TALES OF THE BRAVE

It takes courage to earn your college education and pursue your goals. At Maryville Online, our students and graduates show us when you’re brave, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.

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Online trailblazers: How two brothers hit the books while hitting the road

The pandemic has changed the way we live, work, and function. But brothers Logan and Bailey Roehr saw through the challenges and discovered an opportunity to live and learn in an exciting new way.

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Celebrating our outstanding nursing graduates

Fulfilling a childhood dream through online education at Maryville.

Although it took a long time for Junah Castil to accomplish his dreams, he never gave up, and in 2022 he earned his MSN online from Maryville University.

Inspired by her son. Empowered by Maryville.

Brenda Dinges almost lost her son when he was 12 — then graduated college alongside him in 2019, earning her nursing degree. Her journey has taken her from her rural family farm into leadership positions in busy emergency rooms.

Nursing was always her passion. With Maryville Online, it’s now her mission.

Her love of the St. Louis Blues brought Danielle Van Komen to Maryville. But her commitment to finding greater purpose as a nurse pushed her to become a nurse practitioner and change lives in healthcare facilities.

Learning to serve and lead by example

‘You have to have the knowledge’: Redefining her career after more than two decades

Deborah Askey chose an online MSN so she could study and learn on her schedule, working around her demanding nursing career.

‘Get out there and challenge yourself to be better’: Building on decades of business leadership through education

Dan Wooldridge started his career at 17 years old. After 39 years with the same company, he realized he still had plenty to learn — and new perspectives to discover.

Maryville student positions herself to meet new IT threats and challenges

Armanie began her studies with a focus on cybersecurity through international affairs. But upon realizing she could make a bigger impact behind a keyboard rather than through policy and diplomacy, she decided to focus solely on the technical and investigative aspect.

He began his education on a mission. Now he’s driven to help others learn and grow.

While things weren’t always easy for Jeremy Ramos, he knew that his hard work, focus, and dedication would one day pay off. Now, he’s using his education to pay it forward and help inspire others to thrive in their lives as well.

‘I saw a need’: Changing countless lives through courage and advocacy

Marcy Bursac is using her business savvy, IT skills, and natural determination to help make the world a better place, one adopted child or sibling group at a time.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream through courage, duty, and commitment

Jane Guida has a full schedule. She’s a mom of two young toddlers, works from home full time for an insurance company, and is in the process of starting real estate classes for a side career. But with online learning, she has found the flexibility to pursue her dreams in criminal justice and defense — on her terms.

He faced extreme challenges. Then, he built the courage that helped him find success.

When Kevin King hit his lowest point, he didn’t give up. His strength, courage, and dedication led him to a new career — and a college education.

The power of guidance changed his life. Now he’s paying it forward.

Chris Vann made the brave leap of faith to pursue graduate school both to impact his career and inspire those around him.

He longed for a more fulfilling career. Maryville helped him land his dream job.

Not only did Danny’s Maryville experience prepare him to land his dream job but it also renewed his self-confidence.

People had their doubts. She decided to do what made her happy.

As a first-generation college student, it wasn’t easy committing to studying thousands of miles from home. But from the moment she applied to Maryville Online, Alison felt valued and supported.

In 5 steps, one nurse wrote her own story as a working grandparent.

Celena walked her own path to earn her nursing post-master’s certificate. But even though her experience was unique, the lessons she learned can help shape the journey for tomorrow’s aspiring nurses.

She found support through her family — and an advisor who went above and beyond.

Nasu is no stranger to big life changes. So when her educational journey brought unprecedented twists and turns to her life, she was ready. By graduation, she had her MSN — and a whole family to root her on.

She’s driven to help the underserved. Maryville has helped make that possible.

For Jane, bettering herself meant learning how to help others. After graduating with her psychiatric mental health NP (PMHNP) certificate, she’s a rock for those pushing through rough patches with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.

‘Keep going’: Fighting through her most difficult days — to help others fight through theirs.

Ashley Lewis is a small-town woman who has always had big plans. Maryville University empowered her to teach, serve, and lead in the nursing field all while continuing to support her local community.

Her nursing dreams evolved. Maryville helped her follow them.

Driven by a passion for caring for others, Krystal Donley’s nursing journey began in high school. Several career advancements and nursing degrees later, she’s leading by example — and caring for her fellow nurses as well as patients.

She enrolled as a lifelong learner. She emerged as a difference maker.

Felecia Washington overcame her fear of online learning to earn an education that can help her protect her community and world.

Maryville Online Nursing Student Lexy and her dog Turbo

Inspired by her family and role models in the field, she set out to make a difference through nursing.

Lexy dreamed of following the footsteps of the compassionate nurses, including her mother, that she saw make a difference in her brother’s life.

Taking her nursing education in stride, Gina crosses the finish line, becoming a nurse practitioner.

Despite working full time and caring for five children, Gina found success with the support of her family, professors, and peers.

He took a leap of faith — and a big step forward — after 27 years.

It was scary when Darren decided to say yes to returning to school. But getting to set an example for his three daughters made it all worth it.

Opening doors: How a first-generation college student became a first-rate leader in education.

Dee has experienced the life-changing benefits of a college education firsthand. Now, he’s dedicating his career to helping others like him do the same.

‘There’s not one day that’s the same’: Finding purpose-driven variety through online education.

Discover how Angela Syphaseut found purpose-driven variety in her nursing career through the Maryville Online MSN FNP program, combining flexibility and expertise to inspire her daughter and elevate her career.

He wanted stability after the military. Maryville Online helped him start a business.

Air Force veteran Joseph Ensley pursued Maryville Online’s bachelor’s and master’s in accounting for job security and growth amid the pandemic. The flexible program allowed him to juggle work, family, and start his own accounting firm.

Nursing was her career, but teaching was her passion. Maryville provided opportunities for both.

With over 20 years of experience, nurse practitioner Julie Bekius decided to fulfill her teaching aspirations by enrolling in the Maryville online DNP program. The program’s flexibility allowed her to juggle family, work, and learning while pursuing her passion.

He pursued equity in education. Maryville helped him bridge the gap.

Zachariah Seiden triumphed over obstacles to attain his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville Online, enhancing his expertise to bridge the education gap and empower marginalized students.

Online flexibility and support empowered him to overcome lifelong barriers.

After pausing his career to raise his son, Miguel Montes found a new path with Maryville’s online Bachelor of Science in Data Science. Embracing flexibility and overcoming ADD, he’s now on track to graduate and pursue further studies.

She found strength as a first-generation student. Now she’s an aspiring CPA.

As a first-generation student, Lillie Osborne overcame challenges to earn her Maryville Online Masters of Science in Accounting. Discover her inspiring journey from small-town Kentucky to aspiring CPA.

‘Never in my wildest dreams’: Inspired by her family, she overcame self-doubt to launch a better future.

Megan felt grounded by anxiety and self-doubt. But her “grit, stubbornness, and determination” were stronger — so she pushed herself to go further. Now she’s discovering new heights in her nursing career.

She didn’t think college was for her. Years later, she spoke at her own commencement.

As an occupational therapy assistant, Danielle Malan was already changing lives. But she wanted to do more. By earning her psychology degree, she’s transformed her own life — as well as those of the patients she serves.

Her early experiences with mental health led her to nursing. Now she credits nursing with saving her life.

Inspired by her own journey, as well as those of her family members, Kassidy Singh has dedicated herself to helping others who are struggling with mental health challenges.

Her love of learning made her one of her state’s top experts in stroke patient care.

Kathryn Funk’s bold decision to pursue a career in nursing — in her 40s — took her from practicing as an LPN to serving the public good as one of her state’s leading experts in stroke care. Now she’s making a difference for Virginians everywhere.

Graduation day

Whether we’re together on campus or practicing social distancing, we celebrate proudly with our Maryville Online graduates.

A Message for Our 2020 Graduates

2020 Virtual Hooding

Flashback to Graduation 2019

Woman looking up with "One Brave Decision" text

This is what we’re all about

One brave decision can make the difference between where you are and where you want to be. You have what it takes, and we have your back.

Photos of people holding signs during Nurse Appreciation Week

Giving our thanks and appreciation

We’re proud of everything our nursing students and grads do — always. We had a message for them, and all nurses, to mark Nurse Appreciation Week.

Meet your Maryville #BraveU student ambassadors

Want to know what it means to be brave, or what being a Maryville Online student is all about? Hear from the unique perspectives of our #BraveU student ambassadors. At Maryville, you can get the inside scoop from current and former students who were once in your shoes and ultimately decided to make a brave decision to continue their education at Maryville Online.

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