Christon Harris: A Journey of Determination Towards Academic Success

Meet Christon Harris, a devoted mother, military veteran, and a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration from Southern Nazarene University (SNU). Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Christon's path to academic success was marked by challenges, yet she never allowed adversity to deter her from her goals. As a single mother of two daughters, she juggled the responsibilities of parenthood with a full-time job and military service, serving in the armed forces for eight years before transitioning to a full-time role as a government contractor at Tinker Air Force Base.

Despite the demands on her time, Christon saw the opportunity to pursue higher education as a benefit to not only herself, but as an example to her children, enrolling as a first-generation student at SNU. Although it was challenging at times to balance her commitments, she shared that the support of her spouse and the desire to lead by example helped motivate her towards her goals. “I aim to instill in my children the belief that challenges are surmountable and success is achievable with determination.” Harris shared. 

For Christon, the decision to pursue a degree in healthcare administration was fueled by her passion for making a positive impact in the healthcare field. It allowed her to blend her interest in business with her desire to improve healthcare services and contribute meaningfully to her community.  

Choosing Southern Nazarene University was a strategic choice for Christon, “There are several reasons why I chose Southern Nazarene University (SNU). One reason is the strong academic programs they offer, including their healthcare administration program. SNU also has a supportive and close-knit community, which was great for me to make connections and building relationships. SNU offered a combination of academic excellence and a supportive community that made it an attractive choice for me.” 

Throughout her academic journey, Christon shared that she was supported by dedicated professors who provided invaluable guidance and mentorship. Her program, the inaugural class for the Healthcare Administration Bachelor's degree, equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her field.

Christon’s inspiring story is one of determination and grit, proving that with dedication, anything is achievable. Her journey from military service to academic achievement serves as a testament to the power of education to change lives and open doors to new opportunities.

Christon reflected on her journey at SNU by sharing, “​​Earning my bachelor's degree has definitely played a significant role in setting me up for success. It provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that I could apply to my career. It also opened up doors to opportunities and helped me stand out in a competitive job market. However, it's important to remember that success is a combination of various factors, including hard work, determination, and continuous learning. A degree is just one piece of the puzzle, but it certainly contributed to a successful future.”

Congratulations, Christon.  We wish you all the best in your future endeavors as you continue to exemplify our shared values - Character, Culture, and Christ  - in your personal and professional life!  

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Learn more about the Bachelor of Health Care Administration