Jon is in. Are you in?

Describe your educational and professional background.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Elmhurst College where I studied Business and Professional Communications with a minor in Art Studies. While at Elmhurst I worked in operations for our family business and led a small team of employees to see the job get done! After beginning as an admissions advisor at CTU nearly 8 years ago, I realized the field of higher education was the perfect fit for me. I have worked in several departments from admissions, to academics, and now have found a home in operations. I went on to earn a Master's in Education from American InterContinental University to understand what our students experience as non-traditional learners. This degree also allowed me to become an adjunct faculty member where I enjoy seeing students complete their educational goals.

How do you help motivated students work toward their goals?

As a faculty member I have an empathetic approach to my classroom. Realizing all of the challenges that a student may face and giving them the resources to be successful has given me the pleasure of seeing many of my students earn their ultimate goal: graduation. While being understanding, I also challenge them to strive towards getting better and applying their learning experiences to real life and career experiences. There is nothing more satisfying than getting an email or a phone call from a former student sharing their educational success; part of which I was able to help them with.

What do you think are the most important aspects of achieving educational goals?

I feel that the successful completion of your educational goals can be summed up in two words: determination and confidence. Having the determination to know there are things you may have to give up, change, or readjust are just a few of the many sacrifices it will take to be successful. Confidence comes to play as you must KNOW you can complete your educational goals. For me, studying and going to school in general didn't come easily. I knew that I wasn't the smartest or the quickest learner in my classes. I did have the confidence to ask questions, work hard, and get back up when I was knocked down - usually in math! :)