Military Students Find Sanctuary In Earning Degrees While Deployed
Universities Offering Distance Learning See Uptick in Military Schools
FAYETTE, Iowa (May 25, 2010) – With many of America’s military personnel deployed or awaiting deployment, earning a college degree can seem nearly impossible for members of the armed forces. But with the help of one Iowa university, Army Sgt. Isaac Hayman is earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from his post at Joint Base Balad, about three hours north of Baghdad in the Salad ad Din province of Iraq.
“Life in the army is dangerous and unpredictable, but my schoolwork has been my sanctuary,” said Hayman. “It gives me peace of mind to know that I will have a college degree when I retire from the Army, and I think other members of the military feel the same.”
According to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, universities and colleges offering distance education are seeing an uptick in the military segment of their student body. This trend is fueled, in part, by the enhanced educational benefits that the military now offers. The Post-9/11 GI Bill that became available in August of last year allows veterans or active military to earn degrees at public and some private colleges at little to no cost. As of January, 385,000 veterans and active military had applied for this benefit, and 185,000 of them or their dependents are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution.
“As a member of the Army, I knew I would face certain challenges in earning my bachelor’s degree that other students would not – like living in Iraq for 18 months,” said Hayman. “But, I wasn’t going to let that stop me from succeeding, and I found a partner in Upper Iowa University.” Throughout the past few years, Hayman has served his role in the Army during the day, while attending class at night.
Upper Iowa University (UIU) has a wide variety of educational opportunities tailored to fit the dynamic lifestyle of today's military personnel and their families. From traditional classroom settings on military bases in Kansas and Louisiana to online and self-paced, guided Independent Study, UIU has a program and delivery method to meet the unique needs of military men and women. Flexible course and assignment completion schedules also make it possible for students to meet their military commitments and not lose class credits or tuition money.
“UIU is proud to work with America’s military members to achieve their educational goals,” said Dr. Alan Walker, president of UIU. “We strive to provide a flexible and individualized educational environment for the brave men and women serving our country.”
Recently named one of G.I. Jobs’ Military Friendly Schools, UIU is a member of the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP), GoArmyEd, the Army National Guard Support Center, the Coast Guard Institute as well as a core member of the Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC). To provide resources and assistance to spouses of active duty service members, UIU participates in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Program.
For more information, contact:
Mary Pettersen or Kate Cox
Cushman/Amberg Communications, Inc.
312/499-5241 or kcox@cushmanamberg.com
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,600 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.