Full Description
For at least the last 100 years, more than 40% of all students who enrolled in American colleges and universities have not persisted to graduation at four-year institutions. Their stories are varied, but in every case, something got in the way of that pursuit. Life happened. They became one of the nearly 36 million Americans who have some college but no degree.
For many, the stigma of not finishing college is a closely held secret that weighs heavily as they discuss, engage, and compete to meet the challenges of the workforce in the 21st century. Some weren't ready at age 18 for the focus and commitment that academic studies require. Others found opportunities to create income and meet immediate familial needs or requirements. Many have excelled despite their lack of a college credential. Contrary to the deficit mindset that often permeates the retention and persistence discourse, this book highlights the stories of those who successfully returned to what was left unfinished.
The stories here may challenge your assumptions. These are high-quality students who demonstrated a compelling and inspiring commitment to their education, begun long ago and now completed—in some cases decades later. As you read, don't miss the role that engaged advisors, supportive family members, and well-designed programs such as prior learning assessment played in helping students to the finish line. These narratives also demonstrate that it is time for institutions of higher education to imagine and embrace new ways of serving these students well.
Contents
Foreword.
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
Part I. Embracing the New "Traditional" Student in Higher Education.
Chapter 1. The Economics of Education.
Chapter 2. The Skills Gap and Adults in Higher Education.
Chapter 3. The Rise of Degree-Completion Programs.
Chapter 4. The Value of Compelling Stories.
Part II. Providing for Family.
Chapter 5. Being the Example for a Young Family; Joe Trainer.
Chapter 6. Even Super Bowl Champions Can Come Back to Finish Degrees; Joe Jacoby.
Chapter 7. A Promise Fulfilled; Amobi Okugo.
Chapter 8. A Path to a Better Life; Latrivia Guinn.
Chapter 9. Musician and College Graduate; Jeffrey A. Crane.
Chapter 10. Comeback Student Athlete of the Year: From the Majors to Graduation; Sean Green.
Part III. Finding Personal Fulfilment.
Chapter 11. From Oil Changes to Influence; David Beumer.
Chapter 12. Grandma Goes to College; Jeanine Smith.
Chapter 13. Just as Glorious 50 Years Later; Ronald Tiller.
Chapter 14. Internationally Acclaimed Musician to College Graduate; Nappy Roots—Brian B. K. "Buffalo Stille" Scott.
Chapter 15. This VP Finished What He Started in 1987; Norris Hamilton.
Chapter 16. What Happens to a Dream Deferred? Jo Ann Herron.
Chapter 17. Showing Myself and Others It Can Be Done; Althea Jackson.
Chapter 18. Turning Nagging Regret into Triumph; Melissa B. McGarry.
Chapter 19. Dropping the Emotional Baggage and Building Self Confidence; Cindy Wentworth.
Chapter 20. Finding a Lost Treasure; Steve Shaw.
Chapter 21. Fulfilling the Promise; Amy Lear.
Chapter 22. 48, and Not Too Late; Chad Jones.
Part IV. Pursuing Career Advancement.
Chapter 23. If You Have a Pulse, You Have Purpose; Troy Marables.
Chapter 24. A Lifelong College Journey; Kathleen Sailings.
Chapter 25. 18 Months and 89 Credits; William P. Dugan, III.
Chapter 26. The Chief of Police Recommends a Return to School; Jamie Land.
Chapter 27. Shasta for the Win! Tamra Switzer.
Chapter 28. Securing the Future; Andrew English.
Chapter 29. Fulfilling the Dream to Become a Teacher; LaKeesha Turner.
Chapter 30. Gain a Competitive Edge; Nancy Williams.
Chapter 31. A 29-Year Journey to Graduation; Dawn Hall.
Chapter 32. Private Commencement Ceremonies Are the Best; Lawren A. Just.
Chapter 33. My Educational Journey: Third Time is a Charm! Raylene Pollio.
Chapter 34. Advancing to Become the Police Chief; Jim Ferraris.
Part V. Overcoming Barriers and Beating the Odds.
Chapter 35. The Thousand Mile Journey to a Better Life; Philip Young Alier.
Chapter 36. From Gangster to Graduate: The Untold Story of My Pursuit of a Dream; Orman E. Morton, III.
Chapter 37. Passion for Learning at Any Age; Deborah Kay Prather.
Chapter 38. Overcoming the Odds; Rachel Hensley.
Chapter 39. Because You're Never Too Old; Amanda Skaggs.
Chapter 40. An Amazing Journey; Maria Esperanza Vazquez.
Chapter 41. Happy Tears; Rachael Black.
Chapter 42. The Hope Messenger; O. L. Kelley, II.
Chapter 43. Changing the Trajectory of My Life; Lisa Spencer.
Chapter 44. Tenacity to Reach a Lifelong Goal; Jenny Chatman.
Chapter 45. The Ladder of Success: One Rung at a Time; Clifford Hicks.
Chapter 46. My 44-Year Journey to a College Degree; Debbie Webb.
Chapter 47. A Long Educational Journey; Ellen E. Elliott.
Chapter 48. The True Value of Perseverance; Sharmiesha Timlin.
Part VI. Reigniting the Love of Learning.
Chapter 49. A Very Personal Journey; Michael S. Keibler.
Chapter 50. South End Success Story; Gerald Kinnunen.
Chapter 51. Be the Hero of Your Own Story; Christopher Reid.
Chapter 52. A Toast to be Proud Of; Tommy Phelps.
Chapter 53. What am I Doing? Beki Nixon Sidener.
Chapter 54. The Voyage Itself is Part of the Reward; James Sauders.
Part VII. Adapting to the Changing Student Population.
Chapter 55. Adult Learners in U.S. Colleges and Universities.
Chapter 56. Adult Degree-Completion Programs.
Chapter 57. Adult Student Retention.
Chapter 58. The Challenge Faced by Higher Education.
Part VIII. Building an Updated Model for Adult Student Retention.
Chapter 59. Earlier Retention and Persistence Models.
Chapter 60. A New Model of Adult Learner Persistence in Degree Completion Programs.
Chapter 61. Components of the Model: Entry Characteristics.
Chapter 62. Components of the Model: Internal Campus/Academic Environment.
Chapter 63. Components of the Model: External Environment Variables.
Part IX. What Might This Mean for Higher Education?
Chapter 64. What Does This Mean for Theory?
Chapter 65. What Does This Mean for Research?
Chapter 66. What Does This Mean for Practice?
Part X. Call to Action.
Chapter 67. Identifying the Best Adult-Friendly Degree Program.
Chapter 68. Creating Opportunities for Adult Learners.
Chapter 69. Promoting Prior Learning Assessment.
Conclusion.
References.
About the Authors.
About the Contributing Adult Comebackers.
