Loretta Brown-Freddie
AABA Completion
BBA - Management
MBA - Human Resource Management

Meet Loretta Brown-Freddie: Never too late to earn a degree

Being told that you cannot receive a higher salary or a higher titled position unless you have a degree is a strong motivator. Especially for Loretta Brown-Freddie, AIU graduate. Having been out of college over 20 years Loretta said, "I'm not young.but I'm determined. I had started and stopped at so many different institutions in my life that I told myself I had to finally get my degrees completed before I was too old to do it. I went on the web and looked for different criteria in universities and I felt that AIU Online was the best choice and had a lot more to offer than the other universities. The online format was the answer to my prayers."

While determining which field to major in, Loretta wanted to make sure she chose a degree program that would make her résumé more marketable. "I was not satisfied with my educational background. Earning my degrees made it possible for me to accomplish all of my goals and expectations. AIU Online gave me the encouragement to apply my knowledge and gave me confidence in knowing that I could one day make a better life for myself."

Loretta had been enrolled in a few other universities throughout the years, but found it virtually impossible to attend the classes because of her job and her schedule. She then started AIU Online in September of 2003. "I accomplished what I thought would be impossible. At first I was just going to get my Associate's degree, then I went for the BBA, then I was encouraged to get my MBA." Loretta chose AIU Online because of the courses offered and the archived format in which they were offered. The coursework helped her improve her business skills and helped her to obtain the type of job she has now. Both degree concentration topics intertwine with her current position in engineering. The opportunity to be a group leader in her classes also gave Loretta confidence. "I learned a lot from the different people with a variety of experiences in my classes."

Loretta had some unique challenges and situations while earning her degrees. During that time, she was working in Mississippi for FEMA after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Attending a university would have been impossible at that time if it didn't have the online class format. With no electricity, Loretta had to drive 40 miles to a library where she could find a computer to keep up with her courses. Despite the trying times, she was determined to finish her degree programs. Loretta made sure she made time to read assignments and the online learning format prompted her to be eager to complete her assignments regardless of where she was or what she was doing or what was going on in the world.

While currently working for KBR as an Administrative Specialist in the engineering department, Loretta is on assignment in Baghdad, Iraq working on projects for the United States military. She's been working in Iraq for seven months and while her contract is for a year, she may stay longer as she enjoys her job and the income she is earning. "It's a great feeling to know what I've accomplished." Loretta feels that her MBA will take her far in her career. "In my organization, there is room to grow and I'm working my way into management with not far to go. My degrees from AIU have given me the confidence I need and I keep my textbooks on-hand on my job as a security blanket should I ever need information for my position."

The strategic management and statistical analysis courses she had while attending AIU Online have taught Loretta how to share her ideas with her immediate supervisor and project manager. "I'm allowed to express my ideas and my contributions are welcomed - my degrees give me the credibility to help make decisions in the department. I really feel like I'm contributing compelling ideas and helping the organization." Loretta's goal is to work as a manager in Iraq for KBR and eventually she would like to take her career objectives back to the US and work with the company until she retires.

Loretta's life has changed substantially since earning her degrees. She received a substantial pay increase with her new position. She is encouraging her husband and daughter to attend AIU Online and Loretta is their biggest motivator; trying to get them past their fears that they can't do it. Loretta also recommends AIU Online to colleagues who think they can't return to school to earn a degree.but they really can.

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