CNL Student Spotlight: Jennifer Stelter
Bachelor of Liberal Studies: Organizational Administration, Anticipated Graduation May 2008
Jennifer Stelter could envision a more fulfilling future.
She had worked for many years but lacked personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement. She had been passed over for many promotions, simply for not having completed a post-secondary degree. Jennifer knew it was time for a change.
"Center for New Learning just 'gets it'!"
“I decided to come back to school because I had stepped out as a traditional student after my sophomore semester,” said Jennifer. “Then, after talking it over with trusted friends and family members, I made the decision to come back! It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
What Jennifer enjoyed most about taking classes through the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for New Learning was the personal attention she received from instructors and her adviser, as well as the many methods of communication available.
“I appreciate the fact that I could communicate with my adviser without having to meet her face-to-face, unless it was convenient for me to do so,” said Jennifer. “I was living and working in Appleton, Wis., so that made it difficult for me to come to the UW Oshkosh campus for appointments.”
“The CNL staff just really knows their stuff. Many of them have been adult students themselves (some of them have even been CNL students!) so they really do know what you’re going through and what it is like to balance work, life and school. They are all here to help students succeed, and their bachelor programs will definitely give you the skills you need to be successful.”
"Having earned my bachelor's degree has given me a huge boost in self-confidence."
Jennifer attributes her success to the flexibility of course offerings – both in method and time of day. Traditional morning or afternoon classes would not have fit into her busy schedule. Taking advantage of on-campus evening classes, as well as combination distance learning (hybrid) and online courses made it easier to accommodate going back to school.
“Center for New Learning has done an excellent job tailoring classes and student services to adult learners. They knew who I was every time I would call or stop in, too. They just ‘get it’!”
Jennifer had such positive experiences as a Center for New Learning student, so she wanted to share it with as many other adults as possible. Currently, she is working for CNL as a program adviser, after working as a student assistant in the University department for a little over a year.
With graduation only months away, Jennifer can feel the empowerment from finishing the education she had started many years ago. Her accomplishment helps confirm that going back to college as a working adult is possible, and that now only the sky is the limit. Her degree has given her the credentials necessary to open many doors – both professionally and personally.
“Having (almost) finally earned my bachelor’s degree has given me a huge boost in self-confidence and the nudge to take it one step further and go for a master’s degree,” said Jennifer. “If you would have asked me a year ago if I would go to grad school, I would have laughed! But, I am, and I am very excited about it.”
We’re excited about it too, Jennifer. Congratulations on your success thus far, and good luck in the future!
Returning Students
To begin attending classes again through the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, you will need to apply for re-admission.
For more information, visit our Returning Students page.