always be here. Just reach out’.”

In her classes, Danielle is also receiving the experience she needs to jump into the workforce. Through simulations, she has been able to practice the skills she’s learned within her classes. “And doing the simulations we have to do, right now, on the sims chart – it’s fun for me! I sit there and I zoom through a lot of them because I’m like, ‘this is just fun!’ Inputting data, inputting medical history – it’s intriguing to me,” she explains.

“So they’ll give us a patient chart and tell us exactly what to do to document it – under appointment, immunization records, office visits, insurance data – so you’re doing what you would actually be doing in the field! You’re getting the hands-on portion of it.”

Many of Danielle’s initial goals revolved around being there for her family. “My first goal was, obviously, CPC (Certified Professional Coder) in billing and coding. I surpassed that goal – I passed. Ultimately, my goal with that was to work from home and to be able to have the flexibility with my kids,” she says. Upon reaching that goal, Danielle had realized she wanted and could do more. “I’m always one of those that likes to have more than one certification or career – it makes me more well-rounded. So I decided, ‘okay, let me go back for my RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)’ which will give me another step up with my CPC. Because I’m finding a lot of jobs – if you have both, you have a better opportunity at getting that job.” When she finishes her education at ANU, she hopes to work in a hospital setting. And then, in the future, she hopes to return to school to either become a registered nurse or to move into respiratory therapy, as she’s asthmatic and has been researching that field.

Something that is important to Danielle is the way she has returned to education even while taking care of her family. With children in sports and needing more healthcare, her life remains busy, but even so, she is pursuing education. “I am being that example for all four of my kids. If mommy can go back to school, and I can graduate, and I can get high honors, and I can have the 4.0 GPA – you can, too! It takes a little work ethic, it takes a little bit of effort, it takes the time to study, but anybody can do it. And I’m going to be that example for my kids.”

Would she recommend ANU to others? “I have – I’ve actually referred ANU to several people already! One, for the flexibility. Two, for the professors. And three, for the foundation of what they stand on and the education part of it. It’s worth it in the end.”

Her advice to new students: “Have a plan, have a calendar, you have got to set times aside – you got to [have] time management. You can’t just think you can whip through your assignments in one night – it’s not like that… You just got to take the time out and pick and choose what’s important to you. For me, it’s my classes and passing with a 4.0, and me learning and getting my education. And learning the material! The number one thing I can tell somebody is time management and play with the system until you get it down in what works for you, because everybody is going to be different.”

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Medical and Health Services Manager

This is often the most direct and clear path. This usually includes managing operations in a hospital, clinic, private practice, or public health department, among others. Managers in these positions often oversee budgeting and managing finances like patient fees and billing, recruiting, training, and supervising staff members, representing their facility at governing boards, and developing goals and objectives related to efficiency and quality of services. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this field is projected to grow 23 percent from 2024 to 2034.

Health Information Manager

For many who enter a Medical and Health Services Management educational path, the administrative track is where they want to be. Many join this field through medical billing and coding or health information management tracks. Some of the things that people managing health information do include, but are not limited to, overseeing medical records to ensure privacy and security of patients’ health information, implementing and managing electronic health record systems, ensuring compliance with governing bodies, and organizing and updating information in databases. Those in this role may pursue additional certification, such as from The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Assisted Living or Long-Term Care Administrator

One of the many places that those with this degree can become a manager of includes assisted living or long-term care homes. The Medical and Health Services degree can prepare students to run assisted living facilities. Many of these responsibilities are supervising staff, recommending changes to policies and procedures like reassessing recordkeeping, overseeing maintenance and repair to machinery, and ensuring the facilities are compliant with environmental, health, and security requirements and regulations. According to BLS, this career track is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034. And with the older generations aging to need care homes like this, many more managers will be needed to keep operations running smoothly.

Healthcare Compliance Manager

Those in management typically have the unique ability to not only understand what healthcare providers must do to care for patients but also understand the policy and work that goes into managing procedure. A consistent healthcare compliance manager is critical to maintain legal and ethical operations as regulations in healthcare can be complex and consistently evolving. These managers will regularly monitor, interpret, and implement healthcare laws, policies, and contracts as they change with the field. These managers ensure adherence to regulatory standards like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

A bachelor’s degree in Medical and Health Services Management opens the door to a wide range of impactful, fast-growing career paths—from medical office management and healthcare compliance to long-term care administration, consulting, and beyond. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, organizations need leaders who understand both the human and operational sides of care. If students are ready to step into a role where your decisions can improve patient experiences, streamline operations, and support healthier communities, this field offers a meaningful and rewarding future.

At American National University, the Medical and Health Services Management bachelor’s program is designed specifically for busy adults who want to advance their careers without putting their lives on hold. With flexible scheduling, career-focused coursework, and instructors who bring real-world healthcare experience into every lesson, ANU helps you build the practical skills employers look for—from leadership and compliance to finance and health information management. Whether you’re entering the healthcare field for the first time or leveling up your existing experience, ANU provides the support, structure, and knowledge you need to succeed. To learn more about ANU’s program, go to an.edu.

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

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For Samantha Kunz Voelker, a lifelong dedication to hard work has always been second nature. After years in retail, where her friendly and outgoing personality shined, she found herself longing for a career with more purpose and room to grow. When her husband was diagnosed with stage 4 heart failure, Samantha’s life changed dramatically. She became deeply involved in his care, learning everything she could about his condition and medical needs. That experience sparked a new passion for healthcare and inspired her to pursue her education at American National University, where she could build a meaningful career while continuing to care for her husband at home. Her dedication and determination recently earned her recognition as a Term Trailblazer for term 254!

At first, Samantha wasn’t entirely sure if a career in healthcare was the right path – she just knew how much she loved caring for her husband and children. As she began exploring schools online, one name immediately caught her eye. Her strong sense of patriotism drew her to American National University, and she decided to learn more. After filling out her information, she was soon contacted by a member of the admissions team, whose encouragement and guidance helped Samantha take the next step toward her new career journey.

“She made me want to go… she instantly made me feel like I was part of [ANU] already.”

Her education at ANU has given Samantha the confidence to improve the care she gives her husband, and to one day join the field of medical assisting. “It’s more than I ever thought,” she says, “being able to do school at home and work in my own comfort, I feel like I’m absorbing more. I don’t feel as intimidated.” Being online has given Samantha more freedom to learn in the comfort of her own home, whereas an in-person environment would cause her more stress. She explains that being in-person wouldn’t provide her the comfort to join discussions, whereas ANU’s Zoom sessions have given her that opportunity.

“I also think doing it online [with] the live lectures – the live lectures are actually my favorite part! Because the discussions – I get to hear everybody’s point of view about a topic about a certain topic so it makes me look at it in a way that I wouldn’t have looked at it before… I personally feel like I learn a lot more doing [classes] online than if I were doing it in a classroom.”

Samantha found the staff at ANU to be supportive of not only her journey but also her peers’ journeys at every turn. The Medical Assisting program chair, Carrie Rodriguez, is one of the first staff that made an impact on her. “She helps everybody. She’s just got a pure heart and she’s good in anything! If there’s ever any questions about anything – it could be something [that has] nothing to do with her – and she will help you in every way,” Samantha explains.

Additionally, Dr. Stephanie Denton has made a difference in her learning experience. “I absolutely love her!” Samantha begins, “she talks a lot, but she knows a lot about a lot. If she doesn’t know, she’s gonna look it up and tell you… She’s right there every bit of the way for everything that you’re doing. To me, that helped me learn a lot. She gave me a really good foundation to be able to be successful in [my] classes.” One of the highlights of ANU’s online experience is that it brings people from all over the country closer together. In Samantha’s time, she learned that Dr. Denton grew up not too far from where Samantha lives now. “After talking to her and getting to know her, I felt like I almost knew her on a personal level [because] we have a lot of friends in common, towns in common, and stories in common.”

Her future goals include working at the clinic where her husband goes for appointments. After that, she hopes to love working in the medical field as a medical assistant so she can possibly pursue a nursing degree later. “I have a friend who is a nurse practitioner – and in the town that I live in, there isn’t any clinics, so we would actually try to get a clinic here and have something at home,” she explains. “Already, doing all of this, I already know, I am far more passionate about it than I thought I would be. I thought I would just do it to hopefully to help others learn about LVAD and certain heart failure and challenges my husband has faced. I see myself continuing and continuing to grow my education in the healthcare field.”

Would she recommend ANU to others?

“I have actually already recommended ANU to a few people around here, that I’m trying to get them in,” she says. She has a friend who has been struggling with the financial aid portion of education. “The financial aid team at ANU was so easy to communicate with and helped handle things. That was my biggest thing I was worried about, and they made it so easy for me!”

Her advice to new students starting at ANU is: “Plan! Daily planners, plan, write out schedules… I am a mother to three stepchildren who live with me, I have a husband in end stage heart failure, I have nine rescue cats, I work a job, and I am a full time student. If you plan everything out, it will work just fine!”

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When Timothy Adedoyin reflects on his journey in information technology, one thing is clear: the field has transformed dramatically since he first began his studies. Now recognized as a Term 252 Trailblazer at American National University, Timothy is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) to ensure he stays ahead in this fast-changing industry. Originally from Nigeria, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in information technology, he came to America determined to upgrade his skills and academic qualifications for the future. With ANU’s courses, Timothy has not only excelled in his classes but has improved upon knowledge he already had.

Reflecting on why he chose ANU, Timothy shared how the university’s approach to education aligns with the way he learns best. “For someone like me, ANU is the best school for me. How do I mean? I am someone who is always self-taught, independent, and I really, really need my own time,” he explains. “I don’t want to go sit in a conventional classroom, especially when I want to work and be able to earn my degree.

So ANU presented the opportunity for me to learn at my own comfort, supervised and graded by the highest academic standards, and also be able to get experience from renowned professors and doctors in the program.”

For Timothy, it wasn’t just about advancing his education—it was about finding a program that fits into his life. “So, most importantly, it was the perfect fit for me [with] work life balance.”

Timothy also shared how his studies at ANU have had a direct impact on his professional life. He takes pride in showcasing his academic journey, and even small milestones have boosted his confidence and highlighted the value his workplace places on his education. “My signature for my email was updated with MSIT at the end. That made me feel great, so yeah, my workplace values it and I think it’s a great one for me, too,” he says.

One of the experiences Timothy valued most during his time at ANU was the international student residency. It gave him the opportunity to connect face-to-face with professors and peers, building relationships and insights that enriched his online learning experience. He explains that some of his favorite moments of his education come from the residency days he attended, “the interaction between myself and fellow students and instructors, and particularly I want mention Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Godlove. Those are two people who are a significant part of my life and study.”

He goes on to describe why Dr. Nathan Sullivan and Dr. Timothy Godlove impacted his study. “Dr. Sullivan works in the industry, so he brings industry experience into academics, which makes him a very great [teacher]. Likewise, Dr. Godlove – we had a lot to talk about because his experience is from the past when he was, I think, in the military, and he’s also in the academics now. So we can relate on production, implementation of IT and its original academic aspect… Beyond that, sometimes we also discuss work relationships, how to angle something, real life work relationships in class. So those discussions and the residency were actually significant for me.”

For Timothy, one of the most rewarding aspects of studying at ANU has been the diversity of the student body. Engaging with classmates from all over the world has broadened his perspective, enriched class discussions, and made his educational journey even more meaningful. “It’s the diversity and broad spectrum of knowledge that the school allows individuals to share,” he explains about what he likes most about ANU.

“Of all the schools I’ve been to [before], they have been conventional in such that it’s been people from the same region. But ANU brings everybody from all over the world – I’ve met people from Africa, from Asia, from America – all over the world. The beauty of that is a lot of these people come with their own experiences, they come with their own process of how they do things and standards. You see some differences that you can say ‘I’m going to borrow how they do this over there, I’m going to use this.’”

Looking ahead, Timothy is focused on using his advanced IT skills to lead a larger organization. “The goal is to be a CTO for a large enterprise. That’s the goal,” he says with a wide smile. Timothy is confident in his aspirations for that role due to the education he’s received thus far in his life.

Would he recommend ANU to others? “I would recommend it to people who are ready to put in the work, people who are hardworking… It would be for someone who is determined to put in the work and succeed.”

Timothy’s advice to new students is to “be serious from the very first time. Set your goals and know what you want. Do not say ‘oh I’ve got all the time to get up my grade.’ Also timing, do not procrastinate, you’ve got to set a strict schedule… And most importantly, I would also encourage that the student interact with others and also don’t just read the book to pass, think of how you can apply the knowledge, think about the ways you can apply the knowledge.”

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Pro: Flexibility and Convenience

Earning an education online comes with the flexibility of attending classes wherever students have an internet connection. They no longer have to rearrange their lives to fit around a traditional class schedule as learning can happen anytime, anywhere. For working professionals, parents, or those balancing multiple responsibilities, this accessibility makes education more attainable than ever before.

At American National University, our online programs are designed with this in mind, allowing students to log in, review materials, and complete assignments on their own time. Classes are asynchronous and tailored to a student’s needs. Whether they’re studying late at night after a work shift or early in the morning before the day begins, or even in the afternoon while their children are at school, online learning ensures that higher education is within reach, no matter their circumstances.

Con: Self-Discipline and Possible Isolation

While being able to earn an education from their home, a student may come face-to-face with isolation. While many in-person colleges and universities offer ways for students to connect and meet, an online education can be a solo journey for many. Additionally, students will have to be self-disciplined in their education as they won’t have the physical reminders of going to class, being on campus, or even having physical textbooks.

At American National University, however, students find community they might not have if they stuck with the colleges and universities near them to go in-person. “In my class, we came in [term] together so we’re all like one big family! We all want to see each other pass, we do not want to leave anyone behind… We come in together, we’re going out together,” says ANU nursing student, Amanda Bailey.

Additionally, ANU students are a group of motivated people who are looking to better themselves through education. “ANU is the place for students who want it bad, they are willing to claw for it!” Exclaims ANU MBA student, Kary Alicea. With our support services, like student advisors, career services, financial services, faculty, and peers, students always have dedicated people to ensure they complete their education.

Pro: Cost Effective Education

Another key advantage of studying online is the potential to save money. Without the need to commute, relocate, or pay for on-campus housing and meal plans, students often find online learning to be a more affordable path to earning a degree. Many courses also use digital textbooks and resources, which can reduce the cost of materials compared to traditional print.

At American National University, online programs are designed to be not only flexible but also cost-conscious, helping students invest in their future without taking on unnecessary expenses. By removing many of the financial barriers that come with in-person education, online learning makes higher education more accessible to a wider range of learners. There is no need to pay for room and board, babysitters, gas prices, or textbooks. Additionally, all equipment that students need to earn their education, like lab kits in our health sciences courses or online resources for technology programs, are included in the cost of tuition and not an out-of-pocket fee! “When I started the program, and the teacher told us. ‘yeah you have to send us the address and we’re sending [lab]kits.’ I was like, ‘are you sure I don’t have to pay anything?!’ And she was like, ‘no!’ This is through the program.’ I really appreciated that, it’s really helping me,” explains ANU student, Rama Alzamel.

Con: Technology Dependency and Possible Glitches

One of the challenges of online learning is its heavy reliance on technology. A stable internet connection, updated software, and access to a reliable device are essential for success. When technical issues arise—such as system outages, slow connections, or software glitches—they can interrupt learning and create frustration for students trying to stay on top of assignments. For those living in areas with limited internet access, this can be an even greater obstacle.

At ANU, the IT support team and user-friendly online platform help minimize these challenges, but it’s important for students to be prepared for the occasional hiccup that comes with digital learning. However, faculty also are accommodating to all the things that can happen in life – from technology glitching to family emergencies. When ANU student, Sarah Slone had given birth to her child, she said, “they were all very supportive, and they haven’t left me behind on anything.”

Pro: Skill Development and Instant Feedback

Online learning also helps students build valuable skills while providing opportunities for timely feedback. Navigating digital platforms, collaborating through online discussions, and managing assignments independently all foster critical skills such as time management, communication, and digital literacy—abilities that are highly valued in today’s workforce. In addition, many online courses use interactive tools like quizzes, discussion boards, and simulations that provide instant feedback, allowing students to quickly identify areas for improvement. ANU’s online programs are designed with these features in mind, helping students not only master course material but also develop the professional skills they’ll carry into their careers. ANU professors get back to students as soon as they need them

“Anytime you have a problem, you can contact administration of any sorts and they will get back to you within 24 hours,” ANU student, Harley Odom, says, “because of me being online, I can’t just walk into an office and say, ‘hey, I need help with this.’ I message and wait for a response!”

Con: Quality and Accreditation Concerns

A common concern about online education is the question of quality and credibility. With so many programs available, it can be difficult for students to determine which schools provide a legitimate education and which may fall short. Some online institutions lack proper accreditation, which can affect the recognition of a degree by employers or other colleges if a student wishes to continue their education. Students may also worry that studying online will not provide the same level of rigor, interaction, or career preparation as traditional on-campus programs. These concerns make it essential to carefully research a school’s background before enrolling.

At American National University, students can feel confident knowing they are receiving a high-quality education backed by strong accreditation and approvals. American National University is a member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and is therefore authorized to deliver distance education to students in other states and territories which participate in NC-SARA. ANU of Virginia is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ANU of Kentucky is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Additionally, there are specific programmatic accreditation and approvals, like from the American Bar Association (ABA) for Paralegal Programs, The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and more. Click here to read about all of the ways ANU secures accreditation for their online programs.

The online programs at ANU also meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of their chosen careers. With a legacy of serving working adults and a commitment to quality online education, ANU provides students with the assurance that their degree is both respected and valuable in the workforce. “I chose ANU because it was the only university [I found] that offered online ABA-approved programs – and that put ANU miles ahead of everybody else in my eyes,” explained ANU student, Kiley Crusha.

Why Students Should Choose an Online Education

Choosing an online education can open doors to opportunities that fit today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. The pros and cons of studying online can vary, but the benefits outweigh any cost to earn From the flexibility to balance school with work and family, to the affordability and skill-building advantages, online learning makes higher education accessible to more people than ever before. While challenges such as technology reliance, self-discipline, and accreditation concerns exist, selecting a trusted, accredited institution like American National University ensures that students receive a quality education they can be proud of. For motivated learners looking to advance their careers and achieve their goals on their own schedule, online education is not just a convenient option—it’s a smart investment in the future. To learn more about our online programs, go to an.edu.

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

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Accreditation through ABHES affirms that ANU continues to meet rigorous standards of education in areas such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and institutional effectiveness. As a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education, ABHES accreditation provides assurance to students, employers, and the community that ANU delivers programs that meet standards of accountability and outcomes.

“Accreditation is not just a benchmark, it’s a responsibility,” said Dr. Frank Longaker, President of American National University. “It challenges us to keep evolving, to listen to our students, and to lead with purpose. As we look toward 2030, our focus remains on innovation, equity, and preparing graduates who are ready to make a difference from the very beginning.”

About American National University
Founded in 1886, American National University is a private, accredited institution dedicated to providing accessible, career-oriented education to working adults. With programs in healthcare, business, and technology, ANU offers online learning opportunities designed to prepare students for success in their chosen fields.

American National University has served adult learners for more than 130 years, offering flexible programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals. With this reaffirmation, ANU continues its mission of preparing graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in today’s dynamic workforce.

For more information about American National University and its accredited programs, please visit www.an.edu.

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At its June 2025 accreditation review, DEAC reaffirmed ANU’s compliance with all accreditation standards based on the school’s comprehensive self‑evaluation, the Commission Chair’s report, ANU’s institutional response, and recent progress updates. DEAC’s review concluded that ANU continues to meet the benchmarks for quality education and federal Title IV eligibility.

“Accreditation is not just a benchmark, it’s a responsibility,” said Dr. Frank Longaker, President of American National University. “It challenges us to keep evolving, to listen to our students, and to lead with purpose. As we look toward 2030, our focus remains on innovation, equity, and preparing graduates who are ready to make a difference from the very beginning.”

Founded in 1886 in Roanoke, Virginia, ANU now provides a broad range of academic programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, cybersecurity, IT, nursing, healthcare management, and more, as well as certificates and diplomas in professional fields. In announcing the milestone, ANU emphasizes that the renewal underscores its commitment to accessible, career‑focused education for students regionally and online.

What this means for students:

• Stability and Confidence: DEAC’s renewal through January 2030 assures current and prospective students that ANU meets nationally recognized standards for institutional quality and integrity.
• Financial Aid Assurance: Maintained accreditation supports ANU’s eligibility to participate in Title IV federal student aid programs.
• Regulatory Recognition: DEAC is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), lending credibility to ANU’s distance education offerings.

This renewed accreditation allows American National University to continue advancing its mission of delivering quality, career-focused education. As the university looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to supporting student success, expanding program offerings, and maintaining the high standards recognized by DEAC.

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