Lorren Bailey (BPS '22 Professional Studies) with her mother, Dianne Showers, and her Brother, Phillip Showers.

Lorren Bailey (BPS '22 Professional Studies) with her mother, Dianne Showers, and her Brother, Phillip Showers

Photo courtesy of Michelle Jordan

A promise made to her Aunt Linda before her death led Lorren Bailey to complete her Bachelor’s degree. After taking some time to recover from the loss, and with a nudge from another relative, Lorren decided that she was ready to resume her journey and keep her promise. “I lost a very influential family member who made me promise on her deathbed that I would finish my degree.”

Keeping Her Promise

I lost a very influential family member who made me promise on her deathbed that I would finish my degree.

Lorren Bailey
BPS Alumni

Though Lorren was committed to finishing this time around, it was difficult to begin. Many of the frustrations and uncertainties she previously experienced began to resurface. Regardless, she began taking classes even though her …heart wasn’t really in it at the beginning.” During her first university experience, Lorren pursued a business degree. When she resumed her education at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, she continued that pathway but questioned whether it was right for her. 

“I [was becoming] frustrated that I was going to make a mistake by settling on a degree path. I nearly dropped out altogether.”

An Alternative Pathway

Luckily, her business advisor took the time to listen to her frustrations and introduced her to the Professional Studies program. The program offered Lorren an alternative route to degree completion and allowed her to explore different areas that interested her, utilizing an interdisciplinary approach. She even incorporated several Kinesiology courses into her curriculum, providing her with an understanding of the connection between the mind and body. The online learning format also made it possible to take more courses per term, accelerating her progress.

In addition to the flexibility that the program offered, Lorren also formed a connection with a professor who provided the encouragement to persist.

“[Dr. Morphew] helped me, guided me, and taught me throughout the entire program. I remember talking to her on the phone about an upcoming course I was taking and she helped me understand why it was important. I never had that before. She didn’t have to spend her time on a Saturday afternoon talking to someone who wasn’t an active student of hers. I really appreciated it.”

On May 2, 2022, eight years after she enrolled at UAH, Lorren walked across the stage to receive her diploma, fulfilling the promise she made years earlier. She felt a sense of relief as she watched her quote scroll across the display, “Thank you, God, for getting me to the finish line and Mom for always pushing me! I’m grateful for my friend’s and family’s support! I DID IT, Aunt Linda!” At that moment, Lorren felt as if her Aunt Linda was with her, smiling at her achievement.

Advice to Others

...the days, the weeks, the months, and the years will pass whether we want them to or not. At least working toward a degree will eventually pay off in the end."

Lorren Bailey
BPS Alumni

Now that her journey is complete, Lorren offers advice and encouragement to others who are contemplating degree completion.

“Don’t wait. In the beginning, I was worried that it would take forever to complete my degree. I was going part-time, and while it took eight years to complete, I finally listened when a family member said that the days, the weeks, the months, and the years will pass whether we want them to or not. At least working toward a degree will eventually pay off in the end.”

What's Next

Earning a degree in Professional Studies has opened the door for new opportunities, but more importantly, it has provided Lorren with the confidence to achieve any goal. “I have gained confidence thanks to this program and these people.”

In the future, she would like to pursue opportunities in the HR field and ultimately work in the Defense industry to serve our country. In the meantime, Lorren is taking advantage of the extra time, spending it with her husband, nieces, nephews, and dogs. She enjoys traveling and various outdoor activities, taking advantage of the peace that nature has to offer.  

If you are interested in learning more about the Bachelor’s in Professional Studies degree program, please visit CPS.uah.edu/BPS. There are five concentrations to choose from, including Engineering Technology. UAH is also launching the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology in Fall 2022. To learn more, visit CPS.uah.edu/BSET.

 


Contact

CPS Advising
CPSAdvising@uah.edu

Kellee Crawford
BPS Academic Support Specialist
256.824.6673
Kellee.Crawford@uah.edu