School of Professional Studies Celebrates Ten Years
The William Peace University School of Professional Studies (SPS) is proud to announce ten years of service to the community of adult learners that have progressed through the program. The program was created to be an opportunity for adults to complete an accelerated learning program that allows scheduling flexibility and the ability to complete your degree on time. In years since, the SPS program has experienced many of its “firsts” that could only be made possible from the support of students, staff, faculty, and the external community.
In the early year the SPS program offered just two degrees, a bachelor of arts (B.A.) in Business and Leadership and a B.A. in Human Services. Both programs attracted adult students seeking the opportunity to finish an undergraduate degree, essentially positioning them to upward mobility within their career.
In keeping pace with the economy and needs of the adult population, the program evolved and introduced three additional majors– Criminal Justice, Leadership and Nonprofit Administration, and Strategic Communications. Later the program launched [partnering with Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) on our Adapted Curriculum Licensure] our teacher licensure programs and continue to encourage Instructional Assistants within the school system to take their next steps to be licensed educators. In 2019, SPS launched the first online and hybrid Registered Nurse (R.N.) to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program in the Triangle area, partnering with leading health systems, such as WakeMed and UNC-Rex Healthcare.
“Being a student at WPU has been very exciting and stimulating,” says Francene Richardson, ’19. BS Business Administration. “It has taught me confidence while challenging me to reach my highest potential. Most importantly, WPU has confirmed that George Eliot’s words are true – ‘it is never too late to be what you might have been.’”
As of spring 2019, SPS has just under 200 students enrolled. The SPS program has given adults a second chance to complete a dream deferred.
“Regardless of the many ways ‘life’ gets in the way, I am proud of each student who chose to pursue our program. Let’s just say, I would not be where I am today without this program, and I am even more elated to be on the frontline supporting the next cohorts of students taking their next steps!”
Digital Edition
PEACE Magazine, the award-winning publication of William Peace University, published annually.
View the Spring 2020 digital issue
