Adult degree completion program growing through change
WILMORE—Asbury University is changing the name of the adult degree completion program from ACHIEVE to Adult Professional Studies (APS). In its fifth year, APS is purposed to more adequately reflect the mission and direction of the program, academic offerings, and educational and professional goals of students. The program will enroll approximately 200 adult students.
The APS program aims to prepare students for professional excellence in their chosen fields. APS primarily serves students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree, but also students who already hold a degree and who are pursuing professional licensure in education. Many students who enter the APS program are continuing their education to expand career opportunities, acquire new levels of professional skills and leadership, and answer a professional calling God has placed upon their lives.
As part of this change, Josh Fee, who joined the ACHIEVE Program staff in 2007 as Assistant Director, is now the Director of the APS Program. Prior to Asbury, Josh served as a youth minister in Winston-Salem, NC. Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts in theology from Hanover College and a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University. Josh and his wife, Jenna, are from Lexington, Ky., and have one son, James Thomas.
One of Fee’s goals is to refine the policies and processes governing financial aid disbursement, in order to assist those students who qualify for federal and state aid, to receive it more quickly. In many cases this can happen as early as two weeks after the start of their first cohort.
APS current has three degree program tracks Leadership and Ministry, Elementary Education, and Management and Ethics. Fee hopes to continue increasing enrollment in these three tracks in Wilmore and Orlando to 250 students by 2015. APS is also considering expanding to more online course options in the future to meet the ever-increasing needs of the busy adult student.
"I love working with adult students and I am inspired by the sacrifices they make to continue their education while fulfilling family, work and church responsibilities," Fee said. "I appreciate how Dr. Gray, the administration, staff and faculty have embraced the APS program. I am grateful for the APS staff in Wilmore and Orlando who have demonstrated compassion and servanthood. On behalf of the APS Wilmore and Orlando staff, I thank you for making the return to college a wonderful experience for the APS students at Asbury University."
