2022 Graduates Reflect on Tuition Assistance Success Stories
Seven 2022 graduates who benefited from the Exchange’s Tuition Assistance Program reflected on their experiences. Here’s a look at how the program assisted them. (To read more about the program, click here.)
Matthew Preston
Network Planning Analyst, HQ IT-I Operations Support
Parker University
Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Systems
“I never imagined being close to 40 and graduating college. But I did it. And it was well worth it. The Tuition Assistance Program was a great program and incentive to help me reach that goal. When COVID hit and we were 100% work from home, it was the perfect time to accomplish my goals. With online courses, I was able to work full time and be a full-time student at home. Completing my bachelor’s in computer information systems is going to help catapult me to success.
“Now that the degree is done, the sky is the limit. Thank you to the Tuition Assistance Program.”
Christine Harlan
General Manager, JBSA Lackland/Randolph Exchange
Upper Iowa University
Master of Business Administration, General Management Emphasis
“In 2012 when I graduated with my BA, I thought I was done with school. Moving up with the company, I realized how important it is to invest in yourself and better posture for success in the future. Earning my MBA allowed me to do just that. I am forever grateful that the Exchange invested in me and allowed me to maximize, to the penny, this critical benefit. It wasn’t always easy but well worth it in the end!”
Maria Hood
Store Manager, Grafenwoehr Main Store
University of Maryland Global Campus
Master of Business Administration
“I completed my bachelor’s degree through the GI Bill, and the Tuition Assistance Program gave me the benefit to pursue my higher education in a similar manner. The program allowed me to feel as if I was still a part of the military community that I love and serve. Through the program, I was able to reach my goals that helped enhance my leadership skills and propelled my knowledge in management. The Tuition Assistance and the MBA programs afforded me the confidence and gravitas of a leader at the executive level. Following my graduation, I was promoted to a 5-1 store manager in Grafenwoehr, where I currently serve with my team.”
Tonya Jones
Region Retail Program Specialist, Pacific Region
University of Maryland
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
“The Tuition Assistance Program made finishing my degree a reality. I am forever grateful to the Exchange and my leadership for investing in my growth and education. Earning my degree during the pandemic was an added challenge as we learned to adjust to new routines and work-life requirements. This experience was an opportunity to grow individually and as a leader and strengthened my commitment to self and others. I was able to apply the concepts of change management, which allowed me to embrace our “new normal” situations calmy and with a sense of direction for myself and my team. Obtaining my degree deepened my understanding and ability to act on and implement concepts of strategic management, personnel management and managing customer relationships. This was a longtime goal made possible through the Tuition Assistance Program and is just one example of how the Exchange is family serving family.”
Lori Allen
Senior Restaurant Program Planner, Food Theater Operations
Sullivan University
Master of Science, Management Enrollment
“Receiving my Master of Science in management was a huge personal accomplishment for me. I have a gained skills, knowledge and confidence that will enable me to become a stronger leader, coach and Exchange team member. The Tuition Assistance Program is something I recommend to anyone seeking to further their education and advance their career path. I am so thankful I was able to be a part of this program.”
Charles Morgan
Assistant Store Manager, Joint-Base Elmendorf Richardson Express
Wayland Baptist University
Bachelor of Applied Science, Business Administration
“Achieving my bachelor’s degree in business administration was great. Enrolling in college allowed me to reach my goal of moving forward with my career within this organization to become better at leading my team. During my first semester, I was excited to be in college and the challenge of gaining more knowledge about the business aspect of the Exchange’s core strategies. The Tuition Assistance Program became available allowing me to finish my degree with more support.
“This journey challenged me while working full time, going to class and dealing with COVID-19. My success has given me great opportunities to share my learning experience and communicate better with the diverse community, associates and customers I enjoy working with each day.”
Mark Draper
Field Technical Supervisor, IT-O ECT Europe
University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor of Science, Information Systems Management
“I finished my associate degree in computer science in 1993 during my first couple of years with the Exchange and several years before I moved into the IT directorate. By then my wife was pregnant with the second of our five children, and I dropped out of college about 50 hours short of my bachelor’s degree. For the next 20-plus years, I concentrated my time and energy on working for the Exchange and helping my wonderful wife raise our five great kids.
“About four years ago, my supervisor, Jade Thorne, suggested that I go back and finish my degree. I was more than a little skeptical but said I would do it if the Exchange would pay for it. I filled out the tuition assistance application and was a little surprised when I was accepted into the program. It was too late to back out, so I dug in my heels to the challenge and spent the next three years taking over 130 weeks of online classes.
“I’m proud to finally have my bachelor’s degree in information systems management and extremely happy to put away my ‘schoolbooks’ for the last time.”
