Exchange Helps 18 Associates Earn College Degrees with Tuition Assistance Program

Say hello to the class of 2021.

Thanks to the Exchange’s Tuition Assistance program, these 18 associates—spanning a variety of career tracks, pay grades, age groups and geographical locations—successfully met all requirements to receive academic degrees last year.

“Congratulations to the class of 2021,” said Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “I am so inspired by our teammates who take on the challenge of pursuing a degree alongside the demands of work and family. These associates are rockstars.”

The Exchange’s Tuition Assistance program provides a limited number of high-performing associates each year with financial assistance to help them earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. The highly competitive program is intended to support selected associates in growing their professional and leadership skills within the Exchange through pursuit of a higher education.

Regular full-time employees with at least one year of continuous service and no disciplinary action who participate in a program relevant to the Exchange’s operational needs can apply for tuition assistance. Once accepted, applicants receive a yearly maximum of $5,250 in tuition reimbursement, with lifetime payments limited to $20,000 for an undergraduate degree and $30,000 for a graduate degree.

“The Tuition Assistance program allows associates to achieve various levels of success in a field of study that benefits them both personally and professionally,” said Randy Ramirez, Vice President, HR Talent. “The 2021 graduating cohort is reflective of the diversity within the Exchange and the tenacity permeating our organizational culture.”

The distinguished graduates for 2021 are:

Bachelor’s:

Saundra Griffith – Methods Procedures Analyst – HQ/Finance and Accounting Directorate
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Management

Ashley Guerra – Loss Prevention Manager II – HQ/Loss Prevention Directorate
University of Maryland
Bachelor of Arts, Communications 

Paola Stevenson – Brach Store Manager – Europe Region
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science, Management

Courtney Escobedo – Operations Manager – Western Region
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Business, Management

Lee Lubbock – Facility Manager II – HQ/Logistics Directorate
Northwood University
Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Connie Bartee – Purchasing Manager – HQ/Merchandising Directorate
Northwood University
Bachelor of Business Administration, Management

Catherine Byrns – General Manager (Dual) – Western Region
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science in Business, Business

Anna Jeffries – Chief of Career Assignments – HQ/Human Resources-Talent Directorate
University of Maryland
Bachelor of Science, Human Resource Management

Kimberly Neiss – General Manager – Eastern Region
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration

Master’s:

Andrew Brooks – Store Manager – Eastern Region
Valdosta State University
Master of Business Administration, Executive

Dawn Hendrix – Regional Human Resources Manager – Human Resources Directorate
Columbia University
Master of Business Administration, Management/Human Resources

Meghann Lammers – Business Analyst III – HQ/Information Technology Directorate
Texas Woman’s University
Master of Business Administration, Business Administration & Management Accounting

Myly Nguyen – Application Systems Program Analyst III – HQ/Information Technology Directorate
Amberton University
Master of Business Administration, Project Management

Julissa Pettway – General Manager – Eastern Region
Valdosta State University
Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

LaToya Harris – Main Store Manager – Eastern Region
Amberton University
Master of Business Administration, Strategic Leadership

Robin Boylan – General Manager – Eastern Region
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Franklin Moss – Senior Field Loss Prevention Operations Manager – HQ/Loss Prevention Directorate
University of Phoenix
Master of Science, Admin Justice & Security

Stephen Shaw – General Manager – Central Region
University of Maryland
Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Click here to see what eight 2021 graduates had to say about their experience furthering their education through the Exchange Tuition Assistance program.

Interested in furthering your education through the Exchange Tuition Assistance program? Click here to learn more and apply.