W
hile the traditional university will never be eliminated, the virtual classroom
is a significant player in today’s educational community. Online courses offer
students an alternative … a university education that fits their life. Christie
Brungardt, an instructor of Leadership Studies at Fort Hays State University,
wishes that she had an alternative back when she was working towards her
undergraduate degree. Living in southern Kansas at the time, the nearest college
was in Oklahoma at a lengthy 60 miles away. Christie was bound and determined
to get her education, so she would drop her children off at daycare in the morning
and drive 60 miles each way for her lectures in the traditional classroom setting.
By the time that Christie went back to school in 1999 to receive her Masters she had
the option to take virtual courses and took full advantage of them as she was very
busy juggling a job, children and life at home. Christie said “Although I lived two
miles from campus, I opted for FHSU’s online courses and completed the majority
of my studies in the basement of my home. The Virtual College truly gave me
control of my life.” She adds “The Virtual College at FHSU offered me flexibility
of time, which was a huge benefit! Sometimes we have to remind ourselves how
precious time really is, particularly around a family and a career ... it’s priceless!”
In 2001 Christie decided to take a faculty position with Fort Hays State University
and began teaching both virtual and on-campus courses. She has been teaching
online courses for the university ever since and thoroughly enjoys her students. As
an instructor, Christie is amazed at the relationships that have grown throughout
the years and says “even throughout online courses, you still form a bond
with your students and often times keep in touch far beyond that one semester.”
“The Virtual
College at FHSU
offered me
flexibility of
time, which was
a huge benefit!
Sometimes we
have to remind
ourselves
how precious
time really is,
particularly
around a family
and a career ...
it’s priceless!”
Up until the fall of 2009, Christie knew that FHSU’s Virtual College was convenient
and affordable, but she didn’t quite realize what a hidden secret their online degree
programs were. While working and attending a Women’s Fair in Florida, Christie
noticed ladies walking by the Virtual College booth with a look of eagerness. She
could tell by their faces that they were hoping to learn more about the various
online degree programs that the Virtual College offers. The vast majority of these
women had no clue that an award-winning online education was an option for
them. Christie said “The Women’s Fair was an eye-opening experience for me
because I had taken FHSU’s flexibility for granted. I had forgotten how fortunate
I was to take online courses until I saw people’s eyes light up when I told them
that they could get their degree completely online at FHSU. The Virtual College
not only allows our university to be one of the most flexible Regents institutions
in the nation, but it also keeps the university unique and forward thinking.”
1.800.628.F HS U • [email protected]