Students Graduating Through ODUGlobal Share Empowering Messages for the Future

Nearly 3,000 Old Dominion University students entered the next phase of their journey following commencement in early May.

Those graduates, 967 of whom earned their degrees through ODUGlobal, will move into their careers or further education committed to making an impact. ODUGlobal asked six graduates from online programs how they planned to use their new degrees and their diverse ambitions to make a difference in the world. Here’s what they said.

Brian McNamara, Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy

"I plan to use my (degree) to dismantle oppressive institutions and build a more equitable society through public policy advocacy. Due to ODU's strengths in multi-sector administration and research training, Tulane University hired me as a full-time instructional faculty member even before I completed my dissertation. My training and experience with ODU set me up to make a true difference in the world."

Brent Via, Ph.D. in Community College Leadership

"I plan to make an impact in the world by using what I have learned to help improve outcomes for America's community college students and ensure the community college mission is better realized. I believe community colleges change the world by making education accessible to many underrepresented student populations and serve as a tool for increased social and economic mobility. This degree from ODU will help me lead efforts to close the inequality gap across America and help ensure everyone has an opportunity for a better life through affordable, quality educational options located in their own communities."

Deja Hunt, Doctor of Nursing Practice

“I currently work in urology, and I plan to work more in the research department on bladder cancers. I want to work with clinical trials and quality improvement projects. I want to push forward on changing how we put catheters in to help prevent injuries. I love teaching, and I love research, so I think I can make an impact in those ways moving forward.”

Tiffanie Smith, Education Specialist in Educational Leadership

“I’m ready to coach the next generation of teachers and help them become an amazing teacher for a future generation of students. My time as a teacher is up after being in the classroom for 29 years, so my next journey as an assistant principal and even as a principal will be to help teachers become the best they can be.”

Deborah Stewart, Master’s in Special Education

"I want to keep learning and encourage people to be better and to be excited about our students and about education.  I decided to get my master’s to keep pushing forward and to try to be the change I want to see.”

Theodore Urbano, Doctor of Nursing Practice

“I’m active-duty military, and I want to expand nurse coaching to the other branches of the military. We have it in the Air Force, and advocacy and education help nurses grow and develop.”