Alumni Newsletter - WGU Alumni Community - Western Governors ...

graduate spotlightsAndrew Edtlholladay, utahAndrew Edtl has been around entrepreneurial businessesfrom a young age. His mother opened a businessteaching parenting skills that grew to severaloffices in two states. He opened a snack business atone of his mother’s company offices and sold it whenhe was 12 years old because of a family move. Twoyears later at age 14, he started an online messageboard hosting company that grew to over 9,000 companyusers in three months. When he was 17, he enlistedin the United States Air Force Reserve and wastwice deployed to conduct on-base law enforcementand base defensive operations. He also cross-trainedinto the personnel career area with the Utah Air NationalGuard. Between deployments, he began to attendcollege in Hawaii, working as a resident advisor at adormitory with a large number of students from overseas.He volunteered as a member of the orientationteam for international students and was a member of acultural club. “I love business, economics, politics, andlearning,” says Andrew. “I love projects that allow me tocome up with creative solutions, and I love adapting tonew technologies and standards.” Later on, he decidedto pursue his degree to advance in his ideal career, andAndrew chose Western Governors University. “I reallyliked the competency-based model and the option toaccelerate my degree. I decided that it would be theKelleree Conradstrongsville, ohioAs an award-winning salesdirector and mother oftwo residing in Ohio withher husband and youngestson, Kelleree Conrad reflectson how her life cametogether. In high school,Kelleree’s prioritieschanged when she becamea mother, and she deferredcollege to work and raiseher son, along with herparents’ guidance. Shethen began working fora family-owned companythat is now one of the largestrecruiters of collegegraduates nationwide. Herentry-level sales positionturned into several advancements and an out-of-statepromotion nine years ago. When Kelleree’s 12-year-oldson asked for a go-kart, like any good businesswoman,she asked him to write a proposal. He did, and his lastperfect challenge forme,” he says. In May2011, Andrew earnedhis degree in BusinessManagement.He credits his mentorwith helping to realizehis potential, andsays that his mentor’sguidance and encouragementwere invaluable.He notes that hegained motivation andprioritization skillswhile completing hisWGU course work and Andrew says, “The same motivationalskills I learned from doing coursework apply tomy everyday life at home and at work.” •“I really liked the competency-based model andthe option to accelerate my degree. I decided that(WGU) would be the perfect challenge for me.”-WGU Alum, Andrew Edtlline was a “closer”—more mother-son time. “You canbet he got a go-kart,” she affirms. She met her husbandas go-kart season began. Fast forward to 2010, her oldestson proposed to Kelleree to attend college onlineat Western Governors University. Kelleree looked athis research, privately thinking, “Accelerated…I ama race fan. Affordable…that was a must for me. Accredited…sweet!” She could fulfill a lifelong dream ofa college education and surprise her son at the sametime. Kelleree also “wanted to give my employer thethanks they deserve—a college-educated director ofsales.” She applied 16 years of business experience toher program, earning her Bachelor of Science in BusinessManagement degree in March 2011 in under sixmonths. She also is a Certified Corporate Travel Executive(CCTE), serving as board chair of the Ohio ValleyBusiness Travel Association. She quotes an adage, saying,“‘In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given atest; in life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.’I am grateful to WGU for teaching me to make timefor myself, and give thanks to those who made theselessons possible.” •10 | WGU Alumni Newsletter - Summer 2011