Ambassador of the Month
Stephanie Madden, Earning Her Business DBA
Life is a Marathon, not a Sprint: Following Your Dreams with an Advanced Degree from Northcentral UniversityStephanie Madden has a lot on her plate – and she likes it that way. Along with working in Human Resources for a small manufacturing company just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Madden volunteers for organizations (including the Highmark Caring Place for children who have lost a loved one), hangs-out with family and friends, works-out at the gym, takes vacations and reads voraciously (still looking for a replacement for Harry Potter!), all the while studying for her Business DBA from Northcentral University!
If Madden’s fast-paced life leaves you out of breath, then her next venture will make perfect sense: She has also founded a 501 (c) 3, which takes the form of an annual 5K race every fall to honor the legacy of her late father, Patrick J. Madden.
“We raise money for the American Cancer Society,” relates Madden, whose father was a mayor and noted sports figure in the area. “In the last four years, we’ve been able to donate over $15,000 to this worthy cause, and even though I really don’t consider myself a runner per se, it’s been a wonderful way to raise awareness and money while honoring the memory of my dad.”
Madden’s confident, self-sufficient attitude carries over in her approach to her online education, as well. While she considers herself a very astute online learner at this junction in her life and career, she also values Northcentral’s highly qualified and trained mentors.
“I’ve had great experiences with my mentors at NCU, and I especially value the industry experience that they offer,” remarks Madden. “We flow well together and I have built relationships just like you would with faculty at a more traditional university.
Madden had originally decided to take the brick-and-mortar route at the satellite campus of a large university near her home. But then, the institution cancelled her program and she was faced with either waiting a year for the program to return, or commuting to the main campus –which meant spending her entire Saturday inside of a classroom. Madden chose the flexible option provided by Northcentral and she couldn’t be happier.
“I was actually worried that the courses wouldn’t be hard enough,” laughs a determined Madden. “But once I was enrolled in my first class and it was incredibly challenging, I was put at ease and now, I’m a firm believer. NCU is rewarding academically – and it works around MY schedule.”
While Madden lives a hectic life, it’s also evident that she’s in it for the long haul: it’s in her nature to work, learn and constantly grow both personally and professionally. “I’ve been a student so long that people expect me to be taking a class,” smiles Madden. “Working adults understand the demands that obtaining an advanced degree places on our time – but I believe that being able to work while I go to school also provides me with invaluable real-world experience,” adds Madden.
Madden also emphasizes that having it all does NOT mean it’s easy. She loves being a student, researcher, business person, friend, volunteer; but running at this place takes hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and discipline: “I just can’t imagine sitting in a classroom for hours on end. Northcentral works with how we live in the world today.”
Madden encourages other working adults to do their homework before choosing an online school. She chose Northcentral for their strong HR program and their outstanding faculty mentored approach, and she also spoke with a lot of Northcentral’s Ambassadors. “I grilled them, but they put me at ease and I was happy with what I discovered,” declared Madden.
Ultimately, Madden hopes to teach and work in academics, and she views her time at Northcentral as a valuable investment in her future. But she also notes the current value in her educational choice. “NCU is affordable, especially when you compare it to many ground programs.”
Next time you see Madden, make sure to stop and say “Hello!” But, you better do it quick – she’s probably already running to her next adventure….
Founded in 1996, and located in Prescott Valley, Arizona, Northcentral University is an accredited, private, online institution serving adult students worldwide. Northcentral’s weekly course starts—with no physical residency requirements—are designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. Degree programs are customized to each student’s interests, and faculty and advisors provide one-on-one guidance to ensure academic success.
Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business and technology management, education, and behavioral and health sciences, Northcentral is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) supervises the accreditation of Northcentral's School of Business & Technology Management.
For more information, visit www.ncu.edu or call 866-776-0331.
