2012 OSU Ecampus graduates

Kate Brinkley – OSU's expertise pairs nicely with a military career 

B.S. in Environmental Sciences
Charleston, S.C.

What does earning your OSU degree mean to you?
Although I would have liked to have the opportunity to take classes locally in Corvallis, I am proud to have earned a degree through OSU Ecampus. Given the many environmental issues unique to the Pacific Northwest, I feel privileged to have learned from professors who are passionate about and have studied and worked with these issues throughout their careers.

Why did you choose to complete your degree online through OSU Ecampus? What did you enjoy about this method of education?
I chose to complete my degree online through OSU Ecampus because the school has a good environmental science program that can be taken almost exclusively online. Fluctuation in my work schedule does not, for the most part, permit taking courses in a local classroom setting. The flexibility of Ecampus has made getting my degree while working full time possible.

Did you have an instructor or advisor who was influential in helping you succeed as a distance student?
I had two academic advisors over the course of the last five years - Jessica Cardinal and Dawn Marie Gaid. Both were very helpful, and answered any questions I had quickly and thoroughly. Dawn Marie Gaid was particularly helpful by making recommendations based on other student feedback.

What will your Ecampus degree allow you to do that you were unable to do before?
My work toward a degree in environmental sciences has already proven helpful in my job as a marine science technician with the U.S. Coast Guard. Having the degree will allow me to pursue higher education, will help me advance my career with the Coast Guard, and will hopefully set me up for a successful second career.

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