About National

Success Stories

A Job That Finally Fit
After years of working in the medical field, Anita Puckett felt she hadn’t found the perfect job. When a back injury put her out of work as a phlebotomist, she decided it was time to go back to school in pursuit of a job that would make her happy and accommodate her health needs.

A Versatile and Successful Contender in the Business World
Sharon Hill graduated in 2007 from the business administration-management degree program at the Knoxville Campus. We spoke to her about her career success while she was on her lunch break from her job as office manager for a medical equipment company specializing in endoscopy.

New Career Impacts Lives
Every morning at 5:15am, Patty Morgan gets up, goes to work, and is a part of impacting people’s lives for the better, one case at a time. After graduating with her degree from the surgical technology program from the Louisville Campus in May of 2009, she started working four months later for the Norton Health Care System — the very hospital where she first discovered her passion.

Doing What You Want
“This is what I want, and this is what I’m going to do.”

Persevering to Find the Perfect Job in a New Career
There’s not much that stops Charmion “Patti” Fahs from doing anything she puts her mind to, and that included going back to school, getting a degree in medical assisting from National College in Knoxville, and accomplishing her lifelong dream to be in the medical field. Now, with her children older than most of the students she studied alongside of, Patti says she finally has the perfect job that she has wanted all her life.

From GED to MBA
Penelope Witt has a long history of success with National College. In 2001, she enrolled in the accounting diploma program. In 2010, she will walk across the stage to accept her master of business administration degree. A nine year journey led Penelope through a diploma, three degrees, and many accomplished goals.

Jumpstarting the Economy
In economically troubled times, it is no rare thing for uncertainty to pervade the minds of many people who are worried about the job market. Such is not the case for Wardie Parks, who will graduate from the Memphis Campus in 2010 with an associate degree in management. Wardie knows that for an economy to improve, businesses must thrive. Following his graduation, Wardie plans to save up enough money to start or take over a business and contribute to the economy.

Ahead of the Program
Michael Williams is scheduled to graduate from the Charlottesville Campus in November of 2010, but his education is already paying off. A student in the information systems engineering program, Michael uses the technical skills learned from National College to make his presence felt in the fast-growing IT industry.

Seeking Opportunities
In today’s career field, many businesses allow the option for employees to work from home on their computers. Vickie plans to use the training she receives at National College to take advantage of such an opportunity. Although she has knee problems and can’t work standing for an extended period of time, Vickie is persistent in her desire to contribute her valuable administrative office skills to the work force.

Do It For the Kids
Family is no small motivational factor in Sara McGorry’s life. Her educational and career pursuits are driven by both her own personal aspirations as well as devotion to the needs of her family.

Medicine Isn’t Just for People
Shayla’s job brings with it a new experience each day. She began her extraordinary work not long after first discovering National College through a televised commercial. “I always wanted to work with medicine,” she says. She filled out the paperwork and was able to start classes soon afterward.

World of Difference
Tammy describes her National College experience as a world of difference from her prior work. She worked as a textile factory employee for seventeen years before her displacement. With the opportunity to go to college, she chose National College for its small class sizes, but more emphatically for their welcoming attitude and call to opportunity. “They made you feel that you were a part of a team that would get you on the right track.”

Taking the Leap
“I was at a job where I felt like I had hit a wall…and I had an opportunity to start my own business, but was kind of scared to [take a leap of faith].”

Filling in the Gaps Between a Job and a Career
Shawn already has extensive experience developing software and working on computers—more than 600 computers, by his estimation. But he also realized that on-the-job-training can only take you so far

Miss Independent
Knoxville Campus pharmacy technician student Jessica McClymonds (center) was recently awarded a $500 Imagine America Promise Scholarship due to her outstanding academic record.

By the Numbers
Madison Campus student Vanessa Meacham has set some lofty goals for herself, but thanks to her boundless determination and National College education, she is off to a fast start.

Sky's The Limit
Jared Callaway is finishing his last week of medical assisting classes at the Knoxville Campus, but he’s already thinking about his educational venture.

A Stock on the Rise
The achievements and accolades continue to roll in for Tammy Montgomery – two-time National graduate, Alumni Hall of Achievement inductee, and former financial planning representative extraordinaire for the Bristol Campus.

Enjoying the Perks
"I just received my second promotion in six months," says Debbie Ruckel, Danville graduate. "I get a company car!"

Politics As Usual
Politics is a daily affair at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics – the office of world-renowned political analyst Larry Sabato. The programs and activities of the center have a profound influence on government and politics in the United States, and at no time is that more evident that during the current presidential election. And at the center of it all is our own Jennifer Page, a 2006 National College graduate.

A Ray of Sunshine
Aramark is very fortunate to have an employee like Sheena Washington, a graduate from the Charlottesville Campus. Dubbed “Sunshine” by the Director of Fontana Food Center Darryl Rudge, Sheena is a Unit Clerk for Aramark at the University of Virginia and has brought a ray of sunshine into the office that draws people in just to ‘bask in those rays’.

Graduate featured in New York Times
Bill Blackburn, independent filmmaker and graduate of the Lexington Campus’s radio & television broadcasting program, was recently interviewed for a major article in the New York Times.

Anything That She Sets Her Mind To
National College has changed my life because it has given me flexibility to work while attending college [and] helped me gain skills so that I could get out of the fast food business.” – Roberta Wolford, medical assisting

I Made a Difference
"I had a job before I graduated – that was great!"-Shana Wilson, medical assisting

Where Everybody Knows Your Name
"Being in a professional environment is a lot better."-Talitha (Tally) Webb, surgical technology program

Moving into The Future
“I've found excellent instructors at National College. They really want to see each student succeed.” – Larry Sutherland, information systems engineer

Stepping Up
“[The school] had what I needed to step up in my career.” – Michelle Scott, health information technology

Diamond in the Rough
“The adaptability [National] had towards my schedule was a big benefit."–Jon Routzahn, business administration–management

It's Not “Just Like” Family
“In this role, she finds not only her medical coding and billing knowledge useful, but also the computer skills that are a part of every National College curriculum."–Ashley Newsom, medical coding and billing

Alumni Hall of Achievement
"I like knowing that I've made a difference to someone or helped a prospective student with getting their education financed" – Tammy Montgomery, business administration–accounting and business administration–management

She Showed Them!
Two Years Ahead, and Loving It – Tia Maynard, radio & television broadcasting

"We Train the Best and We Hire The Best."
Service with a Smile – Denise Ladner, administrative office professional

“I was very unsure in the beginning if everything would work out."
“There’s no instructor here that I don’t like; they’re all very nice,” says Hans-Dieter Kubatsch. “They are very devoted to their jobs and help the students as much as they can.”

She Doesn't Know When To Quit
"I moved here looking to further my education in the medical field, saw an ad for National College in the paper, and they gave me the best financial aid package,"– Debbie Kirk, medical assisting/pharmacy tech business

Enrolling was one of the best decisions I've made.
“Enrolling was one of the best decisions I’ve made.” – Elizabeth Kelley, paralegal

Overcoming Challenges
“I really enjoyed [National]; I almost didn’t want to graduate so I could stay!"–Stephanie Johnson, administrative office professional

A Return on Investment
"I just turned 41 and finally know what I want to do in life.."–-Vicky Hutcherson

Woman on a Mission
“I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge without worrying how to pay for it. "–Linda Hoffman, business administration-accounting

It's a Small World
“I was working at a thrift store, and after five years, I was going nowhere…There’s got to be something better"–Sayuri Henger, Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), pharmacy technician

All About Family
“One thing that I think is unique about National, because I didn’t find this at other schools, is the fact that their main focus is giving you skills that you’re going to use directly in the work environment.”–Carrie Hauser, business administration–management

Now I Am Able to Give Back to Mankind
"National provided me with the skills to be a medical assistant, which then enabled me to expand into other sections of the medical field" – Sharon Harding, medical assisting

Legal Eagle
I chose National College…because after the initial meeting with them, it was clear that they had a dedication to further education and achievement."–Tiffany Guinn-Frith, business administration-management

Dr. 40509
“I was very unsure in the beginning if everything would work out."–Angela Grant, medical assisting

This Man Means Business
"Everything I learned in two years at National, I’m using those skills."–Julius Chambers, business administration–management

What a relief!
"I never knew college could be so enjoyable..."– Sabrina Goncalves

Cincinnati’s Dynamic Duo
“We get to see the other side, how it all works, and understand where [students] are coming from."–Dana Gibson, business administration-accounting

Bright Future
"I loved the fact that they were smaller classes [at National], you had the teachers' attention more so than you would in larger classes".– Ashley Gelhar, business administration-management

Success in Tow
"When I had difficulty getting financing to start my business, they helped me make the connections I needed to get an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan," Lorenzo Edwards, business administration-management

'I'm worth it!'"
“Now I have the salary that says, 'I'm worth it!'” – Debi Detamore, administrative office professional

Rising to the Top
“My last quarter I could tie things in to the externship and bring them right here."–Andrew Collins, business administration–management

Change of Environment
“I am proud of my job and I feel good about what I do."–April Butcher, administrative office professional program

"I am a brand new person"
“You cannot know how everyone here at National College has made such a tremendous impact for the better on my life. I never thought of myself as successful, but now I know that I can be and will be, in whatever endeavor I undertake. ” – December Bertram

An Angel
“I am now in a position to make a difference in others lives!” – Lisa Angel, medical assisting

A New Niche
She longed to begin a long term career instead of just having a job.

"I Do So Much!"
Interested in the medical field since she was just nine years old, Lori heard about National’s medical assisting program one day and decided to check it out. Soon thereafter she was taking classes.

"I Can Do It!"
Leann Mimms, a November 2007 graduate and medical assistant for Gold Skin Care in Nashville, comes from a family with several medical professionals, including an aunt who is a registered nurse and a cousin who is a physician assistant. So it’s no surprise that after high school, she set her sights on a medical career.

A Success
When National College Vice President Lenora Downing (left) needed to hire a new executive assistant five years ago, she knew what a vital position it was to fill.

Where IT is At
Lisette started her job almost as soon as she graduated in August of 2007. “I had a week of vacation,” before she started, she says. “I was most excited, it was a very good opportunity right away.”

A Success
Like many National College employees, Vianne Greek is herself a National grad, having earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the Roanoke Valley Campus in 2007.

Surgical Technology Success
The Louisville & Lexington Campuses continue to see success through the Surgical Technology program. We recently caught up with six students completing their externships at Norton Healthcare Pavilion.

Picture Perfect
On Wednesday, May 28, Tracy Rosemond will walk across the stage as one of the first graduates from the Memphis Campus of National College. And when she accepts her diploma, well–the official photographer had better be on his toes! Tracy operates her own freelance photography business–TraMar Photography–and knows her way around a camera, both film and digital.

Brains, Not Brawn
“It’s been…two years since I’ve been out of school, I’ve got a great job here and couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Building Her Own Legacy
"I’m proud of myself, too, for getting it all together!"

Firsthand Knowledge
“It’s nice to be able to tell them that you were in the same situation they’re in,” she says. “When someone is trying to balance working full time and going to school, you can say ‘I’m doing it to, I understand where you’re coming from, because I work full time and take night classes’.”

Fashioning a New Career
Stow Campus business administration– management student Joseph Blair-Walker was attending a job fair in Akron, Ohio last fall when he had a realization. There were a lot of good jobs available, but he soon learned he could get nowhere in his job search without an education. Luckily for him, the admissions staff from National’s new campus in nearby Stow was also at the job fair.

No More Layoffs
Sonia Elliott, a 2006 graduate from the Knoxville Campus with a medical assisting degree and a minor in medical billing and coding, has a one word answer for her job description: “Everything,” she says without a hint of sarcasm.

Gearing Up for Clinicals
Florence Campus surgical technology student Rebecca Ballman is past the halfway point in her program and preparing for her clinical externship, the final step in her program. It’s an exciting time for any surgical technology student, and one she is looking forward to.

A Dream to Count On
Jennifer Quesenberry’s quest to become an accountant began in high school when she took Accounting 101. It was a class she “loved.” Post high school she held several jobs but she wasn’t satisfied with her career direction. One day while driving past the Charlottesville Campus of National College, Jennifer decided to stop in and learn more about the accounting programs.

There and Back Again
Just a few years out of school and working full-time as a cashier at a car dealership, Dayton Area Campus graduate Leah Bomberry felt something was missing. “I kind of felt bad about myself, I needed to go to school, I needed to do something.”

Getting Me Out in the Field Quicker
As a working mom, Toni needed not only a solid education on which to build a promising career, but flexibility as well. National fit the bill perfectly.

Catching Up with an Old Friend
Administrative Office Professional graduate and former Harrisonburg Campus staff member Vickie Pullen recently paid a visit to her alma mater to talk about her experiences since leaving the campus last fall to work for the Harrisonburg operation of an $11.5-billion global corporation which provides printing & related services.

A Success
Thanks to the Trade Act and National’s Workforce Development Grant, Ricky Abney found new career opportunities through National College in Richmond, KY, after working 30 years at a manufacturing facility that recently relocated overseas.

She was determined to prove them wrong!
"National is truly like family" – Tonya Horne Boyd, medical assisting

Right At Home
When National College Vice President Lenora Downing (left) needed to hire a new executive assistant five years ago, she knew what a vital position it was to fill. After all, she had begun her own career at National College nearly 20 years before in the same role, as executive assistant to College President Frank Longaker. She hired–of course–a National College graduate, who had already proven herself in the workforce. That’s how Rebecca Stimeling (right) returned to her alma mater more than a decade after her own graduation from the Roanoke Valley Campus.

Skills That Are Always In Demand
Joyce has found her niche as an office manager with skills that will never be out of demand. “It’s the computer I like the most, it makes your work easier,” she explains. Thanks to her National degree, Joyce has shown that jobs may come and go, but a career can be yours for a lifetime.

A Shining Example
When Stow, Ohio Mayor Karen Fritschel delivered her keynote address at the campus’s Grand Opening in April, business administration–management student Derek Waskowski almost missed his “15 minutes of fame.” The mayor confessed that she had consulted a family friend who was a student at the college to see what he thought of his experience.

“Snatch Her up!”
“Christine is such a ‘sponge’ that we just can’t give enough to.”

Keeping in Step
Whatever…my boss threw at me, I was able to say ‘Oh, I can do that!’

Total Success
Wednesday I delivered twins …and then the next morning I delivered another baby!

Ready Willing, and Able
“Graduation is May the 30th, at 6:30 p.m.,” recited Bristol Campus student Melissa Lester when we caught up with her during her medical assisting externship this spring. “You can tell I’m ready!”

All That Glitters
Richmond Campus business administration–management graduate (and current administrative office professional student) Carolyn Jennings is giving away gemstones. By the truck load, in fact, to anyone who will carry them away!

The Tax Man
Scott Damico had risen through the ranks to management at his former company, but that all came to naught when the company folded and left him without a job. Unable to find employment at the same level without a degree, Scott returned home to Danville, Kentucky and “shopped around” at several area colleges.

Prescription for Success
While she is committed to personal success, a higher salary and more responsibility are only a part of her motivation. Her customers are her greatest source of satisfaction, or as she puts it, “knowing that you’re helping [to save] people’s lives.”

Helping Hands
Is she glad her search for knowledge led her to a new career field? “I just love what I do,” Sabrina says. “I love being able to help people.”

“It’s very unique – I love it here!”
Dayton Area Campus medical assisting graduate Kimberly White had been a pharmacy technician for six years when she decided she was tired of the retail environment.

Double Duty
Frances Young had a unique problem in the final term of her Pharmacy Technician diploma program at the Lynchburg Campus: remembering what uniform to wear to work.

Second Chance at Life
Cynthia Adams is a medical assisting student at the Roanoke Valley Campus and has never been so enthusiastic about getting an education until she became a National student. “I feel like I have a second chance at life.”

Woman President!
Hillary didn’t win the nomination, but that’s OK with the Lexington Campus because they have their very own “president”–twice over–in associate degree graduate and current bachelor’s student Dana Millan...

Quite a Collection
“I was just trying to start a career late in life,” said Shelly. “When I found billing & coding, that seemed to be the better, up-and-coming field.” Crystal added, “I did not want to be in fast food any more!”

Big Plans!
Sandra came to National at a crossroads in her life. Having recently gotten a divorce, she had two kids at home and was running her own photography business part-time. “I really wanted something that would benefit me,” she said, referring to her education. “But I didn’t want something that would take away from my business, either.”

Lifetime Benefits Pay Off
Lila Egnor graduated with high honors from the Dayton Area Campus’ pharmacy technician program at the end of the Winter 2006 term. Although pregnant with her 4th child, she was determined to finish, and she was recognized with the Achievement Award at the 2006 Commencement Ceremonies. She was unable to work after graduation due to the pregnancy and her husband was also in the middle of a transfer to Tennessee, so Lila and family went.

An Army of One
Lynchburg Campus graduate Melinda Dowdy, who completed her associate degree program in business administration—accounting last November, is a very successful branch manager for H&R Block tax service.

Jack of All Trades
Martinsville Campus graduate Kevin Day keeps very busy at CP Films, which manufactures a variety of products including auto glass tinting film and specialty film products sold nationally in hardware and home improvement stores. Just don’t ask him to come up with a name for what he does.

High Pursuits
The Charlottesville Campus recently honored SNL Financial for being a Partner in Education. Student and SNL employee Takeya John proudly accepted the plaque on behalf of the financial services firm.

"I wouldn't be where I am now without National College..."
Tonya Redford is one of the newest graduates from the Danville, Kentucky Campus. She graduated in November with a medical assisting associate degree with honors and when she finished working as an extern for the Commonwealth Cancer Center, she was offered a full time job.

Bridge Between Two Worlds
Lexington Campus graduate Patrick Lukonga knows the value of an education. It’s something he does not take for granted. Patrick came to the United States in 2006 as a refugee from his homeland of The Congo.

My computer applications technology training at National College will help me do a better job with the United States Army.
Jason Cain, a Computer Applications Technology major who entered the Roanoke Valley Campus during the Fall Term, is one of a number of current and former National students who can truly be called American heroes.

I just decided it was time to do something different
Kingsport Endoscopy Clinic in Kingsport, Tennessee, knows where to find the best when looking for medical assistants; that’s why they have no less than four Bristol Campus graduates working there.

Three generations of National College students!
Everyone has family traditions they hold near and dear; but in Melinda Ridler’s family, attending National College has become a tradition within itself.

You don’t really think much about it when you’re taking the class…but in the business world that’s what it’s about…
Timeca Evans has a good grasp of numbers and a sharp mind, two qualities that serve her well as a financial analyst for United Foodservice Processing Co-op.

…it was a good experience to jump start my life.
Nashville Campus business administration—management graduate Judah Lando came to Tennessee from his native Alabama with dreams of playing college football. But after a couple of years, he admits “I found that football wasn’t what it was cracked up to be.” He dropped out of school and found himself thrust into “the real world.” After a year, he knew he had to get back in school.

Knowing that I helped them in maybe the smallest way means a lot to me
Christi McSwain had been working as an office manager in the automotive industry for several years, but decided she wanted a change. “I’m a people person,” she explained. “I’m not a sit-down-at-a-desk person.”

I’m not going to stop here. I’m going to further my career.
Just a few years ago, Christa McGhee was working at a warehouse, the kind of work she’d done all her life.

A Great Wealth of Knowledge
Education can give one limitless potential when it comes to enhancing career goals and achievements. Pikeville campus graduate Harding Kyle Wallace is a great example of how an education can support and add to any job or career endeavor. Commonly referred to by his second name, Kyle graduated in February of 2008 with an associate degree in business administration-management.

Business Woman
Daphne Hall graduated from the Memphis Campus in the summer of 2008, and almost immediately returned to National College—as an employee.

Trading that Job for a Career
Erica Williams (right) is a Youngstown native and a National College student with the right attitude. She is in the health information technology program at the Youngstown Campus and is setting a good example for her children. She motivates them every morning by saying, “No frustration; concentration,” before they head off to school.

I could actually accomplish this, I could actually do something.
Just a few years ago, Dawn Bassette was a single mother of four with no real job skills and few prospects. “I was not working; I couldn’t even get a job at McDonald’s, it seemed like,” she admits. “I realized I was going to have to get some computer training, some kind of diploma underneath my belt.”

Bubbling with Enthusiasm
Business administration - management graduate Angela McKibben enjoyed her experience at the Cincinnati Campus of National College so much that she enrolled in a second program —information systems engineering— after her graduation in June of 2008.

Former Auto Industry Worker Chooses National for New Career
It all started when a friend told Gina Marek about National College.

Accomplishing Goals
Jackie McVey graduated from the Bristol Campus in May 2008 and accomplished her personal goal…twice.

A new career after 27 years in law enforcement
After many years in law enforcement, her daughter started having children and she decided she wanted to do something different with her life.

Lunch Lady No More
Betty Patterson was a self-described “lunch lady” for a local public school when she decided she wanted something more for herself and her family.

A Good Decision
Sara Burke, a student in the bachelor’s degree program in business administration— accounting at the Bristol Campus, first attended National College in 1999.

County Official and National Graduate Concludes Distinguished Career
A distinguished National College graduate and one of Roanoke County's longest-tenured administrators, is retiring this month after 36 years of service.

Information Systems Engineering Graduate Now on the Fast Track
Recent Knoxville Campus Information Systems Engineering graduate Jonus Moorehas discovered that not only does he enjoy his new career in the computer industry, it’s clearly a field that is wide open in terms of opportunity.

James was offered a promotion as a Local Area Network Technician at the company’s headquarters near Dallas, Texas
James has worked many years in maintenance at Pilgrim’s Pride, a poultry processing facility outside of Harrisonburg. In 2004, he decided to create more career opportunities for himself and decided to enroll at National.