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Adult learner returning to school

Ashley’s Return to School: How One Adult Learner is Reclaiming Her Education

18 Apr

When Ashley decided to return to college as an adult learner, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Like many students who step back into the world of higher education, she had questions. How would she pay for school? Would she have support as an online student? Was this even the right time?

What she didn’t expect was a call that would change everything.

Ashley had been exploring scholarships online when she received a call from a Graduation Specialist. At first, she was skeptical - "What’s the catch?" she remembers thinking. But as the specialist explained the program - dedicated guidance, academic support, help navigating her classes - she realized this was something different.

“They said, ‘We stick with you every step of the way,’” Ashley recalls. “And I thought, wait, there’s really a program that helps you like this?”

That moment sparked the beginning of a new chapter.

Ashley enrolled in an online program, pursuing a degree in Health Information Technology. Already working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she felt drawn to the healthcare field, but wanted to challenge herself intellectually and grow into an administrative role.

“I love caring for people,” she said. “But I also wanted to stimulate my mind and use my skills in a different way.”

Like many adult learners, Ashley brings real-world experience into her virtual classrooms. She’s found that her background gives her a unique perspective, especially in classes like medical terminology. And while online learning comes with its own challenges, Ashley has learned how to manage her time, plan ahead, and stay disciplined.

“The hardest part is you’re not in front of the instructor,” she said. “But if you need help, there’s always someone to reach out to. That’s the best part. You’re never alone.”

Ashley is one of thousands of students proving that it’s never too late to return to school, and that with the right support system, success is more than possible. Whether it’s through graduation specialists checking in, professors responding to questions, or campus resources like tutoring and career services, students like Ashley are discovering that education doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

“When I first heard about all the help I could get, I was shocked,” she said. “But now I know it’s real.”

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Categories: News & Research, Students

Empowering Texas Students: The Impact of myFootpath’s New Partnerships

11 Mar

Chicago, Illinois – 3/11/2025 - myFootpath, a leading higher education service provider for over 20 years, has announced new partnerships with The University of Texas at Tyler, a public university located in Tyler, Texas and Sam Houston State University, a public university located in Huntsville, Texas. This collaboration aims to tackle the increasing demand for support among nontraditional students in Texas, especially those who have encountered obstacles on their journey to earning a degree.  myFootpath will offer comprehensive analysis of former student data, cutting-edge technology solutions, and personalized coaching for students, all designed to help a greater number of Texans resume education, maintain their studies, and ultimately complete college degrees.  

Each university partnership highlights the significant demand for better solutions to reduce the number of stop-out students, a challenge that is being felt state and nationwide. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, the some college experience but, no credential (SCNC) population has reached 40.4 million within the United States. "At myFootpath, our mission is to provide every student with the resources they need to finish their degree. The University of Texas at Tyler and Sam Houston State University are ideal partners in this mission, as they share our passion for supporting students in their educational journey,” said JT Allen, Founder and CEO of myFootpath. “Through each partnership, we aim to equip Texas students with the tools and guidance they need to overcome barriers to return and complete college degrees." 

Since 2000, myFootpath has been supporting institutions by developing a unique, comprehensive approach to identify, coach, and guide adult students from first reengagement contact through graduation. myFootpath company core values of being resourceful, transparent, and authentic to not only their partners but their students is core to their successful track record.  

"As an institution, The University of Texas at Tyler has always been committed to meeting the evolving needs of our students and the state of Texas. Partnering with myFootpath allows us to enhance our ability to support adult learners who have faced challenges along their academic path, get them back on track, and help them graduate,” said David Barron, Vice President for Enrollment Management, University of Texas at Tyler.  

We are in unprecedented times, with more and more students shifting to online, while institutions face the looming enrollment cliff. This presents a monumental opportunity to rethink how we attract, support, and retain students. Together with our own institutional expertise, and myFootpath’s proven strategies, we are excited to help more Texans return to school, persist, and graduate,” said Dr. Bill Angrove, Associate Vice President and Chief Online Education Officer, Sam Houston State University. 

About myFootpath

myFootpath provides marketing, enrollment, and retention services to college and university clients. With a focus on and a passion for adult students looking to complete their degrees, myFootpath has tackled every aspect of the student enrollment funnel.  By prioritizing rigorous data analysis, myFootpath extracts invaluable insights to guide the allocation of effort within institutions. This strategic approach ensures targeted and impactful interventions, maximizing enrollment outcomes, and bolstering overall student success. To date, myFootpath has collectively reached, encouraged, and helped enroll over 28,000 adult students in partnership with higher education clients. 

About The University of Texas at Tyler 

The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler), established in 1971, is a public research university located in Tyler, Texas. As a member of The University of Texas System, UT Tyler offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university is dedicated to fostering student success through innovative scholarship and research, aiming to serve and advance the educational, economic, technological, and public interests of East Texas and beyond. 

About Sam Houston State University 

Sam Houston State University (SHSU), established in 1879, is a public research university located in Huntsville, Texas. As the third-oldest public institution in Texas, SHSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university is committed to providing quality education, fostering research, and serving the community. With a student enrollment exceeding 20,000, SHSU is recognized for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. 

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Categories: News & Research, Uncategorized, Universities

myFootpath Partners with Regis University

18 Feb

Chicago, Illinois – 2/18/2025 - myFootpath, a leading higher education service provider for over 20+ years, has announced a new partnership with Regis University, a private Jesuit Catholic university located in Denver, Colorado and founded in 1877. This partnership shares a common mission to transform lives by reengaging and graduating nontraditional students who may have stumbled along the path to degree completion. In this partnership, myFootpath will bring in-depth student data analysis, innovative technology solutions and dedicated one-on-one student coaching to Regis University. 

Today’s announcement underscores the significant demand of institutions looking for better solutions to reduce the number of stop-out students. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, some college, no credential (SCNC) population has reached 40.4 million, up 1.4 million from 39.0 million in the previous year. "At myFootpath, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to complete their degree, no matter the obstacles they’ve faced,” said JT Allen, CEO & Founder of myFootpath. “Regis University shares this commitment to student success, and we are excited to partner with them to provide the data-driven insights, personalized coaching, and strategic enrollment and student success support needed to help students return, persist, and graduate." 

Since 2000, myFootpath has been supporting institutions by developing a unique, comprehensive approach on identifying, coaching, and guiding adult students from first reengagement contact through graduation. myFootpath company core values of being resourceful, transparent, and authentic to not only their partners but their students are core to their successful track record.  

"Regis University has a long history of supporting adult learners, and this partnership with myFootpath strengthens our ability to reengage students who have paused their education,” said Provost, Jake Bucher, Ph.D,  “By combining myFootpath’s proven reengagement strategies with our dedication to student success, we look forward to welcoming back our previous students and helping them achieve their academic and career goals." 

About myFootpath 

myFootpath provides marketing, enrollment, and retention services to college and university clients. With a focus on and a passion for adult students looking to complete their degrees, myFootpath has tackled every aspect of the student enrollment funnel.  By prioritizing rigorous data analysis, myFootpath extracts invaluable insights to guide the allocation of effort within institutions. This strategic approach ensures targeted and impactful interventions, maximizing enrollment outcomes, and bolstering overall student success. To date, myFootpath has collectively reached, encouraged, and helped enroll over 28,000 adult students in partnership with higher education clients. 

About Regis University 

Established in 1877, Regis University is a premier, globally engaged institution of higher learning in the Jesuit tradition that prepares leaders to live productive lives of faith, meaning and service. Regis University, one of 27 Jesuit universities in the nation, has two campus locations in the Denver metro area and extensive online program offerings with more than 6,000 enrolled students. It is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. For more information, visit www.regis.edu. 

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Categories: News & Research, Universities

From Stop-out to Dean’s List: Jennifer’s Return to College

12 Feb

Going back to school can be a daunting decision for many, especially when life presents unexpected challenges. For Jennifer, the journey to complete her bachelor’s degree was not only about academic achievement, but also about overcoming personal hurdles and making the most of opportunities that arose along the way.

The Decision to Return to School

Jennifer's motivation to return to school stemmed from a deep desire to finish what she had started. After facing financial barriers, she almost gave up on her dream of earning a degree. But just when things seemed uncertain, a turning point came when she received a phone call from a Graduation Specialist at myFootpath.

With guidance and support, Jennifer was able to obtain her transcripts from her previous school, get set up with the right program, and quickly and easily enroll.

A Journey of Resilience

Jennifer’s story is about more than just academic success—it's about perseverance in the face of adversity. Along with balancing her schoolwork, she faced personal challenges, including a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Despite dealing with this diagnosis along with mental health challenges, Jennifer remained determined to keep her education a priority. She discovered that even with everything going on in her life, maintaining a high GPA was possible.

In fact, Jennifer’s resilience paid off in a big way: not only did she find herself on the Dean’s List, but she also earned a scholarship for her hard work. The scholarship was a huge milestone, and her response was a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. For Jennifer, this was a testament to her unwavering belief that her hard work would eventually pay off.

Time Management and Balancing Life

Balancing school, motherhood, and personal challenges has been a key focus for Jennifer. Her time management strategy revolves around making the most of the moments when she has a break—whether it’s during her child’s nap or when her family can help out. She’s learned to adapt to her life circumstances and remain flexible with her study routine.

Jennifer is quick to point out that while juggling everything can be tough, it’s all about making education a priority. She advocates for breaking down tasks into manageable steps and avoiding dwelling on challenges, instead using them as motivation to push forward. Her advice is simple: find balance and stay focused on your goals.

Her mantra? “If you can believe it, you will achieve it.” This mindset has been the driving force behind her accomplishments, both in education and in life.

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Categories: Students

myFootpath Partners with Felician University

04 Feb

Chicago, Illinois – 2/5/2025 - myFootpath, a leading higher education service provider for over 20+ years, has announced a new partnership with Felician University, a private university located in Rutherford, New Jersey. This partnership shares a common mission to transform lives by reengaging and graduating nontraditional students who may have stumbled along the path to degree completion. In this partnership, myFootpath will bring in-depth student data analysis, innovative technology solutions and dedicated one-on-one coaching to Felician University. 

Today’s announcement underscores the significant demand of institutions looking for better solutions to reduce the number of stop-out students. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, some college, no credential (SCNC) population has reached 40.4 million, up 1.4 million from 39.0 million in the previous year.  “We have seen an unprecedented demand for myFootpath’s flexible reengagement service model over the past few years,” said JT Allen, CEO & Founder of myFootpath. “The adult learner population requires a certain level of concierge support that many institutions need additional resources and provisions to enable. We have come up with affordable solutions for institutions that not only help bring students back but also lower overall student acquisitions costs.” 

Since 2000, myFootpath has been supporting institutions by developing a unique, comprehensive approach on identifying, coaching, and guiding adult students from first reengagement contact through graduation. myFootpath company core values of being resourceful, transparent, and authentic to not only their partners but their students is core to their successful track record.  

 “We are excited about our new partnership with myFootpath to reengage adult learners and support their journey coming back to Felician University and graduating,” said Priscilla Klymenko, Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communications “We look forward to welcoming back students and providing additional resources and support that they deserve.” 

About myFootpath 

myFootpath provides marketing, enrollment, and retention services to college and university clients. With a focus on and a passion for adult students looking to complete their degrees, myFootpath has tackled every aspect of the student enrollment funnel.  By prioritizing rigorous data analysis, myFootpath extracts invaluable insights to guide the allocation of effort within institutions. This strategic approach ensures targeted and impactful interventions, maximizing enrollment outcomes, and bolstering overall student success. To date, myFootpath has collectively reached, encouraged, and helped enroll over 28,000 adult students in partnership with higher education clients. 

About Felician University 

Felician University, with campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, is a private catholic university that has a student body of over 2,100 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students, and a wide range of programs through its Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education. 

Felician University's commitment to student success is reflected in its rankings and recognitions. For the past five years, the university has consistently ranked third among private institutions in New Jersey for best value, according to Payscale.com. Additionally, Niche.com has recognized Felician as the #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey. The university’s Master of Science in Nursing program has been ranked among the nation’s best online graduate nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report. 

A strong advocate for military-affiliated students, Felician University has been designated a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the thirteenth consecutive year. The university is also recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI), with more than half of its student population coming from underrepresented backgrounds. 

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Categories: News & Research, Universities
From Housing Insecurity to Graduation: Teresa’s Inspiring Journey

From Housing Insecurity to Graduation: Teresa’s Inspiring Journey

27 Jan

Teresa’s path to earning her degree has been anything but conventional, and her story is a powerful testament to perseverance, self-worth, and community support.

When Teresa first started her college journey, she was facing significant challenges, including housing insecurity. Armed with just a Chromebook and determination, she completed her assignments by hopping between public Wi-Fi hotspots. Despite the hurdles, she never let her circumstances define her.

One of the driving forces behind Teresa’s decision to return to school was her commitment to helping others. A person in long-term recovery, she felt a calling to support individuals overcoming addiction. This passion led her to pursue a career in human services with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Throughout her academic journey, Teresa found immense value in the support of myFootpath. Our team of Graduation Specialists provided her with encouragement, resources, and the confidence she needed to believe in herself.

"It felt like someone was always in my corner rooting for me," she shared.

Now, with just four classes left, Teresa is preparing to graduate. She recently received her graduation pass and is weighing the logistics of attending the ceremony—a celebration of not just academic achievement but also personal triumph.

Teresa’s advice to others considering going back to school is simple yet profound:

  • Believe in yourself and your ability to overcome challenges.
  • Stay organized and proactive with your time management.
  • Remember past successes as proof of your capability to tackle new obstacles.
  • Accept the support that comes your way

Her story is a reminder that no matter your circumstances, education can be a transformative experience that empowers you to achieve your dreams. As Teresa says, “If I can do it, you can do it too.”

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Categories: News & Research, Students, Uncategorized

Rewriting Her Future: Tasha’s Road Back to School

03 Dec

Returning to school as an adult is no small feat. It requires courage, resilience, and a belief in the power of education. Tasha, a current Bachelor's student, embodies all these qualities. Her journey from overcoming personal challenges to achieving her academic goals serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a return to school later in life.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Tasha’s educational journey was marked by sacrifices from the start. As a teenager, she dropped out of high school to care for her premature baby brother. But she never lost sight of her goals. When she was able to get back into class, she walked miles each day to earn her high school diploma and celebrated her achievement on her 18th birthday, calling it the best gift she ever gave herself.

This milestone set the tone for Tasha’s lifelong love for learning. She explored various career paths, including cosmetology and pharmacy school, always seeking to better herself despite life’s unpredictability.

Building a Support System

Tasha’s determination to become a forensic anthropologist led her to our Graduation Specialists who were able to connect her with the resources she needed to succeed. The support she received, from encouragement to practical guidance, became a game-changer.

Having an official support system gave me the confidence to be more independent and achieve what I once thought was out of reach," Tasha shared

Through this program, she completed her associate degree and transitioned seamlessly into her bachelor’s program. By transferring credits, she saved both time and money, reinforcing her decision to return to school.

Facing and Conquering Challenges

Tasha’s journey was not without its trials. During her associate degree program, she underwent major abdominal surgery and endured a lengthy recovery period. Despite these obstacles, she stayed committed to her studies.

“Schooling kept me motivated and gave me the structure I needed to align all aspects of my life,” she said.

Now excelling in her bachelor’s program with an impressive GPA, Tasha’s disciplined approach to her education is paving the way for her future success.

Lessons Learned and Words of Encouragement

Tasha’s story highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of having a strong support network. Her advice for others considering a return to school is clear:

  • Set Non-Negotiables: Define your priorities and stay disciplined.
  • Use Available Resources: Don’t hesitate to seek out and use the resources available to you.
  • Stay Focused: Keep your goals in sight and take it one step at a time.

For universities, Tasha’s journey underscores the importance of providing outreach and support for adult learners. Institutions that foster a sense of community and offer personalized guidance can empower students to overcome obstacles and succeed.

A Story of Transformation

Tasha’s determination, coupled with the right support, enabled her to overcome significant challenges and pursue her dreams.

Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to invest in yourself, embrace new opportunities, and rewrite your future.

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Categories: News & Research, Students, Uncategorized

The Vital Role of Continuing and Online Education in Higher Ed

16 Jul

Presently, continuing and online learning has never been more crucial in higher education and professional settings. The demands of the current and future workforce, coupled with an increasingly digital economy, create a strong nexus with higher education. Additionally, declining state funding and significant enrollment drops due to demographic shifts, lingering Covid impacts, and growing skepticism of the value of a college degree highlight the urgent need for new revenue sources to ensure the viability of most colleges and universities– many of which lack robust endowments to help buffer these losses.

Opportunities for Engagement and Revenue

Despite these challenges, opportunities exist to engage and re-enroll adult learners and stopped-out students. Continuing and online education units are uniquely positioned to generate new enrollments and critical revenue streams. Their extensive outreach in the private sector and local communities plays a significant role in alumni engagement and institutional growth. As these units continue to gain importance, they are expected to achieve greater equality with other campus units, driving both enrollment and revenue.

Building Strong Relationships

To successfully navigate the pressures on traditional university and college enrollments, strong relationships between traditional enrollment departments and continuing education units are essential. Continuing education units have a long history of serving non-traditional learners who face barriers to full-time education, such as family obligations, work commitments, and financial constraints. Without a strong alliance with these units, enrollment departments risk further challenges. Proper collaboration can unlock opportunities for co-marketing programs, targeted recruiting events, and leveraging resources to attract new learners and reengage stopped-out students.

Adapting and Innovating

Continuing education units have consistently excelled, even with limited resources and suboptimal institutional support. Recent enrollment headwinds and state funding declines have, in many cases, bolstered continuing education units and forced university leadership to focus resources and tap into the entrepreneurial nature of these units. Moreover, the market has driven the continuing education space to develop and promote more unique and creative offerings to different audiences, and expand their reach through partnerships with local businesses, active duty military, veterans, and community organizations.

Leveraging Unique Strengths

These units are uniquely positioned to address the enrollment, access, and affordability challenges faced by higher education. This is an ideal time for colleges and universities to leverage continuing education units, breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across their campuses. Listening to the needs of diverse audiences, being nimble, market-driven, and maintaining a strong entrepreneurial culture are key to meeting the needs of non-traditional learners. These units can quickly develop, market, and manage non-credit certificates, trainings, and events, adapting to the evolving needs of their audiences.

Looking ahead

Moving forward, as demographic impacts reduce traditional undergraduate enrollments, institutions must adapt to reach more diverse and nontraditional student populations who cannot attend full-time in-person. University leadership will need to foster stronger collaborations, develop integrated and targeted marketing strategies, and provide flexible online learning modalities. Policies and resources must be refined to minimize duplicate functions and adjust business models to accommodate the shift towards nontraditional enrollments. Furthermore, the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence offers new opportunities for innovation, complementing current tools like chatbots and predictive analytics in student enrollment strategies. Although many headwinds exist, the future holds bright prospects for continuing and online education units, as they continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education.


Written by: Michael Huffman, Ph.D.


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Categories: News & Research, Universities
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