Sept. 24, 2008

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--When The University of West Alabama began its online program in 2002, only 13 students were enrolled. This fall, over 2,000 students are taking UWA classes online in 13 master’s degree and two bachelor’s degree programs accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“We have found our niche, offering accredited degrees that very few other schools offer,” said Dr. Louis Smith, Division of Online Programs dean. “The tremendous growth of our online enrollment is due to the quality programs and the convenience offered by this type of coursework.”

Developed by full-time, on-campus faculty, UWA online courses have the same requirements as the traditional classes. However, with five accelerated 8-week terms offered each year, most students complete their degrees in a year and a half, working wherever they are most comfortable.

“Value, flexibility and access are important factors to our students,” Smith said. “Our online programs allow students to maintain their family and job responsibilities while earning advanced degrees to further their careers.”

UWA boasts online graduates from across the state, the country and the world. Here are two recent success stories…

Jacqueline Williams-Sauls

When Army 1st Lt. Jacqueline Williams-Sauls returned to Iraq for her second tour, she was determined to complete her Master of Science in Continuing Education in Counseling and Psychology. A UWA sociology graduate, Williams-Sauls had heard of others completing courses while deployed, and she made up my mind that she would do the same.

“The UWA professors were willing to help and give extensions if needed, but I didn’t want special treatment because I’m deployed,” said the nine-year Army soldier. “The coursework was tough at times, but the class layouts made them very easy to understand. When I did have problems, the professors usually answered my e-mails immediately.”

Originally from Pennington but currently stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, she completed her degree in May. A medical service officer assigned to the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, Williams-Sauls runs a battalion aid station responsible for the health care of more than 1,500 soldiers, airmen, marines and civilians assigned to the unit. Despite her duties, she also found time for coursework.

“I work 8 to 12-hour-days, but during the evening I found time to do my homework, and I did my reading and studying at night,” she said.

Williams-Sauls says she has already recommended UWA online programs to others because of the program’s convenience.

“I was able to complete classes on my own time, but I was still given limits to push me and keep me from procrastinating,” she said. “UWA gives you the autonomy to go back to school and complete assignments no matter where you are in the world. Of course, that is extremely important to me.”

Williams-Sauls, who has a 6-year-old daughter, Jazmine, will return from her 15-month tour in December. She now hopes to complete her doctorate degree and work as a clinical psychologist.

Kristy Shobe

Kristy Shobe, a Silverhill native, recently earned her master’s degree in elementary education from The University of West Alabama while teaching in Japan, her home for the past two years.

The wife of a U.S. Marine, Shobe says the challenging coursework has helped her become a better teacher to her fourth and fifth grade students at E.C. Killin Elementary in Okinawa. Located at Camp Foster, a United States Marine Corps camp in Ginowan City, the Department of Defense Dependents School serves children of active duty military and civilian employees.

“I have a better and more thorough understanding of teaching, and I feel that my coursework has prepared me to handle situations that may arise in the classroom,” said Shobe, who received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. “Honestly, I could not have asked for a better educational environment online.”

Shobe says her UWA professors were very accessible, and although she anticipated challenges, she appreciated their willingness to adapt to the 14-hour time difference.

“Because my professors knew I live overseas, they sent my exams early in the morning, their time, so I could take them in the evening here,” she said. “They did not expect me to take exams at 2:30 a.m.”

Shobe, whose family still lives in Baldwin County, says she discovered UWA’s online program by researching online degrees offered by Alabama universities. Because of her positive experience, she plans to recommend UWA to others.

“My UWA degree will help me as I work toward a higher degree or administration certification,” said Shobe, whose brother, Phillip Fountain, serves as Gulf Shores Middle School principal.

Shobe adds that she, her husband, Rob, and their pair of cats that moved to Japan with them, love their Okinawan lifestyle and the local cuisine. She says they have made a lot of friends and attend Chibana Church of Christ. According to Shobe, her future plans include continuing her teaching career overseas and possibly learning Japanese.

“It is my goal to be a lifelong learner,” said Shobe, who enjoys snorkeling, traveling, reading and playing games. “I hope my motivation and dedication are apparent to my students, inspiring them to achieve whatever they want, as long as they have these qualities.”

For more information on UWA's Division of Online Programs, visit http://online.uwa.edu/