After working in marketing for many years, Rick was ready to advance his career with an MBA. At Parker, Rick found flexible, yet extensive, courses, perfectly suiting his personal and professional goals.

1. What was the single most important lesson you learned during your time at Parker?

That perseverance and hard work DO pay off. There were several times that I felt the difficulty and time would get the best of me but the payoff FAR outweighs the challenge.

2. What made Parker the right fit for you?

Working full-time, I needed a program that accommodated my schedule and availability. Although only having been part of an on-ground traditional university years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by the availability of my instructors online, students in my course to chat and even study with, online references, etc. At the end, my "virtual" college experience didn't differ much at all from my on-ground experience from years back. I still made great friends I keep in touch with and got a great education.

3. Tell us about a day at Parker you'd love to relive.

The first day of my second class. I knew then that I had the right discipline for online classes and felt confident that I could take on these classes and work full-time. It made being able to go back and get an MBA not only something that had been in the back of my mind for years and thought would never happen, it made it a reality.

4. What path did you take following graduation from Parker? How did it differ from what you envisioned?

My career path is the same but I've taken on much more responsibility with a personal goal of moving up to the next title. It differs in that I feel that I have a much stronger foundation to achieve that title and advancement that I'm working towards.

5. How has Parker prepared you for success in your career?

I'm very lucky that I work in the marketing department of a university promoting programs in health and wellness. The MBA with a concentration in health care management gave me knowledge on the health care side that I didn't currently have.

6. What do you love the most about your chosen profession?

I have been in marketing most of my working life. It's a passion for me. I was in marketing in the financial world for more than 27 years. Marketing now on health and wellness in education has presented a great opportunity for me to learn even more about what I love.

7. What has been the most rewarding experience of your career?

Being able to inform others of the benefit of a great education by means of marketing and challenging myself to continue learning new ways to reach more students wanting a good education and helping provide that to them.

8. How (and why) have you stayed connected to Parker over the years?

I'm proud to call Parker my place of employment, but more so, there's an atmosphere here of team and comradery that parallels itself with fitness. Both students and employees embrace health and wellness. And, students and employees alike share stories, bond and create lifelong friendships. It is a GREAT place to be.

9. How has your perspective on wellness changed?

I've learned more than I ever thought was possible about health and wellness-from formulating the best place to open a practice to successfully running an office to managing staff on various levels with varying job skills. What I've learned will allow me to be able to go out into the wellness industry if I so desire or let me stay where I am and market more knowledgably about health and wellness.

10. What is the one thing you want everyone reading this to know about Parker University?

Parker University is a university for everyone. Whether you are a student that wants to provide hands-on clinical service or back office or front-line support through office management and coding, there's a program AND path for you. With on-ground and online classes available in many programs, YOU can choose what's best for you. And, the support you'll receive from deans, program directors and professionals in the registrars, financial aid and of course admissions offices are second to none!