Article By: Staff
During the day, he served as the senior vice president for business and finance at the University of North Georgia (ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥). At night, on weekends and during his vacation time, McConnell spent time reading and writing.
"It's like having another full-time job," McConnell said.
Now, his second profession and lifelong pursuit to earn a higher degree has come to a close. McConnell recently earned his doctorate of education from the University of Georgia.
"I enjoyed the program and I enjoyed the research," he said.
He did not accomplish it alone. Steven F. McLeod, deputy chief information officer at ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥, earned his doctoral degree in the same cohort program as McConnell.
McLeod said he was apprehensive in the beginning because other students were mid- to high-level administrators and the workload appeared daunting. But as time went own, he bonded with his classmates.
"The relationships I developed were instrumental in my success in the program," McLeod said.
Both men are thankful to ÎçÒ¹¿ì²¥ President Bonita Jacobs.
"She allowed me the opportunity to pursue that, and I'm thankful to the University of North Georgia for providing the opportunity," McConnell said.