For Angela Scherer, education has always been important. After earning her Associate’s degree in 2002, she spent more than two decades building a successful career in healthcare. Still, Angela felt like she had some unfinished business to attend to.
“I’ve always felt that unfinished goal lingering in the back of my mind,” Angela shared. “I’ve long regretted not completing my degree earlier," she explains. "I saw this as an opportunity to finally achieve that accomplishment.”
Now, Angela is proving that it’s never too late to return to school and pursue new opportunities. She is currently working toward earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University (SNU). She will graduate with her business degree later this year.
A Passion for Growth and New Horizons
Angela has called Davenport, Iowa, home for the past 28 years. The strong sense of community and close proximity to her family have made it the perfect place to build her life. Happily married for 25 years, she and her husband share a love for the outdoors.
“In my free time, you can often find me cycling or hiking with my husband, both of which help me stay active and connected to the world around me,” she said.
Professionally, Angela has spent 22 years in the healthcare industry, taking on various roles that expanded her expertise. She began as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later transitioned into administrative positions, managing operations at a private neurosurgery practice.
Her career then took her into the technology side of healthcare as a Director of Education. There she trained doctors and nurses on Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems. For the past nine years, she has been the Resident Regional Director of Operations at a local health system. She oversees many departments and makes sure operations run smoothly.
Despite her accomplishments, Angela was ready for the next step. “I’m eager to explore new career avenues outside of the healthcare industry and broaden my professional horizons,” she said.
Choosing Southern Nazarene University
Returning to school while working full-time is no small task, but for Angela, SNU’s online program was the perfect fit. “I chose Southern Nazarene University because of its strong Christian values, which align with my personal beliefs,” she explained. “Additionally, the flexibility of the online learning program is ideal for adults like me who are balancing full-time work while pursuing higher education.”
SNU’s program structure also stood out to Angela. “What set SNU apart for me was the structure of the program. I appreciated that each class was 5 to 6 weeks long, with consecutive sessions, which helped me stay focused and on track,” she said.
“The flexibility of the online format allowed me to balance my coursework with my full-time job, as I could easily complete assignments after work," she explained. "I also liked that the assignments for the entire course were posted upfront, giving me the option to work at my own pace and even get ahead if my schedule allowed.”
This format gave her the ability to integrate education seamlessly into her already busy life. It made it possible to stay committed to both her professional responsibilities and academic goals.
A Well-Rounded Education with Real-World Application
Angela’s experience at SNU has provided her with a strong foundation in key areas such as management, finance, and strategy. “Earning my degree set me up for success because the program was structured to include the essential classes needed for Business Administration,” she shared. “The coursework was designed to build a strong foundation in key areas, which provided me with the practical skills and knowledge required for my career.”
Applying what she learns in real-time has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. “The flexibility of the program allowed me to balance my education with my professional responsibilities, helping me apply what I was learning in real-time,” she noted. This balance has given her the confidence and preparation needed to explore future career paths beyond healthcare.
Faith and Education Intertwined
For Angela, attending a university that integrates faith into its curriculum was an important factor in her decision. “I believe that SNU has offered me a comprehensive education that emphasizes the integration of Christian values and ethical decision-making,” she said. “This approach has not only enriched my academic experience but also aligns closely with my personal beliefs, providing a more meaningful education compared to what I might have received at a secular university.”
Looking Ahead
As she approaches the final stages of her degree program, Angela remains excited about the possibilities ahead. Whether she continues in healthcare or pursues opportunities in a new industry, she will have the credentials and knowledge to move forward with confidence.
Angela’s journey is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to return to school, chase a long-held goal, and embrace new opportunities. With SNU’s flexible online program and faith-based education, she has found the perfect place to complete her degree and prepare for the next chapter of her professional life.
