ASU, Fullerton College partnership makes higher ed possible for dedicated mother

As a young mother, Bri Sullivan focused on raising her son immediately after high school, rather than pursuing higher education. Now, years later and with a strong support system in place, Sullivan is taking charge of her life’s narrative and pursuing her bachelor's degree online with Arizona State University.

While her family served as the inspiration to go back to school, ASU's recently announced partnership with Fullerton College in California and the MyPath2ASU program gave Sullivan the opportunity to explore her options while juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities.

“The whole process has been extremely easy,” Sullivan said. “From admittance to registering for classes each term, there haven't been any roadblocks too challenging to cause any issue.”

Initially unsure of her career path, Sullivan made the decision to pursue her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership (project management), a program of the School of Applied Professional Studies in ASU’s College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. She recognized that its leadership focus aligned perfectly with her current career and would provide her with valuable skills for professional growth.

Thanks to the new partnership with Fullerton College and MyPath2ASU, students like Sullivan can leverage the benefits of ASU Online to chart a direct pathway to their degree, resulting in significant time and cost savings while ensuring that all credits will transfer with them.

In addition, ASU has a wealth of transfer student resources, which have played a big role in Sullivan's educational experience. She has participated in various clubs and organizations, including AZ Digital Devils at ASU Online, Advancing Women in Construction, and the Master of Project Management student organization.

Looking beyond graduation, Sullivan's focus turns back to her family, who have been unwavering in their support throughout her educational pursuit. With her degree in hand, she plans to redirect her energy toward her loved ones, making them her top priority.

ASU News spoke to Sullivan about her transfer experience.

Question: Who (or what) inspired you to go to pursue higher education?

Answer: My kids inspired me to finally follow my dreams of obtaining my degree. I was a young mother, so I needed to focus on raising my son right after high school. Many years later, I finally found myself in a position with a support system to allow me the time to return to school. Without my husband and kids, I would never have had the courage to pursue my degree, and I am grateful to them every day for being my champions and supporting me so completely.

Q: Why did you decide to attend community college?

A: I didn't have the grades initially to attend a four-year school and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. As an adult deciding to go back to school, online courses were yet to be an option and I had a full-time job and a family to take care of, so attending classes on campus wasn't conducive to my life. Then a few years ago, when I finally decided to complete my associate degree, community college and its online programs were the best options.

Q: Why did you choose your major?

A: I decided on my major when I received my associate and decided to pursue my bachelor's. Organizational leadership (project management) is right up my alley. I do not want to be a (project manager), but the management program's leadership focus aligns with my current career, so I went with it.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: ASU's massive online program fit into my lifestyle and made reaching for my degree possible.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a new transfer student?

A: Meet with an academic advisor right away, and be sure new classes align with your graduation and degree plan.