Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, 2009, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, 2011
Katrina Longmire’s path to promotion began with her decision to enroll at Kaplan University for her Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.
Like some other Kaplan University students, Katrina was a single parent raising three children while working a 12-hour shift at her job. Things were far from easy.
“It felt like the whole world was on my shoulders at one time, but I knew that getting my education was something I had to do not only for me, but for my children,” she asserts. “I needed to show my kids that no matter what, you can get your education.”
After completing her associate’s degree, Katrina was promoted to the position of police officer. She was so excited and proud of her accomplishment that she decided to continue her educational path at Kaplan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This time, she was promoted to master police officer—and received a raise in salary.
Katrina attributes her success to the degrees she earned at Kaplan University. “Without my education from Kaplan University, I would not have been able to increase my income.”
She was impressed with the level of support she received from her advisors and firmly believes that their help contributed to her success. She plans to return to Kaplan University to pursue her Master of Science in Psychology to study family counseling.
Katrina is passionate about helping others at home and at work. In her spare time, she volunteers at a local shelter to help displaced, disadvantaged pregnant teenagers. She also enjoys volunteering at her children’s school, participating in show-and-tell activities, and helping with literacy programs.
Katrina encourages others to “continue your education until the fullest because that is something that no one can take away from you once you have it.”
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, 2005, and Bachelor of Science in Management, Health Care Management Emphasis, 2007
Life wasn’t easy for Uwe Ritter. He was struggling to make ends meet, working as a security officer at a local hospital. “I wasn't going anywhere. No promotion, no pay raise.” Doors were closed with no opportunity in sight.
Uwe dropped out of high school to join the Marines. His tour of duty lasted 7 years, during which he served the country with pride, mainly in the Indian Ocean. He has visited a number of countries, including Africa and Australia. His experience in the military would one day motivate Uwe to earn his high school diploma.
After earning a high school diploma, Uwe found his way to Kaplan University. He believed this step could open the door to a new life. He enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program, graduated, and then enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Management with a health care management emphasis. He was so committed to making a change in his life, he often took three classes at a time to help him reach his goal faster.
While going to school, Uwe worked as a security officer at a hospital. He was promoted to a shift supervisor in charge of training new hires and speaking on behalf of the department at new hire sessions. He supervised the safety of the entire 453-bed hospital and had to make decisions at a moment’s notice. “Having learned communication skills at Kaplan University helped me communicate professionally between all levels within the facility, from the CEO to the receptionists.”
Unfortunately, just as Uwe was completing an internship in the patient-advocate’s office, he became disabled. However, he is not dejected by his current medical condition. Rather, he is motivated to get well and resume working in the health care environment he so passionately loves.
Uwe recalls one of his favorite Kaplan University memories: “The writing class with Penny Freeland was so enjoyable...to the point where I did not want the term to end.” At one time, Uwe disliked writing; however, his instructor helped changed his negative mindset, helping him to grow and overcome fears. Uwe now volunteers by tutoring high school students at the local library. Here’s the twist—he’s tutoring in writing and research.
Another moment that he will never forget is earning his degrees with the highest honors—summa cum laude. Professor Penny Freeland also nominated Uwe for the “Great Award,” recognizing graduates for excellence, achievement, and talent.
“Never sell yourself short, all obstacles can be overcome,” advises Uwe.
Bachelor of Science in Management, 2010
While most business graduates look for opportunities upon earning a degree, Derek Somerville looked for—and found—immediate results. Earning his bachelor’s degree in business management helped him land a promotion to interim director for a rehabilitation organization in Pennsylvania.
Derek enrolled at Kaplan University to expand his knowledge and expertise in the area of business management. Thanks to his education, he is now equipped with the skills for effective management and performance, including strategic goal-setting, analyzing financial statements, solving complex business problems, and more.
“The instructors were great and they brought out the best in me,” he adds.
Derek worked 50 to 60 hours a week while balancing school responsibilities and maintains that his “proudest accomplishment was earning summa cum laude honors while working the hours [he] had.” He advises new students to wisely manage their time to avoid feeling stressed out. To his fellow alumni, he encourages networking: “The more people you know, means the more people who can potentially assist.”
As Derek excelled at his job, he observed deficiencies in the overall quality of service in health care. Seeing this as an opportunity to change the way “quality” is defined in his company, he plans to spearhead an overhaul of the system. With a new degree to help him achieve this goal, Derek’s dream is to ensure that patients have access to unconstrained long-term care.
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Master of Science in Nursing, 2011
Ask Josephine Garcesa-Duque, a nurse at a heart center in a hospital, and she’ll tell you in no uncertain terms, “I love Kaplan University, I love the faculty, and the education is excellent.”
While she was completing her degree program, five of her work colleagues enrolled at Kaplan University. Coincidence? Perhaps.
With a real thirst for learning, Josephine began her Master of Science in Nursing at Kaplan University in 2009, and walked across the stage to receive her degree in August 2011. As she shook the hand of Kaplan University President Wade Dyke, she could hear her late mother’s words: “I can’t give you everything but education will open doors for you.”
That conversation has left an indelible mark on her life. Josephine’s mother instilled values of determination, humility, and courage, which Josephine has now passed on to her 11-year-old daughter. Today her daughter says, “Mom you have assignments too, and I expect you to get an A.”
A lifelong learner, Josephine knows that learning is not just about finishing a class. It’s a continual process of stimulation through reading, engaging, and learning from exchanges with others, experience, and formal education. She has become an inspiring influence in her coworkers’ lives, as they too want to graduate from Kaplan University one day.
Today, Josephine works as a critical care cardiac nurse, administering care to patients with heart issues. “With my master’s degree, I now have more options. I want to be a clinical instructor because I’m passionate about learning and teaching in an industry that needs more clinical instructors.”
“Knowledge without action is useless. You have to put it into action. Knowledge empowers people. It empowers me.”