In Our Students' Words
"To everyone at WIU who played major and minor roles in making graduation one of the most significant days of my life, I want to say a sincere thank you. WIU is a first-class operation, and the ceremony and facility were nothing short of spectacular. When the hoopla slowed down and I placed the Stole of Gratitude on my Mom and all four foot nothing of her melted in my arms, the joy in my heart was that of a returning soldier. She was quivering and crying and squeezed me for a solid minute. When we finished, she pulled my ear and wiped her tears as she shook her clenched fist at me, stating, "You did all right, McGee, and your father is buying everyone in heaven a drink!" After all of the grey hair I have caused that poor woman, growing up less than saintly, if I never do another good thing in my life, I believe she will remember that moment. We had some 60 people gather at the house and every single one of them had to see the gorgeous plaque and listen to Mom's tales of the graduation. Wow, what a day! I believe your institution of higher learning is something I would love to someday be a part of, and I hope to see all of you again, but this time as a peer in the pursuit of excellence!"
Gene Sweeney
MA in Innovative Leadership, 2009
"My first online class was so much fun last night. I got to be in my PJs, eat, pet the cat, and relax. If I had a question, the teacher would address it, and any others too. I could hear how I was participating. It was so cool. The instructor told us that the headsets will come into play when we present to the class. I am anxious about doing that for the first time, but I think it will be great because I can get my point across online without being so nervous."
Charlene Gibson
BS in Business Administration, 2010
"I cannot say enough fantastic things about WIU! I began my academic career while working as a Director for American Express in Phoenix. I took a number of classes oncampus; however, when I discontinued my employment with Amex to start my own company, I discontinued my education for a while. I knew, at some later date, I would finish my degree; however, at the time, my focus was on starting my own company. I was thrilled when several years later WIU launched the online curriculum, enabling me to complete my degree online. I have worked in leadership for most of my career with Fortune 500 organizations in HR, Organization Development, and Operations Leadership. I can tell you that the education I received at WIU was very contemporary, assisted me in my leadership career—and helped me to grow as an entrepreneur. (I have run my own HR consulting practice for nearly 8 years now.) The education I received at WIU far exceeds the traditional state universities and other, private universities. I found the professors to be extremely knowledgeable in their fields, effective facilitators of learning, and the course content to be very relevant and timely. The structure of classes was also a perfect fit for working adults. Before the WIU curriculum became available online, I had researched other universities. I can tell you—I was not impressed. The staff members were not knowledgeable enough about the various degree programs, particularly an Executive MBA program I researched, and they did not seem to have a grasp of what students are looking for when choosing a program—and a school. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to return to WIU and complete my degree online. In addition to the academics, I must also applaud the staff at WIU. The academic and finance counselors are fantastic! Anytime I had an issue with class schedules or financial aid, they were incredibly responsive and offered solutions—not excuses. I sincerely appreciated their professionalism and dedication to their work in assisting students. Thank you to the staff at WIU!"
Natalie Ivey
MBA in Management, 2009, HR Consultant
"As a single parent, obtaining my education is important to me. I love that classes meet one night a week, which makes it easy for me to attend. I like the fact that WIU caters to working adults. It’s a mature environment that I enjoy. Every student has just worked 8 hours that day, so we all understand each other. I would like to head up an HR department some day. I have creative ideas I’d like to be able to implement, and I believe my WIU program will give me that opportunity. The professional experience I gain at WIU will help my career. My employer partners with WIU, too."
Elizabeth Chappalear
BS in Business with a Minor in Human Resource Management, 2008,
HR Coordinator, Salt River Project, Tempe, AZ
"I attended another university with study groups, and I don’t care for groups. I selected WIU for my graduate program because of individually focused learning, night classes, the course length, and adult learning. All the professors and instructors have global experience in the subject they are teaching, instead of teaching out of a textbook. They are all very resourceful and offer great advice. I also like the professional level of other students and have learned a lot by crossing over with students from other countries. I use information from my classes every day at work. I expect to receive a promotion, and my thesis is preparing me with communication tools to advance. I expect my MBA to help me achieve my financial goals that will move me forward in management."
Sonia Conners
BS in Management, 2004, WIU Student, MBA in Management, Corporate Administrative Assistant, Phoenix, AZ
"WIU’s 9-week classes are perfect for my type of learning. I attended Mesa Community College for a year, so I appreciate the workload and time commitment at a two-month program like WIU more than a semester program. By the end of an MCC semester, I would lose interest and my grades would begin to slip. At WIU, the program is accelerated and I love my education here. My Spanish classes are so enjoyable. My instructor was enthusiastic and made learning fun. We took a field trip to Pepin’s Spanish restaurant, and she directed the servers to speak to us only in Spanish. It was a fun way to experience the culture. At WIU, I’m learning more than just what happens here in America. It has broadened my thinking on issues of the world. I feel like completing school will be my first step toward self-actualization!"
Laura Gonzalez
BS in Business Administration, 2005, Compliance Officer
"I chose WIU because it offers a degree in Behavioral Science. It’s the perfect stepping stone for my ultimate career in forensic psychology. I took classes both on campus at WIU and online with WIU Interactive OnlineSM. I really enjoyed a class with great field trips where we integrated classroom learning with real life experience. I appreciate the adult atmosphere and the small classes. You tend to go through the classes with the same people and get to know them well. So you enjoy graduating with them and staying in touch in your careers. The BEH program is so versatile. I’m able to use it in any career path I decide to follow."
Christene Lewis
BA in Behavioral Science, 2005, Software Analyst
"With WIU Interactive Online, I feel more like I’m in a classroom than actually being in a classroom. There is much more interaction than with other online programs. By hearing and speaking with instructors and other students in the live sessions, I feel that I really get to know them, which improves the learning experience. It keeps me on my toes and is a huge help in taking me to a higher level. My career goal is to enhance what I already do and understand the philosophy behind management and marketing decisions. I understand the decision-making process better now, so I’m more valuable at work and provide more input in meetings. My coworkers take me more seriously, too. WIU Interactive Online really is the best of both worlds—flexible, a great learning environment…and I don’t have to drive to class!"
Shannon Pierce
WIU
Interactive
OnlineSM
Student, BS in Business with a Marketing Minor. Executive Assistant, Intel.
Folsom. CA
"I chose WIU because I liked the fact that they were more individual, with no study groups. I wanted to be evaluated on my own merit, not allow others the chance to affect my grade. Besides, going back to school was going to be hard enough without having to meet a second night each week with a learning team. The pace is better, too. Classes meet for 8 weeks, not 5 or 16. It gives me enough time to comprehend what I am doing without wasting time. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to get my degree. I'd probably be earning a lot more now if I would have started sooner."
Guy Ruiz
BS in Business with a Minor in Management, 2002, Surprise, AZ
"Since my major was business, WIU's international base of students provided exposure to business characteristics I wouldn't have had the opportunity to learn about otherwise. And their faculty was outstanding. The instructors were more than teachers—they became mentors. They were always available to me. And they challenged me to do—and be—my best."
