Interview With an Online Degree Graduate - Dr. Kimberly Leslie-Patton
Interviewed by Kirk Bangstad
Background Information
| Name: | Dr. Kimberly Leslie-Patton |
| Position: | CEO |
| Industry Sector: | Management Consulting |
| Employer: | Leslie Patton and Associates |
| Qualification: | PhD in Organizational Management |
| Format: | Online |
| School: | Capella University |
| Notes: | Getting her PhD has opened many doors for Kimberly |
Interview
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Cambridge Journal: | What do you believe an online degree has done for you?
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Kimberly: | Earning my PhD gave me the chance to research in depth the issues of crisis management and organizational developmentareas in which my consulting firm specializes. My research was mainly tailored to the industries of our current client base: non-profit, government, and healthcare. The credibility that comes with a PhD has helped me expand my companys business, and has also allowed me to delve into other areas such as teaching, research, and speaking.
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Cambridge Journal: | Why did you decide to complete this degree online?
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Kimberly: | Most of my clients live outside of Alabama. There is no real way I could have completed this degree by attending a traditional school. When I decided that I wanted a PhD and online seemed the only option, I was leery about a lot of the schools out there. I went to a distance learning convention in Atlanta for two consecutive years to learn more. The first year, I heard the presentation for Capella, which was then called the Graduate School of America. The presentation sounded too good to be true, so I didnt sign up. This was an important family decision. I wanted to make sure the program was legitimate before spending the time and money. I went again the next year with my husband, and this time, the president of Capella himself was there. We talked to him about the programs, the instructors, and the online system. He knew many of the instructors personally, and allowed us to go through a demonstration of an online course. His knowledge and level of professionalism sealed it for me. I was comfortable that I was going to get my moneys worth.
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Cambridge Journal: | How was your educational experience?
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Kimberly: | I came into the program with a clear picture of what I wanted to study and where I could apply this education. Capella allowed me to tailor the program to fit my needs with the flexibility I required. The instructors were also very helpful. The fact that all of them were working professionals truly helped me gain unique insights throughout the program. One instructor in particular had a certification in management consulting, which he earned in his professional career. He was a great source of information when I became certified as well. I appreciated how my instructor could also be a professional mentor as well.
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