Testimonials

Eileen Baker

Being a non-traditional student I was nervous about continuing my education because it would take quite a while to complete my degree while working full time.

Then I discovered the PACE Program at NKU. PACE allows me to take a full-time course load in one semester while attending class only two nights a week; so I can complete the degree in a timely manner. PACE also offers online courses to allow even more flexibility with my schedule. I received my associates degree through PACE in 2007 and should receive my bachelors degree in just another year.

PACE gives the flexibility and support a returning non-traditional students needs!

Michelle Gunkel

As a nontraditional student, having a family and a full-time job, the Educational Outreach staff, the PACE faculty, and my fellow classmates have proven to be very helpful and valuable resources.  With the assistance of the Educational Outreach staff, I am now on the fast track to accomplishing my educational goals. Everyone on the staff is amazing and they are always there if I need help. 

The PACE program is laid out in such a manner that all I have to do is concentrate on my classwork. I do not have to worry about which class to take, or if I am going to be able to enroll in the classes I need, because the Educational Outreach staff takes care of all that and more. 

Then there is the PACE faculty who willingly share with me their knowledge and provide the continual communication and feedback I need to excel; whether in an online class or in a classroom. Finally, attending classes with other adult students makes the PACE program even more desirable.  

As a senior I have been able to meet a large number of the other PACE students over the years and have even come to know all of my classmates that have the same major as me.  Attending classes with other adults and getting to know my fellow classmates may not sound like a big deal, but it has advantages, and means a lot to me. 

Choosing to enroll in the PACE program has proven to be one of the best choices I have made in my life.  With a little hard work and the help of the faculty, staff, and my fellow classmates, I was inducted into the Nu Kappa Pi Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society in 2008. I was also chosen as Student of the Year by the faculty and staff - all made possible by my PACE program enrollment.

Rob Rawdon

For me, everything started on my 28th birthday.  I can't explain why, but immediately upon waking-up that day, I was flooded with regret for wasting so much of my life in dead-end jobs without a college education.  I realized that I should have never dropped-out of college.

Then, magically, my wife learned about the PACE program.  She had just enrolled into the NKU Organizational leadership program, and there was a PACE presentation going on at the same time as her student orientation.  As soon as she heard about the program, she knew it was perfect for me.  All of the classes were at night, some online, and I would have my 4-year degree in 4 actual years!  No hassle with trying to schedule classes on my own, just show up, study, get good grades and graduate in 4 years.  If I already had the credit for whatever class was going on, then I got to take the semester off!  And, even as an out-of-state student, the PACE tuition was the same as those living in Kentucky. It was just too good true, but I had to try it.

Sitting there, at that PACE information session, I was inspired.  There I was, among adults my own age.  All of us with the same goal in mind ... to correct the mistakes that we had regretted for so long.  I had the instant notion that this was something I could do, that I would not be out of my element, and that this program would provide the structure that I needed to complete it successfully.  It was January of 2006 when I attended my first college class in more than 7 years.

My life as a PACE student has been challenging, but never unmanageable.  In these past years, I have been more focused and driven than I can ever remember.  If someone would have told me before my 28th birthday that I would someday soon be a college graduate, I would have called them crazy.  I always thought that opportunity had passed me by, never to be seen again.  I will be only 32 years when I graduate with my Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership, and I will have a lifetime of opportunities in front of me.  I could have never done this without the PACE program, and I know that I am not alone.  I can truly say that this program has changed my life.  I just can wait to see what happens next.