Adult Student Graduates Despite Heartbreaking Loss
When life happens, even the best-laid plans are sometimes forced to change. Jena West knew pursuing a degree after a decade-long hiatus would mean balancing full-time work with family obligations. She planned on getting her degree online for the flexibility it would provide. Yet, when a family tragedy nearly derailed her plan to attain a Master of Public Health from the University of Tennessee, she realized that flexibility wasn’t the only benefit of joining Vols Online.
Jena received her undergraduate degree from UT in the early 2000s. She stayed with the University after graduation, working at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine for years before deciding to obtain her master’s degree. She chose Vols Online because of its flexibility, which allowed her to continue working full-time without causing much disruption to her family. In addition, no other online Master of Public Health program focused on what she loves the most in work: veterinary medicine.
I had peers I looked up to clinically who went through the program. The level they operated at as clinicians and their ability to integrate/discern emerging research into their practice inspired “I consider myself a lifelong learner and was so excited to come across my particular MPH program when I started my search to see what was out there.”
– Jena West, 2023 graduate, Master of Public Health
Initially, even the digital classroom presented challenges for Jena, but by the end of her first semester, she had developed a better sense of time management and more confidence in her studies. During her second semester, Jena and other students in the Biostats class experienced how their professor’s commitment to individualized support through one-on-one meetings and innovative video assignments could help them learn and become more confident. She adapted to her new life in school, feeling a growing sense of community even in her virtual setting.
As Jena was nearing the end of her degree program, she was devastated by a profound personal tragedy. In October 2023, she experienced the sudden loss of her eldest son. As she navigated the demands of personal healing and professional responsibilities, she didn’t feel she could keep up with her schoolwork. Yet, in this moment of despair, UT’s true spirit revealed itself. Professors and academic advisors, both past and present, rallied around her, creating a tailored plan to adjust her coursework and ensure she could complete her degree. Jena says this encouragement and kindness convinced her that UT was more than a school – it is a family.
“The support I received from them was so wonderful! I got daily texts and emails giving me support and encouragement letting me know that I was not in the situation alone. I have never heard of any other program doing something like this for one single student. I felt like a real person who was being heard and seen and not just a student with a number.”.
Jena West, 2023 graduate, Master of Public Health
Jena not only managed to navigate her final semester but did so with distinction, graduating in December 2023 with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her continued role at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine now sees her applying her newly acquired knowledge daily, and she proudly holds the title of the state’s only veterinary technician specialist in cardiology.
Jena was so moved by the outpouring of support from the staff that she encouraged her youngest son to attend the University of Tennessee after high school, wanting him to experience the Volunteer spirit she experienced in this academic community.
“The support and instruction are top-notch. The professors really want you to find your place. They want you to succeed and get the most out of the program. UT is a family.”
Jena West, 2023 graduate, Master of Public Health
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