Sharol Duenas’s journey at Purdue Global (“PG”) started in 2021 when she transferred into the BSLSS – Paralegal concentration program from the San Diego Miramar Community College. PG was an easy choice given its stellar reputation as a wholly online institution serving the needs of working adults and accepting prior college credits. With the support of her family, Sharol was able to work full-time and continue expanding her educational knowledge. 

Sharol’s adult children played an important role in encouraging her to pursue her further higher education. Her daughter Vanessa was the first in their family to attend and graduate from college, and motivated Sharol to do the same. Her son Doug’s selfless service to the nation as a former United States Marine encouraged her to strive for excellence.

Sharol’s interest in the legal field began almost 30 years ago when she started working in the entry level position of legal secretary. She rose within the ranks to legal assistant and paralegal, but she was not satisfied as she wanted to attend college and get her degree. Sharol graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Legal Support & Services – paralegal concentration degree in May 2023.

Everyone at PG made her educational journey worthwhile.  While Sharol enjoyed all the courses she completed at PG, Ethics and the Legal Environment, College Composition, and Business Law were her favorite. She would like to give a shout out to all her professors, especially Professors John Berube, Emily Rozwadowski, and Sara Wink for the favorable impact they had on her during her time at PG. Sharol would also like to acknowledge her student advisor, Tanya Miller, for always encouraging her and making sure she enrolled for the classes for each term start.

Sharol utilizes the knowledge/training she received at PG in her current job as a paralegal in the California office of an AM 200 Law Firm that is based on the East Coast. In her current role as a paralegal, she focuses on Estates & Trusts, as well as Corporate/Business Law. She hopes to continue her journey in the legal field in years to come and might even consider furthering her studies at PG in the near future.

Please join me in wishing Sharol all the best with her future plans to continue to advance in the legal field.

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Ebony LeSueur's Purdue journey began when she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Business in Human Resource Management program at Purdue University Northwest. She appreciated the rigor and structure of Purdue University but wanted to take advantage of the online program while working full-time. She was inspired by the work and people in her organization, the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS), to enroll in the Public Administration graduate program.

 Like many others, Ebony focused on time management by utilizing tools such as Google Calendar and the support of her family to complete the Master of Public Administration program successfully. Sticking to her schedule sometimes meant turning down great opportunities or missing her sons' practices and games. In the end, it was all rewarded!

The most impactful parts of her Purdue Global experience were the opportunities to engage with each professor and classmate. She learned something valuable in each seminar and discussion board. The information gained through research papers elevated her knowledge of human resources and administration in the public sector.

She said all her professors were instrumental in her success, but she would like to give a big shout-out to Dr. Karla Drenner and Dr. William (Bill) Campbell.

Ebony graduated with the MPA degree in 2023 and is already reaping the benefits by leading with a strategic mindset on multiple projects she's currently involved in at work. She was recently promoted to Senior Human Resources Business Partner at the Indiana Public Retirement System.

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Debora Thornton’s PG journey began when she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Legal Support & Services (Paralegal concentration) (BSLSS) program in 2017. Her interest in law started when she watched Law & Order and also when she interned with her local probation office. She picked PG because of the quality of the program and our reputation as an institution serving working adults. Her positive experience in the BSLSS program encouraged her to continue her educational journey by enrolling in the Master of Science in Legal Studies (MSLS) program in 2019 and graduated in January 2022. 

Debora’s experience at Purdue Global was nothing short of amazing. She was able to complete her degrees at her own pace. With the knowledge she gained throughout her journey in the BSLSS and MSLS programs, Debora felt she had the tools to do what she loved the most, to be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves.

Like many others, Debora also faced head winds during the Covid pandemic, but instead of succumbing to the challenges she faced, she relied on the support of her family and close friends to focus on her studies and successfully complete the MSLS program. She said all her professors were instrumental in her success, and she would like to give a big shout out to Professor John Gray and Professor John Bermingham – especially Professor Bermingham’s weekly motivational quotes that resonated with her.

Deborah is currently employed with Allied Universal as a full-time security officer and also serves as a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). She believes that the courses in the BSLSS/MSLS programs prepared her to serve as a CASA Volunteer, especially Family Law. In addition to Family Law, she also greatly benefitted from classes such as Understanding Criminal Responsibility, Understanding Civil Responsibility and Ethics and The Legal Environment.

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Amanda Greene says her journey at Purdue Global has been nothing short of amazing. PG was an easy choice given its stellar reputation as a wholly online institution serving the needs of working adults and accepting prior credits. Like many of our students, Amanda juggled many responsibilities as a working mother of three who was determined to pursue her educational ambitions while also supporting her husband who himself held 2 jobs to support their family. With the support of her family, Amanda was able to make school a priority.

From her first point of contact with Mike Jackson (admissions counselor), to Joe Wiseman (student adviser), to the great team of professors, everyone at PG made her educational journey worthwhile.  Amanda graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services degree in May 2022 and said she exceeded her own expectations with her academic performance. She was honored to be nominated for a scholarship, represent PG during the recent HLC visit, and was invited to join 5 honor societies. Amanda also served as a peer mentor to other Legal Studies students. So meaningful was the impact of her educational journey here at PG, Amanda may even consider returning to do a masters’ degree in the future.

While Amanda enjoyed all the courses she completed at PG, the Administrative Law and American Society courses were her favorite. She would like to give a shout out to Professor Tim Carlin and Professor Collins for the impact they had on her during her time at PG. Amanda utilizes the knowledge/training she received at PG in her current job as a paralegal with a law office and works with all three lawyers in the office.

Please join me in wishing Amanda all the best with her future plans to continue to advance in the legal field.

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Stephanie Cooper’s interest in the law started when, as a child, she watched the Law & Order series with her mother. Her fascination with the show helped her determine that this was going to be her future career.

Purdue University Global’s Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services program was a great fit for Stephanie and she was happy to be able to transfer credits she had previously earned into the program. The flexibility of our online program fit Stephanie’s hectic schedule, which included working 60 hours per week in addition to raising her two little girls. 

Stephanie and her twin sister are both First Generation college students, with her sister earning her LPN. She did not miss a beat in her academic pursuit, worked hard every term, and successfully completed the courses she was enrolled in. She echoed the sentiments of many PG students – online education allowed her to achieve her academic dreams.

She found the courses in the BSLSS program interesting and they challenged her critical thinking skills. She particularly enjoyed Legal Philosophy and Law & Society. 

Stephanie currently works as a Deputy Clerk 2 in the criminal division of a circuit court where her understanding of how laws are written and interpreted has proven to be a great asset. She still relies on her school notes when drafting legal documents because all the practice provided during her time at PG helps improve her skills.

Stephanie would like to thank all her professors, and wants to give a big shout out to two of her professors in particular. Professor Tim Carlin was her cheerleader; his compassion helped her persevere through some difficult times. Professor Ginger Devine’s experience and real world examples helped make the courses relevant.

Please join me in congratulating Stephanie on her recent graduation and wish her all the best in her plans to continue her legal career within the courts and becoming a court clerk. 

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Programs, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Myra Huston’s career started with stints in customer service, but while working as an administrative assistant in a personal injury law firm, she felt motivated to pursue her degree in legal support and services. Purdue University Global was a good fit for her for several reasons, namely the Brightspace learning management system, the program structure, and its affordability.

Myra’s family supported her throughout her time at PG. Her husband was instrumental in researching educational institutions prior to her enrolling at PG. He also supported her when she needed someone as a sounding board for her assignments and discussion board postings. Her parents were equally supportive, and Myra’s mother herself had been an adult student who went back to college after she had started her family.

Her structured approach towards her coursework helped her to successfully complete all the courses. One of the challenges Myra faced was time management, but once she understood the program/course requirements, she was able to manage her schedule well.

Myra said that all her instructors were instrumental in her journey and would like to give a special shout-out to Cristina Nolan, Brian Craig, and Carlene Diprenda. She talked about how essential their willingness to work with her during Covid helped her to stay on target to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Legal Support & Services – Paralegal degree in early 2022. She is currently employed as a legal assistant in a law firm and enjoys her chosen career path. 

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Helen Kimbrow’s interest in the law started when she was a child and experienced segregation.  She wanted to learn the law to better understand her rights as a United States citizen and maybe someday help others who may have experienced similar adversity.

Helen was working with the United States Postal Service in 2013 when she learned about being qualified for employee discount for programs at Purdue University Global (then known as Kaplan University). She jumped at the opportunity to learn the law by enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies program and successfully completed it in 2015.  

Her interest in the law motivated her to enroll in the Master of Science in Legal Studies, which she successfully completed in 2018. Armed with her knowledge of the law especially in legal research, mediation and arbitration, Helen accepted an offer to work in her current position as the National Postal Mailhandler Union Steward where she feels she is making an impact helping her colleagues.

Helen did not miss a beat in her academic pursuit, she worked hard every term and successfully completed the courses she was enrolled in. She echoed the sentiments of many PG students – online education allowed her achieve her academic dreams. The flexibility allowed her to care for her ailing mother, her son and continue her work at the USPS.

Being a first generation college student, Helen hopes her success will motivate her family and friends to also pursue college education. Helen wants to give a shout out to Professor John Bermingham for his guidance and support during her journey in the MSLS program.

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Robin DeFehr is a recent graduate of Purdue University Global in the Master of Public Administration degree program. Robin, similar to many of our Purdue Global students, is a busy, full-time Staff Services Manager for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and mother. Robin stated that she had such an enjoyable experience at PG as an undergraduate that she returned to complete her graduate degree. Robin stated: “The teachers were super helpful, and hold active positions in their fields and industries. Their shared experiences helped me to apply what I was learning within the classroom in my current position.” Robin went on to discuss that she was able to put what she did at PG to good use, including legislative analyses and budget change proposals, which is something she does on a regular basis in her position as a Staff Services Manager. Robin was promoted twice at her job, as she began as an entry level analyst; was then promoted to a lead analyst position, and then was promoted to her current position as a Staff Services Manager. 

Robin was diagnosed with breast cancer during the course of her MPA program, and said that her professors were phenomenal in working with her and helping her finish her program on time. Robin wanted to give a special shout out to Professor Bill Campbell, who she said: “has such a wealth of knowledge; he opened her eyes to what an MPA could do for her, and that Professor Campbell was very kind and animated during seminars, which is really important, especially when you are online, as he brought the information to life.” Robin also wanted to acknowledge Professor Karla Drenner, who Robin said: “was so understanding when she went through her cancer treatment, and frequently checked in on her to make sure she was okay.” Robin said that really touched her and let her know that her professors cared about her. 

Robin walked across the stage on her birthday, receiving her MPA degree on June 2, 2018, as part of the first PG Graduating Class. 

Robin offers these words of wisdom to her fellow students: The program [you are working on] is more than what you learn out of textbooks; it's an entire experience; the knowledge is one thing, the conversations [with professors and classmates] become an entire portfolio of networking. Get a head start on things and stay on top of things. Finally, Robin said to get everybody on board [with your educational goals]; if you are a parent, get your kids to help you, and be honest with your significant other about needing support.

We congratulate Robin on her successes, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

By Holli Vah Seliskar, Academic Department Chair, Public Safety Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Christian Sisco embodies Purdue University Global students: she struck the perfect balance with her work, family, educational, and personal growth commitments. Prior to enrolling with Purdue University Global (then known as Kaplan University) for her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies program (BSPS) in 2009, Christian was enrolled in an on-ground community college, but balancing her family commitments while working in the retail industry and attending school proved to be challenging. She researched online universities offering paralegal studies programs and found the BSPS program to be a great fit.

Christian graduated with her BSPS degree in 2011 but had difficulty securing a job in the legal field. Not one to give up easily, Christian networked with friends who were already working in the legal field, and finally secured a job as a law office receptionist. She said she took the job so as to “get her foot in the door,” and her supervising attorney was so impressed with her skills and knowledge of the law that she was promoted to a paralegal within 3 weeks of accepting the job as a receptionist!

Christian is very committed to her continuous growth within the legal field, and in 2015 she decided to enroll in the Master of Science in Legal Studies program (MSLS). She graduated with her MSLS degree in 2018. 

Christian is a first generation college student who received strong support from her family, friends, and her professors. She would like to acknowledge Professor Jennifer Hulvat who was very supportive and understanding during some difficult times.

Christian said that one of proudest moments of her educational journey was her promotion to senior paralegal and having her business card displaying the position she worked so hard to achieve. 

I hope you will join me in congratulating Christian on her success and wishing her all the best with her future plans. 

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Pedro Fernandez is a recent graduate of Purdue University Global in the Master of Public Administration degree program. Pedro, similar to many of our Purdue Global students, is a busy, full-time federal law enforcement officer with 25 years of military experience, and father. Pedro stated: “My time is very valuable. My advice is to practice time management.” Pedro also discussed his experiences in the classroom: “The professors have real world experience in their respective fields that provides a depth well beyond textbooks alone.” 

Pedro gave a special shout-out to Professor Karla Drenner and Professor Bill Campbell, as he said these professors are amazing, incorporating their experiences into their teaching, which added another layer to reality within the classroom. 

Pedro also had good things to say about the student support systems in place, and wanted to acknowledge and extend “gratitude for the assistance Cedric Patterson provided. He ensured that my studies stayed on track and that I finished my program on schedule.”

We congratulate Pedro on his success, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

By Holli Vah Seliskar, Academic Department Chair, Public Safety Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Marjon Pierrie embodies Purdue University Global students. She struck the perfect balance with her work, family, educational and personal growth commitments. Prior to enrolling with PG, she researched on-ground and online universities extensively. The admissions representative she spoke with was very welcoming and reaffirmed her decision to join PG. Marjon graduated with her BS in Legal Support and Services degree in May 2021.

She was very focused on her studies, worked hard every term and successfully completed all the courses she was enrolled in. She echoed the sentiments of many PG students – online education allowed her to achieve her academic dreams.

Marjon wants to be a role model to her son – she constantly reminds her son of the importance of education and that it is never too late to go back to school. Her professors were her motivators and she would like to give a shout out to all her professors, especially Professor Jessica Gauvin whose job as a district attorney allowed her to share many courtroom “war stories” with her students.

Marjon said that in the past she missed many promotion opportunities despite having the work experience but not the educational credentials. This increased her determination to go back to school and to move up the corporate ladder.

The same week Marjon graduated she started her new job as a mortgage processor and support team supervisor. 

I hope you will join me in wishing Marjon all the best with her future plans, and congratulate her on her graduation and promotion. 

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Veronica Garcia exemplifies Purdue University Global students. She struck the perfect balance with her work, family, educational, and personal growth commitments. She joined PG in July 2019 and is on target to graduate with her BS in Legal Support and Services – Paralegal degree this summer.

Veronica did not miss a beat in her academic pursuit, she worked hard every term and successfully completed the courses she was enrolled in. She echoed the sentiments of many PG students – online education allowed her to achieve her academic dreams.

She said that math had always been her “nemesis” and that fear of not being able to master math held her back from pursuing further education, but she conquered this fear through the guidance of her professors. Getting an A in her math class stands out as one of her personal achievements.

Veronica has been employed with Williamson Law Firm for the past 11 years and she pointed out the importance of the knowledge and practice she gained in her legal research, analysis and writing courses. PG’s Legal Studies programs offer LS204 - Legal Research & Writing and LS244- Advanced Legal Writing courses and these were extremely helpful in her field of Family Law. Learning to write briefs and memoranda was so valuable, especially given that 85% of her work focuses on Family Law and a small amount of Criminal Law, both involve substantial research and writing.

Not being one to waste any time, Veronica is already working on her future educational pursuits that include taking her LSAT on 6/21/2021 and she hopeful of being accepted to study law at University of Northern Texas. Her supervising attorney is bittersweet about her plans to go to law school, while sad to see her go, the firm said that its doors will always be open for her if she decides to return there upon  completing her law degree and bar examinations.

Veronica leads by example and said her daughter has indicated interest in pursuing a law degree. We wish Veronica all the best with her future plans and congratulate her on her impending graduation. 

By Gurmit Kaur, Academic Department Chair, Legal Studies Department, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences