I Went Back Stories
Ken's Story
At age 41, Ken Trompeter found his successful career at a standstill. After 15 years of manufacturing management experience, Ken wanted to advance his career and felt the urge to improve his value to his company.
"I felt I reached the pinnacle of my career a little early," said Ken. "My wife asked me a simple question: ‘Would you be satisfied doing what you are doing now for the rest of your career?' I wanted more and I decided to take action."
Ken realized he needed to go back to school to get his MBA to improve his personal, educational and professional qualifications. He knew the KU Edwards Campus was the best place to go with its flexible class times, diverse course options and approachable professors.
Ken had many closer choices of schools – his 60 mile drive, one-way, takes precious time away from his family – but he feels his drive to class is worth the time and distance.
"The Edwards Campus meets my needs and my degree will carry the prestige and reputation of the University of Kansas."
Ken attended KU from 1986 to 1988 and received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from UMKC in 1990. He is proud to claim he was a KU student during both of the last two men's basketball national championships!
When asked to share his advice with current prospective students, Ken said he strongly believes the recent economic state should be a great eye-opener for many working people. "Whether your intention is to gain security in your current position or create personal marketability, the KU Edwards Campus provides one of the most convenient and effective options."
"My hope, through all my efforts to go back to school, is that my six-year-old daughter learns the value of education, understands that it's never too late to do something you're passionate about and that you're never too old to continue learning." Ken plans to graduate in spring 2010. He is looking forward to gaining back the time with his family and to enhance his value at his career.
Peggy Hendershot Went Back
After raising three children and fruitlessly attempting to earn a degree, Peggy Hendershot finally found a university that was the perfect fit … the KU Edwards Campus practically is in her own backyard.
"I live just down the street from the campus and have watched it grow over the years," Peggy said. "One day I saw a flyer about Edwards Campus and noticed it was expanding into undergraduate programs; I finally decided the time had come to finish."
Peggy moved repeatedly over the years, interrupting her studies and leaving little time for her to fully pursue her dreams. She tried to earn an undergraduate degree from six different schools, including one she attended twice – 17 years and four moves between – but she never seemed to find the right time to finish.
With her passion for working with children, Peggy has found the developmental psychology undergraduate program and the schedule of courses at KU Edwards to be ideal for her.
"I actually prefer going to class as opposed to studying online because I like the face-to-face interaction and discussion that occurs," Peggy said, "but I also like only attending each class once a week so I have more evening time at home with my family."
Peggy's long, arduous journey to earn her degree will culminate with her graduation in May 2009, and she is glad to have finally found the perfect environment to fulfill her educational aspirations.
"I was very pleased to find even though KU is a large school, the atmosphere at Edwards was that of a smaller one," Peggy said. "I have never felt like a number here or been reluctant to ask for help. The receptionists, advisors and instructors have always been very kind and helpful, and my questions have always been taken seriously and answered quickly and politely. The Edwards Campus has truly helped me achieve my personal goal of completing an undergraduate degree."
Karen Cole Went Back
Karen Cole had regretted something for more than 26 years: dropping out of college before completing her degree. For Karen, going back to school wasn't an easy decision, but she knew she had to start listening to her inner voice.
"I started seeing KU Edwards Campus ads all over the place, ‘go ahead, go back,'" she said. "I cut out one of the ads, put it on my refrigerator, and found myself wondering, maybe?"
Karen attended KU in 1974. At age 17 she was uninterested in school and did not have the dedication needed to be a full-time student. When she was approaching age 50, she had experienced a series of life-changing events and was reviewing her life.
"I began thinking about past regrets, and not finishing at KU ranked pretty high," she said. So she called the Edwards Campus and asked the questions she'd asked herself for years.
Karen learned the KU Edwards Campus offers many resources to support her as an adult student going back to school. If offered all the necessary tools to complete an undergraduate degree in the literature, language, and writing program.
"I felt the Edwards Campus would be sensitive to my needs as a non-traditional student," she said. Karen liked the idea of a smaller campus with evening classes because of her work schedule. Safety was a concern because of her late classes, but after visiting she realized the Campus had plenty of close parking available.
Karen also felt the age diversity of students at the Edwards Campus would enhance her classroom experience.
"I am here for reasons of the heart. My goal is actually the journey as much as the end," she said.
Karen has excelled in her program and has been nominated three times for the Pee Dee Brown Nontraditional Writing Award. In 2007, she won it!
Karen's son is also a KU student and is currently completing his degree at the Lawrence campus. He's proud to call his mother a fellow Jayhawk.
"I can't even begin to tell you the emotional satisfaction I've received," she said. "I've done well, and have proven to myself I can succeed at an institution as prestigious as KU."
Terence Hall Went Back
After nearly 30 years as a Kansas City, Kan. police officer, Terence Hall can soon retire. He might turn in his badge, but he's not ready to call it quits. Like many baby boomers, retirement isn't the end, it's the beginning – a time to choose a new career.
"I want to have options," Terence said. "Helping others is very rewarding, and public administration seemed a natural fit to enhance my career potential."
Terence decided to pursue a graduate degree at the Edwards Campus in its nationally renowned public administration program. He is on track with his graduation plan and hopes this will prepare him for future managerial positions in government and private organizations.
"Public administration mirrors my career goals and provides a critical enhancement of skills I need to excel in public service," Terence said. "The program's components provide insight on the dynamics of organizations and how to be successful."
Terence, who is a father and grandfather, hopes his efforts to continue his education will model behavior for his family. "I have five daughters and I want them to understand I never quit learning," Terence said. "My decision to go back lets them know it's never too late. It's not something I'm telling them; I'm leading by example."
Terence appreciates the guidance he's received at the Edwards Campus. "The instructors aren't simply teachers; they're practitioners of developing people," Terence said. "They always provide an opportunity to succeed."
The unique qualities of the Edwards Campus fit Terrence's lifestyle, and he's glad he's returning to school, rather than retiring.
"The Edwards Campus offers a convenient location, advanced curriculum and noteworthy programs," Terence said. "If you want a unique experience that will prepare you for success, then KU is that place."