Craig Smith had amassed 150 credit hours between a community college and the University of Cincinnati and was within a few classes from earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree when his life abruptly changed course.
He went through a divorce and was awarded custody of his young daughter, Laurynn Smith, and he could no longer afford to be a fulltime student. He dropped out of college and picked up two jobs.
Fast forward some 20 years later, Craig has built a successful career in human resources and banking in Northern Kentucky, but he鈥檚 always had an itch to finish what he started. He wants a degree, for a personal sense of fulfillment and to advance his career.
鈥淚 just didn鈥檛 want to start over; I had so many credit hours,鈥� Craig said.
When Laurynn enrolled this year at Bellarmine as a first-year student, he found, as an empty-nester, he had more time on his hands he could use to do classwork. His employer has a tuition reimbursement program. It seemed like the time was right to return to school. He was exploring options when he discovered Bellarmine鈥檚 Degree Completion Program. It was serendipitous.
He called to inquire and was on the phone with Laura Hartford, associate dean of the Bellarmine College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Degree Completion Program, for about 30 minutes. He found that he could transfer nearly all his credits and the Organizational Leadership track was a good fit for his career experience and interests.
He put in an application that day.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 have asked for a smoother or easier application process,鈥� Craig said. 鈥淚t couldn鈥檛 have been more seamless. It was much more approachable than some of the bigger universities, where I鈥檇 first looked and experienced lots more bureaucracy.鈥�
鈥淣ow, my goal is to push along try to get a master鈥檚,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat will open many more doors.鈥�
Even though classes are online, he鈥檒l still visit campus to take advantage of available resources and to see his daughter, Laurynn, who is studying Psychology and Vocal Performance. Laurynn, who looked at colleges across the region, chose Bellarmine after her financial aid package made it affordable for her.
鈥淪o far, for both of us, it鈥檚 been very smooth,鈥� Craig said.
Craig said he couldn鈥檛 be prouder that Laurynn made the Dean鈥檚 List this fall.
鈥淚t's been a great first semester,鈥� he said.