Huntingdon Graduates Melissa Childers and Julie Elliott

Meet Melissa: Now equipped with business leadership skills through her college degree

When the choice came down to being with her family or furthering her education, Melissa Childers always chose family. But Huntingdon gave her the opportunity to have both.

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Learn more about Huntingdon College at Huntingdon.edu/evening

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Melissa’s journey back to the classroom began when she found herself balancing a job in real estate law and her loved ones. Because of market conditions at the time, real estate law created a hectic work environment for Melissa. She was working 80 hours a week and barely finding time to spend with her family. She knew something had to change.

Her first step was finding a new, less demanding job. After jumping into the world of job applications and qualifications, she was hit with a startling realization. Her years of management experience didn’t mean anything to employers. If she wanted a job, she needed a degree.

Once it became apparent how influential a degree was, Melissa decided her best option was going back to school. She began her search for the perfect program. Melissa still needed to hold a full-time job and have time to spend with her family. She found Huntingdon’s Evening Bachelor’s program and felt like it was a perfect fit for her lifestyle.

“The biggest reason I chose Huntingdon was because it’s flexible,” Melissa said. “I take classes at multiple locations, based on what fits with my schedule.”

After graduation, Melissa plans on remaining in the legal field. She believes that her degree in Business Management does not limit her to just business related jobs.

“This degree has taught me so much about being in a leadership position,” Melissa said. “Management skills are utilized in all areas of the workforce, good leaders are needed everywhere.”

Two years after Melissa began Huntingdon’s program, she will be walking across the stage, graduating with a bachelors in Business Management. All that was accomplished while working in a management position at a law firm and maintaining time with her family.

“I can’t believe I made it, but I am so happy I have” Melissa said. “I am so ready to walk across that stage and watch this dream come true.” 

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Meet Julie: Preparing to graduate Huntingdon with honors — and a promotion

Julie Elliott wanted to prove to her children that they could go to college and grow their careers, no matter what age or field they were in. Julie has three children, and the closer they got to graduating high school the more she recognized the importance of college.

“I would encourage them to look into colleges, and they would be like ‘but you didn’t,’” Julie said. “I knew I had to go back to prove to them that they could do it and that it was worth it.”

Julie took classes at Jefferson State Community College to become a medical assistant. She graduated that program with honors, and her advisor led her to explore even more educational options. That is how Julie was introduced to the Huntingdon Evening Bachelors Program.

“My advisor told me this program would be beneficial for me, so I started looking into it,” Julie said. “It’s convenient, it’s cost-efficient, and there’s minimal travel time to campus.”

Julie’s main concern with working towards her bachelor’s degree was not sacrificing time with her family.

“Even if you become a student again, you still have to raise your family,” Julie said. “I needed something that let me do both.”

After Julie began classes in the medical program with Huntingdon, she realized that might not be the field for her. She chose to change her major to Business Management, because it’s a universally beneficial program.

“This program helped me get a promotion at Home Depot,” Julie said. “They encourage higher education for the management positions.”

Julie has worked hard to complete her degree, and her success in the classroom and at her job reflect that. She plans to graduate with honors, as a Cum Laude graduate of Huntingdon College.

“It can be a sacrifice, but it is worth it,” Julie said. “You put in the effort, and in just two years, you’re going to be on the road to something better.”

Majors in Pell City

Business Management with optional Health Management concentration

Site Coordinator: Pam Argo

Mailing Address:

Huntingdon College

Evening Bachelor’s Degree

P.O. Box 430067

Birmingham, AL 35243

Physical Address:

Jefferson State Community College, Pell City

500 College Circle

Pell City, Alabama 35125

Office: PC123

Phone: (205) 812-2703

E-mail: pargo@hawks.huntingdon.edu