My Webster Story


I once knew a graduate student who faced many obstacles during her time attending Webster University. The first day of class she wondered if graduate school was for her.

With the encouragement of her instructor, she completed her first course successfully. She was thankful she was willing to assist and encourage her students. As time continued through her Webster journey this student felt relieved in the right decision to complete her graduate degree. She realized all faculty members had a genuine concern for their students.

Occasional bumps in the road came her way, but she was determined. She was utilizing her new knowledge on a continuous basis in her career.

Soon, completing her MBA was near and she was more than excited to start the next chapter of her life. She knew she had almost survived the MBA upon having the pleasure to experience the traitorous capstone with Dr. Janke. She could smell the diploma ahead of her. With many long nights ahead, she felt it was well worth it.

Then an unexpected medical condition occurred. She was very discouraged and felt her diploma would not be possible. With the support of classmates, her mother, and her instructor, Dr. Janke, she was able to complete the course.

During her final term, she was in a major automobile accident. Now she was not only fighting to complete her degree but also battling severe injuries. This student was ready to give up on the MBA.

However, Webster University does not treat their students as just another number. Faculty, staff, administration, and fellow classmates, stepped forward to assist this student in one of the most crucial times of her life. She attended classes even when she was told to stay home by her doctors. She knew, if she stopped then, she would not return to complete her degree.

She remembers clearly before one class, Dr. Wiles walking in and asking her “What in the world are you doing here? You should be at home.” This was the first time she had met Dr. Wiles. For the Regional Academic Director, to personally meet her in class showed this student that all levels of Webster University had caring, motivational hearts. Fellow classmates stepped forward and assisted this student with transportation to and from school, even carrying her books to help her complete the degree. These are friendships, which will always be in her heart and in her life.

This student felt the warmth and support from all involved with Webster University during her time of need. Webster felt more like a family, not just an institution. She can proudly say she was not pushed through the system but developed life long friendships. She is not only a proud graduate of Webster University, she is now a proud Director for one of Webster University’s campuses and hopes to provide the same motivation to other students.

I know this graduate student well as I am her. Thank you Webster University!


Tracy Rogers
Faculty / Staff

Dr. Cristina Phillips, Greater Jacksonville Campuses Director posted this at 04:06pm on January 12, 2010

  • I am so happy to have you as a member of our Webster family. You've been a great mentor.

  • Amanda Cebula posted this at 11:00am on January 14, 2010

  • It is great to read your story, as the reality is, so many students make sacrifices to get an education. Thank you for sharing!

  • Beth Stroble posted this at 09:19pm on January 16, 2010

  • I really enjoyed the way you drew me in as a reader and then surprised me at the ending. Your story says so much about you and about Webster--glad you continue as part of this community!

  • Nicki Nance posted this at 02:03pm on January 19, 2010

  • Go Cala- Ocala!

  • Nicki Nance posted this at 02:15pm on January 19, 2010

  • I am even happier to have her here in Ocala!

  • Janice O'Keeffe posted this at 03:13pm on January 20, 2010

  • ...and here you are to tell the story! Thank you for leading our team and allowing me to be a part of it.

  • Tom Triplett posted this at 08:13pm on January 25, 2010

  • From the Rolla Campus (Master's of Counseling. Excellent observation. Whatever our conceptions are it is our own determination that compels us to see our way through the obstacles. This is not a casual endeavor; attending classes and maintaining a life is difficult to accomplish. It takes a lot of focus and dedication. Without encouragement from the staff and faculty it would be really easy to forget the potential of why we are here. It is comforting to have entered a community where individual accomplishment is encouraged, enabled, and genuinely supported. Hooray for the personal nature of Webster's involvement in our progress.