ODU Student's Journey Includes Resilience and Renewal 

Kathy McKenna’s path to higher education hasn’t always been straightforward, but one constant has been her unwavering dedication to learning.

“My life has taught me many lessons,” McKenna said. “I can teach, learn and be a student despite what life throws at me.”

This determination comes from a life inspired partly by her father, John Rutowski Jr., a former Marine who earned a Purple Heart for his service during the Korean War. “I don’t care what you do in life,” McKenna remembers him saying. “Do the best job you can and make us all proud of who you are.”

More than 20 years ago, McKenna was earning her bachelor’s degree at Marymount University and, simultaneously earning a master’s degree in multicultural education from the University of Virginia, but then her dreams had to be put on hold.

Her son TJ, another source of inspiration, was born with muscular dystrophy and a learning disability. “When he faced obstacles, he would pause, regroup and find new ways to overcome them,” McKenna said. "He never let challenges stop him from living life to the fullest.” His tenacity and spirit earned him the first-ever Honorary Marine posthumously.

After a series of personal tragedies, including losing her son, she returned to Southwest Virginia, where she found fulfillment in new roles as a substitute teacher and private tutor, rediscovering her passion for learning and helping others.

With a renewed sense of purpose, McKenna has reignited her pursuit of education at ODUGlobal, where the online flexibility and supportive staff are helping her complete a degree in leadership.

When she was diagnosed with cancer, ODUGlobal advisor Pam Beatty’s gentle guidance helped McKenna navigate through course requirements and adjust her schedule.

“I decided to learn online through ODUGlobal because they took into consideration the life skills I have attained and the educational credits I worked so hard to earn many years ago.” said McKenna. “And I can get on the computer and advance in the course no matter what time it is. The classroom is always open.”

McKenna also found great support from her public speaking professor, Chris Hanna, who she credits with providing valuable feedback and ensuring what she’s learning has real-life applications.

“I’ve been able to relate my public speaking topics to my personal life, boosting my confidence in communication with my students and the community,” she said. “My experience at ODUGlobal has been transformative.”