Amid the technology and daily innovations we find in the field of online universities, it's important to remember that the industry is about, first and foremost, people. Which is what makes inspiring stories like this one so wonderful.
Joel Brown had to leave college 64 years ago, to help his family. Back then, nobody would've dreamed that a college education would one day be within reach for anyone, at any age. Thanks to online enrollment, Joel recently fulfilled his dream of earning a college degree…at the age of 80.
"I never dreamed that I would get a degree at 80, but here I am," said Brown, who proudly wears his 2006 class ring. "This just goes to show you that you should never give up on your dreams."
Brown initially enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1944. He was one year shy of graduation when he left UA and went to work in the Capital City to help support his family.
Twelve years into retirement, Brown, who is an active community volunteer and leader of the Sunday school ministry at Eastmont Baptist Church, decided in 2003 that the time was right to resume pursuit of his lifelong dream.
Brown said he still feels as if he has "more work" to do and doesn't plan to stop his quest for knowledge. He hopes his journey will inspire others.
"Go at life with abandon; give it all you've got," he said, "and life will give you all it has for you."
(Photo: Joel Brown with class ring, courtesy of the Montgomery Advisor.)
Top Online Colleges
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Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University is a dynamic institution that offers accredited, online degrees to students seeking to jump start a new career. Kaplan University makes it easy for students to get the college degree that they want.
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Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has a rich tradition of online educational excellence. This excellence is shown in the quality of each class that every student receives.
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University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees. University of Phoenix shows each student how easy and convenient it is to earn your college degree through their distance learning program. Students can choose to learn at home or from a campus location near you.
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Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At Liberty University, students educational goals and needs are met by an outstanding faculty and support staff. Any adult learner looking to go back to school will be pleased with the course offerings available at Liberty University.
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American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At American InterContinental University, every individual has an opporunity to receive an excellent college degree and the ability to maximize their human potential. American InterContinental University allows you to pick a time and place that fits your schedule.
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DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students who attend DeVry University are welcomed with an outstanding faculty who put each students needs and dreams first. DeVry University is an accredited university that offers affordable degrees.
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Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University is committed to the on-going commitment of providing each student with a high-quality, low-cost online education. Everest University has a well rounded faculty with real world experience.
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Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College uses a student-centric approach to its educational curriculum and each student benefits from this ideal. Westwood College is an accredited university with degrees in high-growth industries.
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