Ahead of Commencement, graduating employees reflect on their educational journeys
The university will confer approximately 9,000 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degrees at its 161st commencement.
Among the 9,000 graduates receiving bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degrees at the university's 161st commencement Friday are several staff members whose dedication and hard work have enabled them to complete degree programs that can help them advance their careers and strengthen the service they provide to the campus community.
The university encourages employees and their spouses to further their education through the Qualified Tuition Reduction benefit, which lowers tuition to $25 per semester at any of Arizona's state universities. At the University of Arizona Global Campus, tuition is reduced to $3.57 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $4 per credit hour for master's and doctoral programs.
"I am continually inspired by how many of our employees and their family members take full advantage of the Qualified Tuition Reduction benefit to achieve their professional goals," said Helena Rodrigues, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "Tuition reduction for undergraduate and graduate courses is truly one of the gems in the university’s benefits package."
This spring, employees working in offices around campus will receive degrees in fields including marketing, global media, higher education and management information systems.
Lorraine Padilla, Director of Fleet Services, Parking and Transportation Services
Some of their stories are below.
Lorraine Padilla, Director of Fleet Services, Parking and Transportation Services
Degree: Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Management and Organizations
Padilla said her MBA program built her confidence in navigating professional relationships with colleagues who have different work and communication styles. Though she hadn't anticipated staying at the university after graduation, she's grateful for opportunities with Parking and Transportation Services that are allowing her to continue her journey at the U of A. Her advice to those considering a degree program is to give themselves grace and focus on their end goal.
"It's not a race," Padilla said. "Everyone has their own pace and own responsibilities outside of work and school. If it takes you four or five years, that is OK, and it's just as much of an accomplishment as finishing it in one year."
Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Director, Eller College of Management Evening MBA Program
Ryan Pinkerton, Assistant Director, Eller College of Management Evening MBA Program
Degree: Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Management Information Systems
Pinkerton's educational journey has included multiple stops and starts. After high school, he began working as a district circulation manager at a newspaper in 2005, earning an associate degree from Pima Community College while on the job. In 2018, he enrolled in the University of Arizona's undergraduate management information systems program before starting his master's degree last year.
He said his experience has been different every time, with more classes offered online, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, he encourages anyone considering a degree program to "take the leap."
"My biggest regret is not going back sooner," Pinkerton said. "There's never going to be a perfect time. Just go back. It may feel overwhelming at first, but it's like riding a bike. You're going to get right back into it."
Ricky Salazar, Senior Director for Central and South Asia Affairs, Arizona International
Ricky Salazar, Senior Director for Central and South Asia Affairs, Arizona International
Degree: Master of Arts, Higher Education
Salazar earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Arizona in 2007. Following the Great Recession, he found himself searching for work. He joined the university in 2012 and found a passion for working with students with a background similar to his.
Wanting to deepen his knowledge in higher education – a field outside his original area of study – Salazar decided to pursue a graduate degree. Despite some logistical challenges – he recalled traveling to Kazakhstan for work and having to wake up a 4 a.m. to join a 4 p.m. class in Tucson – Salazar said earning his second degree from the university is particularly meaningful.
"As a first-generation student, my undergrad degree was really for my family in many ways," Salazar said. "But my master's was more for me – for my personal and professional growth and my passion for serving students."
Kelly South, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, University Information Technology Services
Kelly South, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, University Information Technology Services
Degree: Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing
South said earning her MBA had been on her to-do list since she joined the university in 2012. She said the concepts and tools she has learned through the program will help her bring a more analytical approach to her work.
"Before the program, I did not consider myself a math person, but I'm not scared of that anymore," South said. "I've always understood the importance of data-driven decision-making, and now I have more tools and a better appreciation of exactly how to go about doing that."
Alana Talkington, Communications Specialist, University Information Technology Services
Degree: Master of Arts, Studies of Global Media
Talkington, a self-described "lifelong reader and writer, lifelong people person and lifelong learner," said she pursued her master's degree to take her passion for telling stories to global audiences to a new level. Her responsibilities look much different now than they did when she finished her undergraduate degree about 15 years ago. She said balancing work, school and life with two toddlers was a challenge, but support from her colleagues and family helped her through.
Alana Talkington, Communications Specialist, University Information Technology Services
"I also want to be a good example to my girls," Talkington said. "I want to make sure that, as my girls grow up, they know it's never too late to do what you want to do. I never want them to feel like they have to abandon a dream."
Learn more about taking classes at the U of A on the Education Benefits page on the Human Resources website. Learn about returning to school on the Admissions website. Those interested in taking classes without pursuing a degree can find out more about becoming a non-degree seeking student on the Admissions website.