“My favorite thing about Averett has been the people I have met along the way including the faculty and staff. The professors and advisors truly care to see you succeed.â€� – Jessica Tate, MBA

Jessica has been an emergency nurse at Sovah Health in Martinsville, VA for over 12 years, where she is currently the clinical manager of emergency services. She met her husband, Aaron, of 23 years while serving in the United States Navy. The couple has two daughters, Lindsey and McKenzie. Jessica loves to travel with her family and takes advantage of doing so anytime they can, trying to travel to a new place each year. While not traveling, working or busy with schoolwork she likes to watch reality TV and read to de-stress.

She chose to attend Averett Online to receive her MBA due to a friend recently graduating and highly recommending the program to her. Her favorite thing about the program was being given the opportunity to choose the amount and type of classes that she wanted to take each term.

Click here to learn more about Averett Online’s MBA program!Ìı

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“One of my favorite things about 91¿ì²¥ was the family-like atmosphere. I also appreciated the flexible class scheduling and the willingness that everyone provided to ensure your educational successes.â€�

– DarrylÌıDuBose, MBA, ‘20

Darryl chose to pursue his degree at Averett to improve his self-knowledge and marketability. He graduated from Averett with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is 2018,ÌıthenÌıreceived hisÌımaster’sÌıinÌıbusinessÌıadministration with aÌıconcentration inÌıhumanÌıresourceÌımanagementÌıin 2020. Darryl’s time at Averett equipped him with “…enhanced study and learning habits,â€� and those habits were used to prepare for higher opportunities.Ìı

Darryl enjoys being a father and grandfather. He is also 20-year veteran of Lynchburg Fire Department where he currently works as aÌımasterÌıfirefighter/paramedic. Before he joined the fire department, he worked as a department director, facilities manager,ÌıteamÌısupervisor and as a high school educator.Ìı

“If anyoneÌıwas on the fence about going back to school, the advice that I would suggest is to be fully dedicated, to be certain you have a solid support system, and to also have a firm handle on your time management skills. These items are key in your success at furthering your education, but without either of them failure could slow or hinder your success in achieving your goals,â€�ÌıDarryl said.ÌıÌı

Click here to learn more about Averett Online’s MBA program!

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“The Averett family embraces the importance of community and involvement which made for a meaningful and memorable experience.� –Tiffany Crews, MBA ‘21

Tiffany Crews, a native of Danville, VA, chose to further her degree at Averett Online because of its reputation for being a welcoming and supportive community for our students.

Tiffany currently works as an area manager at Goodyear in Danville, and is responsible for ensuring smooth production of the radial and bias aero departments of the plant. Previously working in law enforcement, Tiffany said earning her degree from Averett Online allowed her to easily transition into the field of business. She earned her Masters of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management while working full-time and earned a 4.0 GPA her studies.

“Throughout my time at Averett, I was able to create connections that guided me in the right direction for my career.� Tiffany credits these connections she has made throughout her time at Averett to her success after graduation.

She also attributed Averett Online to being a “community-oriented� school where her opinions were valued, and she recommends it to anyone wishing to further their education.

Click here to learn more about our MBA programs!

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“I was able to receive my degree due to the flexible format and amazing faculty and staff at 91¿ì²¥.â€�

–Barry Booth, MBA ‘21

Barry Booth is a retired police officer of 30 years and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. In Averett’s recent 2021 graduation, Booth received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. He is now planning to use his MBA to begin a new career in Columbia, SC.

When we asked why he chose this program, Barry told us it was to establish a building block for his career. Earning his MBA provided him with valuable lessons, experiences and information that he will need in his supervisory career.

As Barry completed his coursework, he was able to work a full-time job and take care of his family through the flexibility of Averett Online.

When asked to provide advice to those considering starting or returning to school, Booth said “there is no time like the present to get started.� He also mentioned he believes it is important for students to look for a program that offers flexibility in their coursework, such as Averett. This will allow you to easily and successfully manage family, school work and your career at the same time.

Click here to learn more about Averett’s MBA program.Ìı

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As new technology comes available, the world of marketing and advertising is steadily changing. The job growth rate for a marketer is expected to increase faster than average with a rate of 8% by 2028.

Averett Online’s MBA-Marketing program was ranked number 22 out of 129 assessed colleges and universities across the United States by Intelligent.com. They also concluded that the program at Averett is the best for working adults out those evaluated.

The assessment evaluated 314 education programs in all from regionally accredited schools. They reviewed their faculty, flexibly, cost, course strength and reputation.

Click here to learn more about Averett Online’s MBA-Marketing program!

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“Averett allowed me to network with a wide variety of professionals from different backgrounds who helped me expand my perspective, and further my personal growth� – Ryan Zuidema, MBA ‘02

Ryan Zuidema chose to complete his MBA at Averett because of the convenient online structure of our programs. The flexibility of his courses allowed him to stay engaged with his professors and classmates, while also completing all of his assignments in a timely manner. He was able to continue working full-time as he achieved his degree in just under two years.

Obtaining his MBA from Averett has allowed Ryan to excel in his profession and network, while giving him the knowledge to understand the importance of connectivity. Ryan’s degree has also given him the finance and leadership background he needs to complete annual budgets for his department, and to effectively manage over 200 employees on a daily basis. He has also received several awards and promotions after he obtained his MBA, including his most recent promotion as Chief of Police for Lynchburg Police Department.

–Click here for more information about our MBA programs!

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I had several favorite things about Averett. I liked living on campus even though I lived in Danville. The small classes allowed me to talk directly to the instructors, and gained one-on-one attention in my studies. Also, the family-like atmosphere of Averett made it feel like I was at home. -Connie Jennings, BA’82, MBA’07, M.Ed.’08

Connie Jennings is a three time Averett graduate. She chose Averett for its Theatre department, and Ms. Betty Smith. Ms. Smith was one of Averett’s acting, directing, and public speaking professors at the time of Connie’s enrollment. She was also an one-act theatre judge for a play Connie performed in. After seeing Connie perform in a play, Ms. Smith encouraged her to attend Averett.

Connie’s undergraduate degree in English and Theatre has helped her to obtain teaching positions at George Washington High School. Her additional graduate level degrees have helped to excel her career even more, and gave her personal satisfaction along the way.

We asked Connie what her advice was for someone debating going back to school, and she said “I would tell them to go. One of my favorite quotes is by the late blues singer, B. B. King who said, “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it from you.”

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1. Credentials and rankings. Don’t take your best friend’s brother-in-law’s word for it. Check out a school’s credentials before putting them on your short list. 91¿ì²¥, for example, is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Bonus point: just named us the fourth best Southern Regional College for Best Value.
2. Concentration options. Schools with a mile-long list of MBA programs may or may not be that great at any of them. That’s why 91¿ì²¥â€™s online degree programs focus on three hot topics with high success potential: marketing, leadership and human resource management. Any of the three will prepare you to take on business challenges in a world that never stops changing.
3. You can personalize just about everything these days, from your Spotify playlist to the way your credit card looks. Why not your MBA class schedule and completion time? 91¿ì²¥ offers online MBA programs so you can attend class and study on your own time, map out a course schedule to complete your degree however quickly (or slowly) you want, and start at your choice of five times per year for ultimate juggling with other life priorities.
4. Value for the money. Like everything else, MBA programs run the gamut from really cheap to outrageously expensive. The trick is finding the one that gives you the best bang for the buck. 91¿ì²¥ scores high in this category, with outstanding, market-ready curriculum taught by industry-experienced instructors in small classes. If you need help covering tuition, we offer financial aid to those who qualify, including scholarships for veterans and active military.
5. Real-life success. It’s hard to beat a thumbs-up from people who’ve been there, done that. More than 5,005 students have graduated with MBAs from 91¿ì²¥ and lots of them can’t wait to tell their stories. “If you’re thinking about returning to school,â€� said one Averett alum, “I would highly encourage it. It’s a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain.â€�

“If you’re thinking about returning to school,� said one Averett alum, “I would highly encourage it. It’s a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain.�

Learn More About Our MBA Programs

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Hello, my name is Courtney Leddy. I was born and raised in Massachusetts, living with my mother, step-father and 3 siblings. Throughout my childhood, I have always been involved in athletics. I had the privilege to be a part of the softball team at Bridgewater State University. While there, I had the opportunity to gain experience within the athletic department, which led me to pursuing a career within the field.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at 91¿ì²¥?

My motivation for obtaining my degree here at Averett is to strengthen my educational background. Pursuing a master’s degree straight out of my undergraduate studies was exactly what I wanted in order to compliment my journey as a young professional. My goal is to be a lifelong learner and continuing my education at Averett has allowed me to do just that.

Why did you choose 91¿ì²¥â€™s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

After graduating from Bridgewater State University in 2017 with a degree in Physical Education, I decided to move from Massachusetts in order to pursue a graduate assistant position within the Athletic Department while in pursuit of my master’s degree.

The availability and convenience of obtaining a master’s degree online while gaining work experience within the athletic department was the ideal situation.

While currently in the program, I have received nothing but help and support from all those associated within the Graduate and Professional Studies Program.

How has your degree from 91¿ì²¥ assisted you in your career?

My degree from 91¿ì²¥ has assisted me thus far to have different style of thinking. With a background in Physical Education, I began my MBA with the determination to learn in a different manner in order to better my educational background for the career I am pursuing.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in 91¿ì²¥â€™s GPS Program?

My advice for current and incoming students in 91¿ì²¥â€™s GPS Program would be to just work hard and ask for help when you need it. The GPS program does a great job in continuing to develop new ways for students to learn and receive help. The resources are there for students to use and ultimately up to us to seek out.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?Ìı

I stay motivated while in my program by the long-term benefit that this degree will do for me. Even though it may be hard in the moment, the bigger picture of obtaining my master’s degree is irreplaceable.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

My anticipated date of graduation is 2019.

ReadÌı3 Ways an MBA Online Can Help You Advance Professionally

ReadÌı3 Ways an Accredited Online MBA Can Help You Advance Personally

Learn about our MBA Programs

Download MBA Requirements

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My name is Scott Sparks, and I am a 2000 graduate of Radford University (VA) with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. I have been a law enforcement officer for 17 years in both the State of Arizona and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I currently reside in the Richmond, Virginia-Metro area with my wife Ashley, our two Great Danes, Dewey and Tyson, and our cat Chief. We are expecting our first child in July of this year. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting friends and family, as well as collecting sports memorabilia.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at 91¿ì²¥? ÌıÌıÌıÌıÌı

I have always had a desire to obtain a graduate degree and after 18 years, decided to do just that. My motivation for obtaining a MBA at 91¿ì²¥ is to not only further my current career, but to also to potentially start a second career later down the line.

Why did you choose 91¿ì²¥â€™s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

After speaking with a friend who obtained a MBA through Averett’s GPS Program, I started researching numerous accredited universities and their MBA programs. Having heard how Averett’s MBA program advanced his career and speaking with Averett’s faculty and staff, my decision on where to further my education was an easy one.

Having heard how Averett’s MBA program advanced [my friend’s] career and speaking with Averett’s faculty and staff, my decision on where to further my education was an easy one.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in 91¿ì²¥â€™s GPS program?

Between our professional and personal lives, our time is very precious.Ìı My advice to current and incoming students in Averett’s GPS Program is to dedicate a small amount of time daily to your school work. This way, it does not pile up and makes managing all aspects of your daily life much easier.

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

The end result and knowing the doors that this program will open in the future has been my motivation so far during the program.Ìı It does not come easy and you must make sacrifices to ensure you complete the work.Ìı However, knowing what lies ahead keeps me motivated each week.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

With an anticipated graduation date of August of 2019, I plan to continue taking it a week at a time and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that Averett’s faculty and staff possess.

ReadÌı3 Ways an MBA Online Can Help You Advance Professionally

ReadÌı3 Ways an Accredited Online MBA Can Help You Advance Personally

Learn about our MBA Programs

Download MBA Requirements

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