Why I Chose University of Massachusetts Global: 5 Students Share Their Stories

Stephanie Lynn Smith recently graduated with her second master’s degree, an incredible feat for any adult learner, let alone someone who experienced such a difficult path to get there. This Masters in Educational Leadership & Admin, PAS Credential, will allow Stephanie to pursue a career as a Vice Principal, Assistant Principal, or Principal at an elementary, middle, or high school.

For Stephanie, it’s an achievement she never thought possible. After dropping out of high school and facing significant challenges, including addictions, depression, and homelessness, Stephanie rebuilt her life with deep determination and the support of her husband. With extraordinary resolve, Stephanie returned to school as an adult learner to obtain her high school diploma. From there, she got her associate’s degree at a community college before finding her way to UMass Global, where she received a bachelor’s degree and her teaching credential.

Despite working multiple jobs and raising six daughters, Stephanie returned to UMass Global again, receiving not one, but two master’s degrees. She credits the amazing faculty and staff for keeping her on track and remaining a constant support throughout her higher education journey. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to those struggling to find their way.

“I am the first person in my family to have accomplished a college career. Today, I celebrate not just my graduation but the resilience of the human spirit. To anyone you may know who is suffering from addiction and depression, let my story give you hope! To the fabulous faculty at UMass Global, thank you for helping me find my passion! I DID IT!”

Kevin McCool was already a Senior Associate of a large healthcare consulting firm when he chose to continue his education at UMass Global and earn a master's in organizational leadership. Doing important work like spearheading critical healthcare initiatives for the Department of Defense, Kevin found his classes at UMass Global both relevant and vital to his role and how he made a difference in the world.

“The projects I managed, impacting over 25,000 active and retired veterans across 200 military sites throughout the United States, were not just professional assignments; they were real-life applications of the theories and strategies I learned in my classes. This seamless integration of academic learning with practical application is the hallmark of a UMass Global education. It's an approach that acknowledges the diverse needs of adult learners, catering to those of us who must intertwine academic pursuits with professional and personal commitments.”

As with many UMass Global graduates, Kevin managed his career and coursework while also raising a family. Supportive faculty, classes designed for working adults, and a dedication to making education accessible are just a few things that make earning a degree at UMass Global so special.

“Reflecting on the broader impact of our collective experiences, it's clear that UMass Global has prepared us to be much more than graduates. We've become innovators, thinkers, and leaders, ready to apply our skills in various sectors. From my peers in Healthcare Management, who have developed strategies to improve patient care, to those in Education, who are shaping future generations, we have been part of a unique educational experience that transcends traditional boundaries.”

Andrea R. Hemphill was balancing demands from two ends of the spectrum – she was caring for her mother and her grandchildren, not to mention working full time as an IT systems administrator. But even while prioritizing the needs of her family, she couldn’t overlook her own goals.

“I always dreamed of getting a doctoral degree,” Hemphill says, noting that it was a big part of her plan to transition into teaching after retirement. She’d put a lot of thought into this decision, but she was still a bit concerned about juggling work, family and school.

For that reason, she was set on finding a school that provided resources and support to help her succeed. After attending a community event hosted by University of Massachusetts Global, it was clear that the institution offered what she was looking for.

“I saw how motivated and excited the students were and there was a great energy in the room,” Hemphill says. This energy was enough to convince her to start on her journey toward earning a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at age 54.

Hemphill’s feelings were right about the unparalleled support offered at UMass Global, from the professors to the staff. She especially appreciated the close relationships she built with her fellow classmates. “All through the program I was never in it alone,” she says. “My cohort became my extended family.”

Life for Kimberly Mitchell began in Vietnam, in the shadows of war, barely able to grasp the hardships of being an orphaned child. But fate brought her a second chance when she was adopted by a U.S. Airman and brought back to the States to begin her own story — one that was soon molded by the gift of education.

“Growing up, I quickly learned that education could be a way to control my own narrative. I pursued it with determination — first at the U.S. Naval Academy, where I embarked on a career of service in the Navy, one dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.”

Amid an exciting, fulfilling career, and more than two decades after earning her master’s degree, Kimberly found herself once more knocking on the door of higher learning — this time to pursue a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at UMass Global. But returning to school after so much time was not easy. She struggled with new technologies, formatting papers, and juggling the workload while maintaining her career — but she never gave up.

“I always believed that education could change lives, but I didn’t fully grasp how much it would change me. This journey has challenged, stretched, and shown me how much can be accomplished between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. when there is no other choice. And so, here I stand — not just as someone who pursued an education, but as someone profoundly shaped by it. For that, I am grateful.”

By leaning on each other, the patient instructors at UMass Global, and the unwavering support of their cohort mentor, Kim and her peers achieved their dreams together.

“This experience has proven what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. We didn’t just earn a degree — we gained the tools to make a lasting impact in our communities, organizations, and beyond.”

Despite spending 22 years in the military, 17 years as a police officer, and becoming a husband and father, Feliciano Perez felt the drive for more. One fateful day, he hit submit on an application to UMass Global to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership — and so, his journey began. Returning to school after 14 years was no easy feat, especially with a toddler at home and so many prior commitments, but he knew there were people behind him.

“I didn't do this alone. The unwavering support of my family, friends, and the incredible people in this program made all the difference. My family would often remind me why I took on this challenge while handing me another cup of coffee and telling me to ‘just keep going.’ My fellow students, especially the veterans and active-duty members, truly had my back. We formed bonds beyond Blackboard, supporting each other through deadlines, meltdowns, and the occasional ‘Is this due tonight or next week?’ crisis.”

Not long into the program, Feliciano realized UMass Global had his back, too.

“To its credit, UMass Global made this chaos a little more manageable. The flexible learning format meant I could squeeze in coursework between work shifts, bedtime stories, and emergencies about APA citations. The faculty understood the juggling act of career, family, and education, and their willingness to work with us made all the difference. The instructors weren't just educators; they were mentors — guiding us through complex theories and offering insights into real-world applications of leadership theories.”

Like so many others, Feliciano found his place at UMass Global and, along with his fellow graduates, now has the leadership skills to make a meaningful impact in his field and beyond.

The five alumni featured above are very different, but they all have one thing in common: they found success and achieved their goals at UMass Global.

As you prepare to begin writing the next chapter of your own story, consider the possibilities that lie ahead and consider pursuing a degree with UMass Global. Explore our academic programs and take the next step towards a future shaped by you.