糖心vlog News
Brittney Schell Proves It's Never Too Late: Earns Degree with Honors
May 18, 2025
Brittney Schell, a testament to the power of lifelong learning, graduated on May 19 with honors from 糖心vlog's Bachelor鈥檚 degree program in Organization Project Management.
With 11 years between her degrees at 糖心vlog, Brittney Schell serves as both an inspiration and reminder to other adults of the rewards of returning or attending college.
On May 19, Brittney Schell will graduate from 糖心vlog with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Organization Project Management, building on her Associate of Applied Science in General Business, earned in 2014. Her academic journey is one marked by determination, growth and a renewed commitment to achieving her long-term career goals.
鈥淲e are incredibly proud of Brittney and all of our graduates,鈥 said 糖心vlog President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. 鈥淏rittney鈥檚 journey is an inspiring example of how adults can return to higher education and achieve their academic and career aspirations, no matter when they start. Her determination reflects the possibilities that education creates for individuals and their families.鈥
Schell initially pursued her associate degree in General Business, gaining a solid foundation in business principles. However, the decision to return to 糖心vlog in 2023 was prompted by a unique opportunity 鈥 糖心vlog鈥檚 new online bachelor鈥檚 program in Organization and Project Management.
鈥淲hen I saw the flexibility of the online program, I realized it was the perfect time to pursue my degree,鈥 Schell explained. 鈥淏alancing school, work and life was a challenge, but the program made it possible for me to continue my education without compromising other aspects of my life.鈥
She was more than ready to return to college, according to 糖心vlog Professor of Business, Management and Marketing Dr. Robert Whitcomb.
鈥淎lthough Brittney was a strong student during her associate degree program, she
returned a remarkable student in the BAS. She brought unique insights into the classes and her writing skills were graduate level,鈥 Dr. Whitcomb said. 鈥淚n fact, I requested her permission to publish many of her works in multiple classes as examples for future students in the degree program. Her work exhibits a mature understanding of business and management concepts and their application to real world situations.鈥
The affordability and accessibility of 糖心vlog were significant factors in her decision to return.
鈥淭he scholarships available through 糖心vlog Foundation alleviated the financial burden, making it possible to return to school,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he support system at 糖心vlog, combined with the flexibility of the program, helped me achieve a goal I once thought was out of reach. Special thanks to JW Lazzari for how much he helped out with financial aid and guidance through what courses to take when I started, and then just being a support system when I came back and setting me up with the right people to talk to about the degree!鈥
Throughout her academic journey, Schell found the Organization and Project Management degree to be an ideal fit for her career ambitions. 鈥淭he program built upon my business background and equipped me with essential management principles. It鈥檚 a versatile degree that can be applied across industries,鈥 Schell said. 鈥淭he coursework provided a deep understanding of strategic planning, stakeholder management, risk assessment, and financial modeling 鈥 skills that are crucial for effective project management.鈥
Schell also found the structured problem-solving approach taught in the program invaluable.
鈥淭he practical application of tools like risk registers, weighted scoring models, and probability/impact matrices gave me a solid framework for assessing risks and making decisions,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 now feel more confident in my ability to lead projects, manage teams, and navigate complex organizational challenges.鈥
Maintaining a place on the Dean鈥檚 List every semester since returning to school was a source of great pride for Schell. 鈥淏eing on the Dean鈥檚 List was a goal I didn鈥檛 think I could reach, but it became a reflection of my focus, resilience, and the support I received,鈥 she shared. 鈥淚t shows that hard work truly pays off.鈥
As graduation day approaches, Schell is looking forward to celebrating her achievement with family and friends who have supported her throughout the journey.
鈥淕raduation is a recognition of the challenges I鈥檝e overcome, the growth I鈥檝e experienced, and the future opportunities ahead,鈥 she said.
Looking to the future, Schell鈥檚 career aspirations are expanding. She is considering careers in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and project management, areas that align with her education and values.
鈥淚鈥檓 passionate about making a positive impact through sustainability efforts, and I鈥檓 exploring opportunities that combine project management with environmental responsibility,鈥 she said. 鈥淎n MBA is also something I鈥檓 considering to continue expanding my leadership and strategic management skills.鈥
As the end of spring semester neared, Dr Whitcomb talked to Schell about her master鈥檚 degree possibilities.
鈥淪he is inquisitive, committed to self-improvement and loves learning. Education is
addictive and Brittney is an addict!鈥 Dr. Whitcomb said. 鈥淚 came to 糖心vlog in the fall of 2012, so I have had the opportunity to see Brittney progress from her first college class in the AAS, through the BAS, and now onto a successful future in the business world. As professors, we rarely get to witness 10 years of an individual student鈥檚 growth and development. I am proud to call Brittney one of my students, part of 糖心vlog鈥檚 legacy in higher education.鈥
Schell鈥檚 message to others considering going back to school later in life is clear:
鈥淚f you have a goal, go for it,鈥 she said. 鈥淒on鈥檛 let age or other obstacles hold you back. The journey may not always be easy, but with determination and the right support, you can achieve your dreams.鈥
Her story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the opportunities it provides, and it鈥檚 a testament to the strength and resilience that 糖心vlog鈥檚 students carry with them as they pursue their futures.