  Spouses Who Make the Grade
Meet 4 spouses who made their education a reality.
by Cachet Prescott
That’s why we’re inspired by these spouses who seem to do it all – and get a degree.
And don’t forget to check out www.militaryfriendlyschools.com to find the program that’s right for you.
Name: Megan Levings
Degree: Pursuing Associate’s in Legal Assisting and Business Administration
School: University Northwestern Ohio
Web site: www.unoh.edu
Current Location: San Clemente, Calif.
Spouse: Marine Corps
Married: 11 years
How she did it: Levings continued her education during a PCS from Columbus, Ohio to San Clemente, Calif., and credits UNOH with making it possible. “I’ve done everything through distance learning,” Levings said. “Honestly if it weren’t for them offering this, I wouldn’t be able to go to school.” Levings, who takes 12 to 16 credits a quarter, said while it’s nice that she does not have to find daycare for her children, the best part of the program is how the school paired her with a military representative. “The school helps you get the tuition assistance and funding. They help you through the process with anything you need,” she said.
Name: Shirley Patterson
Degree: Pursuing BS in Accounting
School: University of Maryland University College
Web site: www.umuc.edu
Current Location: Fort Lewis, Wash.
Spouse: Army
Married: 7 years
How she did it: Patterson began her college career at a community college in Kentucky. When her husband received orders to head back to her native country of Germany, she needed to find another school overseas that would offer her major. UMUC Europe was the only school that offered accounting, and its program was a positive match. “UMUC Europe made my transition extremely smooth and was very helpful,” Patterson said. “I saw how easy it was to be an online student, and I began to enjoy online classes.”
Name: Melissa Dallke
Degree: Pursuing BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
School: Liberty University Online
Web site: www.liberty.edu
Current Location: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Spouse: Navy
Married: 15 years
How she did it: Dallke’s unique degree is a direct result of Liberty University listening to its military spouse students, who often have bundles of credits they hope to transfer. “Liberty takes every class I’ve ever taken at any college and puts them all in the general major,” said Dallke, who’s concentrating in education and business. “They make sure all of my credits from everywhere will transfer.” She said she likes the flexibility of the online courses, which she can schedule between homeschooling her kids and shuttling them to softball and ballet. Dallke also took advantage of Liberty’s tuition discount, which includes books in its $250 per credit rate.
Name: Nivia Powell
Degree: Pursuing BA in Health Care Administration
School: Ashford University
Web site: www.ashford.edu
Current Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Spouse: Army
Married: 4 years
How she did it: Powell, a mother of four, credits time management and lots of lists as her way of managing chaos when her husband deploys. Powell chose Ashford University’s online program because it allows her the flexibility to work around her family’s needs. “In order to maintain a stress-free environment while my husband is deployed, I have to be on a schedule,” she said. “Ashford University provides me with the opportunity to take online classes on my schedule and when it works best for me.” Powell adds that her biggest higher education motivator is her kids and hopes that some day they will follow in her footsteps.
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 What is an LES?
Even the world of military finance has acronyms. Understanding one in particular can be very beneficial to your family. LES means Leave and Earnings Statement. |
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