There are certain industries that often go unnoticed until you need the most. Meet Jody, through pastoral care, he got an insider’s look at how funeral homes serve our communities. His desire pursue an adjacent career path, led him to one of the only accredited funeral service education programs in the entire state of Georgia. Tell us all about it. Jody. Take it away.
– Thanks for that intro, Alex. Hi everyone. As you can clearly see, I’m not your typically aged college student. After earning my master’s degree in 2016, I never imagined that I’d end up back in college, but here I am. After serving at a local funeral home during the COVID Pandemic five years ago, I quickly came to understand the great need for skilled and compassionate funeral directors, and that is what led me to OTC. Upon arriving at Ogeechee Tech, I quickly learned the complexity of the funeral service profession. There is far more to this business than I ever imagined, but having the ability to attend in-person classes with knowledgeable and professional instructors is key to a successful career as a funeral director. The flexibility of the program at OTC allows for students to continue to work towards their apprenticeship hours while gaining hands-on knowledge in the classroom. For me, it’s convenient because it allows me to continue my work at Joyner Anderson Funeral Home and crematory. The skills that I have learned at OTC, like embalming, crematory operation, and funeral directing are put to practice every day. From the prep room to the casket selection room. OTC has prepared me to help grieving families navigate the funeral planning process. I also really enjoy getting to know my classmates who come from all over Georgia and sometimes even further, since it’s only one of two programs at a public institution in the state. Five years ago, I never would’ve imagined that I’d fall in love with being a funeral professional, but through the knowledge and skill of my instructors at OTC I am more confident today than ever about becoming a licensed funeral director. Thanks for listening, and back to you, Alex.
– Jody, the service you provide to your community is admirable. Seeing the skills you’ve developed here at OTC, we know you’ll make an amazing funeral director. Congratulations on finding your passion and making it your reality, and thanks again for sharing your story.
Here’s Lydia, a veterinary technology student who started her OTC journey while still in high school through dual enrollment, from caring for a wide range of animals to joining the student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Lydia is gaining hands on experience that goes far beyond the textbook. Lydia, the floor is yours.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello. Hello everybody. I’ve been around animals since I was young and I always knew I wanted to work with them somehow, when I started horseback riding. My love for animals only grew, beyond your normal cats and dogs. All of this has led me to the veterinary technology program here at OTC. I started taking classes at Ogeechee Technical College while a senior in high school, and it has helped me grow to where I am now. The dual enrollment program is easy to navigate and signing up for classes couldn’t be easier. This allowed me to get an early start on classes I needed to get my certificate. A big part of veterinary technology is not only learning a wide spectrum of species and the care of each one, but also learning how to work with others as a team, both in the classroom and with the animals. Best of all with veterinary technology is the hands-on experience you get. Not everything you can learn is in your textbook. Some of it you have to actually see and do. The professors make learning fun and enjoyable, and I haven’t had a dull moment since starting. There’s a variety of clubs here for students to be a part of. I belong to the student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America Club. It’s a chance for us to engage with the community and have a voice in the vet tech profession. We get to go on special lectures, trips, and other fun stuff, all regarding animals. Ogeechee Tech gives you a little sauce of everything hands-on experience, faculty that help you navigate your profession and peers who will stick with you and help you through your program. That’s it from me. Thank you. And back to you, Alex.
– Lydia, your passion for animal care shines in every moment of your journey. From early dual enrollment classes to club activities and hands-on training, you are building skills that will make a difference in the veterinary field. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you and the animals lucky enough to meet you. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s meet Ryan, a student in OTCs heavy diesel technology program. With encouragement from his mom, Ryan found his calling in a hands-on high demand field, from tearing down engines to mastering industry grade tools. He’s building skills that put him miles ahead. Ryan, show us what life is like in the diesel shop. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I’m excited to share my journey and why the heavy diesel program here at Ogeechee Tech has been the greatest thing for me. To be honest, I didn’t always know what I wanted to do with my life. It was actually my mom who pushed me to find the right career. Not just any job, but something solid that I could be proud of. She believed in me before I even believed in myself. That encouragement led me to OTC. Once I discovered the heavy diesel technology program, everything started to fall into place. From day one, the focus has been on hands-on learning and real world experience. We’re not just sitting in the classroom, we’re out in the shop, tearing down engines, troubleshooting problems, and getting familiar with the exact tools and equipment used in the industry. This experience has helped me build confidence in my skills and prepared me for the future. One of the main reasons I chose OTC was a fast track to the workforce. In a short amount of time, I’ll be stepping into a high demand, high paying career. Something I never imagined was possible so quickly. Can’t bring this program without a call sign. Mine’s “Dimples” bet you can’t guess why. My favorite part of OTC is the instructors. They bring real industry experience and truly care about helping us succeed, but they also make it insanely fun. Through it all, they have helped me believe in myself training for a career in a high demand field like diesel tech, feels powerful. It’s not just about getting a job, it’s about winning a future. Thank you, Alex, for letting me share my story. And thank you, mom for everything. I love you.
– Amazing, Ryan. How cool that the right program and the right support can launch a future faster than you can imagine. From earning your call sign to mastering real world repairs, you’ve proven you’re ready to hit the ground running in a high demand career, keep turning those wrenches and chasing success. We’re all rooting for you Dimples.
It’s time to say hello to Hannah. A first semester dental assisting student from right here in Statesboro. After overcoming personal challenges, Hannah found her passion at OTC, training on state-of-the-art equipment and learning in a supportive environment, living in a thriving college town with endless activities. Hannah’s story is about resilience, community and career readiness. Take it away, Hannah.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. My college journey hasn’t always been easy. When I was a freshman, my mom passed away. I struggled daily in school and with the new reality of my mom not being around, I almost decided school wasn’t for me until I started the dental assisting program at OTC, the dental assisting program is a specialized educational pathway designed to prepare students to work alongside dentists, which specializes in orthodontics, oral surgery, and general assisting. This program offers hands-on training during class labs and specialized clinical sites, utilizing the latest equipment in the field. And while the dental assisting program initially drew me to OTC, the learning environment and location sealed the deal for me. Being in Statesboro, I get all the amazing benefits of being in a college town without the full college price tag. Downtown has plenty of great coffee shops and places to eat and fun little shops to pop into, just a couple of miles down the road from OTC is a pickle ball court that has brought me new friends and experiences. Choosing where to go to college is a major decision that can shape your career path, finances and personal growth. Growing up, I had always imagined I’d go to school outside of my hometown, but when I was working to overcome the loss of my mom, OTC was grounding and felt like home. When I’m not playing pickle ball, I’m preparing for my future of being a dental assistant. Through this program, I’ve gained an understanding of career readiness. Being prepared not just to get a job, but to keep it, growing it, and adapt it as the workplace changes. And hey, you know what they always say, “There’s no place like OTC.” Back to you Alex.
– Hannah. It’s amazing to see you overcome life’s toughest moments and find your calling. From the lab to the pickle ball court, you’ve embraced everything this vibrant college town offers. While building skills for a lifelong career, we know you’ll make an incredible dental assistant. Keep shining, Hannah.
Across the nation, there has been a nursing shortage for a few years now, meet Corey, a second year nursing student who is helping to close that gap. After spotting OTC sign on the highway, Corey discovered a competitive program that delivers hospital grade training, from mastering critical care skills to networking with local healthcare pros. Corey’s preparing to make a real world difference. Corey, take it away.
– Hi, Alex. Thanks for the intro. Caring for others has been something that I’ve been passionate about since I was a child. It was only natural that I became a nurse, but after high school, I wasn’t sure how I would make my dream a reality. That all changed when I was driving home from work and I saw the OTC sign on the side of the highway. Our program is new, yet extremely competitive. This means that when you finish, you are truly ready to enter into the workforce. Ogeechee Tech is dedicated to providing guidance and training to a new generation of nurses that are ready to meet the needs of our community. It focuses on didactic competency, along with an emphasis on proficiency in nursing skills. OTC provides us with a state-of-the-art nursing lab that mimics a hospital where we practice skills such as catheter insertion and tracheostomy care. Once proficient, we transition to working in local healthcare facilities where we apply our knowledge to the clinical setting. These skills culminate in our final semester when our school conducts its annual disaster drill incorporating all of the healthcare programs at OTC. Because our clinical partners are local, I’ve been able to network and create opportunities that will help me jump into my career with far less stress. Initially, I was anxious about entering into a work field that was predominantly female, but that all disappeared once I got to hanging out with my classmates, I’ve been able to build friendships with my classmates that will last a lifetime. With all of the technical skills and only job training that OTC offers, you won’t just have text knowledge or certain skills. You’ll have the confidence and the competency to land a job in your dream career. Thank you so much for listening. Back to you Alex.
– Corey, your dedication to caring for others shines through every part of your journey. From practicing lifesaving procedures in OTCs nursing labs, to building lifelong friendships, you’re proving that skill and compassion go hand in hand. We know you’ll bring that same energy and heart to every patient you serve. Bravo, Corey.
Let’s meet Arianna, a fish and wildlife management student all the way from Indiana. Arianna moved more than 800 miles to pursue her passion for nature, and at OTC, she’s gained real world skills from becoming a certified wildland firefighter to earning project wild educator status, incredible. With award-winning faculty and hands-on learning. Arianna’s story is about turning passion into purpose. Take it away, Arianna.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I always felt most at peace in nature, but I never thought I could turn that into a career. A few years ago though, I made a big leap. I moved 800 miles away from my hometown to pursue a reality I never thought possible, going to school for something I’m passionate about. That big leap led me to OTC’s Fish and Wildlife Management Program. One of the most impactful experiences has been learning from instructors like Ms. Casey Corbett, an award-winning instructor. She’s not only an incredible teacher, she has deep ties to the community and goes above and beyond to help her students succeed. Through her leadership, I’ve built my resume by becoming a certified type two wildland firefighter and a project wild educator, and I’ve grown in ways I’ve never expected. It meant so much to me that I was named runner up for OTC’s Goal Student of the Year. It made me realize that my hard work and passion was being recognized. OTC isn’t just preparing me for a job, it’s shaping me for a lifelong career I believe in. OTC’s location is perfect for hands-on learning, where outside studying what will one day help to protect. One of my favorite places on campus is the wooded area behind the Jack Hill building, and there’s also a pond that our program helps maintain. Everything we do prepares us for what’s next and it’s all supported by exceptional instructors and staff who truly care. I’ve learned that it’s never too late or too far to find your purpose. OTC helped me turn my passion into a path. I’m excited to keep growing, transfer to a four year university and eventually serve as a national Park ranger. That’s my story. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Arianna, what an inspiring journey, from Indiana to Georgia, you’ve proven that following your passion leads to remarkable opportunities. Your certifications, field work and dedication to conservation show the power of hands-on learning at OTC, we can’t wait to see you thrive as a future National Park Ranger. Best of luck, Arianna.
Earlier this week, I got the incredible chance to sit down with someone special. Guiding UIU through transformation and growth, President and CFO Kathy Franken brings experience, dedication, and deep roots. As a university’s 22nd president and the first female to hold the position, she led strategic change since stepping in to this role. With a steadfast belief in UIU’s mission and the power of education to change lives, she inspires progress and pride across the Peacock community. Let’s check it out. One thing we keep hearing over and over is that UIU is for every type of student. Can you unpack that a little bit?
– Yes, so we have our traditional Fayette campus, which they’re residential campus students, and so they’re getting that traditional experience coming right outta high school. They might be participating in athletics, they may be in different extracurricular activities, really wanting that college experience in the traditional sense. We also then have what we call our distance education program, which includes our online program, our self-paced program, which is really great for working adults, military students because they can really decide they can take eight weeks to complete a course, they can take six months to complete a course. So it’s really what fits in their schedule. And we just really want to make sure that we are making it accessible to all of our students.
– Yeah, it’s amazing. It’s like you have an option for everyone. And you mentioned there online, so you’ve been doing it for a while, you know how to do it really well. Can you talk about that a bit?
– Yes, we have been in the online world since 1999, so we’ve done it a long time. I think one of the things that we are so proud of is that we continue to evolve and change the format of our online as students change, making sure that the platforms and the assignments and everything that’s a part of the online experience is really relevant to the current student demand and experience.
– Absolutely, and also, and we talked about this in the episode a little bit, but you know, it’s very affordable. All right, and that really opens the range of students that you know are able to come here. How do you make it so affordable? And the important, can you talk about the importance of being so affordable?
– It’s really at the root of what we do. We want to make sure that education at Upper Iowa is affordable for our students. We do not want that to be the barrier. A couple of examples of that is on our Fayette campus we have what’s called Peacock Promise and our ExcEL Honors program. Both of those programs allow our students to go to school tuition free on campus. Off campus with our distance education, we have scholarships related to corporate vantage partnerships. We have military scholarships. We have workforce scholarships, so lots of opportunities.
– And that ExcEL program, can you talk about that? It’s really cool.
– Yeah, that’s actually a new exciting program that we have in our first year. With that program, students go to school tuition free. Then they are also in part of what we call an internship work program, so they are working different positions across campus and maybe in the community, but then they’re also receiving some leadership opportunities that continue to help them grow and build their resume.
– Yeah, what a way to set them up for success afterwards. Incredible.
– Absolutely. Thank you, President Franken, for sharing your vision and leadership. From re-imagining UIU’s academic and athletic offerings to steering the IMPACT 2028 strategic plan, your work underscores the institution’s commitment to innovation, partnership and student success. And we look forward to all the incredible things ahead with your guidance. Thanks again for sitting down with me.
Pursuing a graduate degree while balancing work, community service, and life takes courage and determination. Meet Theresa, a recent MBA graduate in corporate financial management and a proud online Peacock who clearly possesses that grit. Her journey shows how UIU’s flexible programs empower non-traditional students to achieve their dreams, no matter their schedule. With UIU, possibility never expires. Tell us more, Theresa.
– Thanks, Alex. Do you know what I find inspirational? People who take that leap of faith to follow their academic dreams, especially later in life when their lives are more complex. As a staff member of Upper Iowa University, I have helped students overcome challenges and walk across that stage. And I started to think about my own dream, an MBA in corporate financial management. Like so many others, I buried that dream for years, but it never went away. Finally, I told my mentor about my dream, and I’m so glad I did, because with her encouragement, I enrolled in classes at UIU. Being an online non-traditional student, I knew that my academic journey would look very different. I have a full-time job. I’m a board member for a local organization, and I have a busy lifestyle. Luckily, UIU’s classes are designed with the working adult in mind. They offer classes that are eight weeks long to six months, depending on what students need. Earning my degree from UIU improved my life in a variety of ways. I was given a new financial role at the university. As a board member, the CEO comes to you for guidance with financial and strategic decision-making. It’s a huge responsibility. And it has given me the confidence and knowledge to provide that guidance for the longevity and prosperity of the organization. My MBA has also made me comfortable with making financial decisions about my own future. I am now an active participant in building my investment portfolio because I know what I need to do to get to my retirement goals. Upper Iowa University has changed my life, and I’m so grateful that they make learning accessible to non-traditional students like me. Now, back to you, Alex.
– What an inspiring story, Theresa. Your commitment proves that with UIU’s flexible MBA program, students can balance careers, service and personal goals and come out stronger. From advancing professionally to gaining confidence in financial decision-making, your experience shows how upper Iowa University truly supports learners at every stage of life. Congratulations, Theresa.
The outdoors can spark a lifelong passion, and for Marcus, it led to a career path. A sophomore in conservation management, Marcus discovered at UIU that his love of hunting, fishing and wildlife could become so much more. Surrounded by classmates and professors who share his interests, he’s thriving in and out of the classroom. Take it away, Marcus.
– Appreciate you, Alex. Growing up, I had so many ideas of what I wanted to do. I went from paleontology to being a veterinarian to book editing, but conservation management is really what stuck with me in my youth. I fished and hunted with my grandfather often. And as I got older, he showed me that my favorite hobbies could be a career. After arriving at Upper Iowa University, I realized that I could not have made a better decision. I was a little nervous to meet new people, but as I began to get to know classmates in my field, college started to become fun. Who knew? Now I’m surrounded by people with my same hobbies, same interests, and same weird obsessions. I love fitting in with not only the students in my classes, but with the professors too. Nothing is better than being taught by people who are actually interested in the material they are showing you. The professors also get involved outside of class advising school clubs. I myself am the vice president of the Collegiate Outdoors Club. In these clubs, we do so many cool things, including raccoon hunting, ice fishing, and even a big trip to Nebraska. There, we witnessed one of the most awe-inspiring events ever, the Sandhill Crane migration. Thousands of birds the size of third graders fly around in the sky above you. It was sick. No matter what made you decide, we have not only a cool learning program to go along with your interests, but we have organizations available to surround yourself with people that have similar interests to you and make the best of college. Whatever you may strive to become or accomplish in the next four years or 40 years, upper Iowa University can help you pursue your goals. Well, that’s my spiel. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Marcus. From raccoon hunts to witnessing the breathtaking Sandhill Crane migration, your experience show how UIU brings learning to life. With hands-on opportunities, supportive professors and clubs that build community, conservation management students like you prove that following your passion can lead to something extraordinary. Keep exploring, Marcus, and thanks again.
Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, but Madi proves it’s possible to excel at both. A senior in elementary education with a math focus, Madi transferred to upper Iowa University for its supportive coaches, flexible academic sessions, close-knit community. Now she’s thriving as a student athlete, graduating early and preparing for her future. Tell us all about it, Madi. Take it away.
– Thanks on introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone. I’m a math education major and student athlete here at Upper Iowa University, but my story starts in St. Louis, Missouri where I grew up loving both sports and school. Education has always been so important to me and so is playing volleyball at a high level, so I’m super happy to call UIU home. I transferred to UIU after playing volleyball for two seasons outta school in the South. And while leaving my old school wasn’t easy, I knew I needed a fresh start. What drew me here was the combination of athletics, academics, and community. Once I met the coaches and learned about their focus on culture and athlete development, I knew I found the right place. UIU’s eight-week session format has also been life changing. This allows me to dive deep into my classes while also balancing practice, travel and games. Because of this structure and some advanced placement credits from high school, I’ll actually be graduating a year early. My professors have been so supportive, helping me balance athletics and academics, and my teammates have become like family. That tight-knit support system has made UIU feel like a home from day one. As Iowa’s only NCAA Division II school, UIU offers a really unique student athlete experience. The competitive level of the Great Lakes Valley Conference drew me here, but it’s the close-knit campus, coaches, and student support services like tutoring in the Writing Center that make it so easy to succeed both in the classroom and on the court. Upper Iowa University has prepared me for the next steps in my journey. I’ll be student teaching this spring and then be working towards my master’s degree as I pursue my love for coaching and teaching. My time here has taught me balance, resilience and leadership. Well, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Big S on 3. 1, 2, 3!
– [All] Big S, ooh!
– Incredible, Madi. Your story shows the strength of UIU’s supportive environment from flexible eight-week classes, to professors and coaches who champion student success. As Iowa’s only NCAA Division II school, upper Iowa University offers student athletes, like you, a chance to compete at a high level while excelling academically. Congratulations, Madi, and go Peacocks.