Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship helps NMSU staff member graduate
Joyelle Owens was shocked to discover she needed only two courses to complete her bachelor's degree. She will graduate from New Mexico State University Saturday, Dec. 14, after taking classes intermittently since 1993.
Owens learned the good news after meeting with the Aggie Capstone Graduation Challenge program's Marissa Fowler, who is associate director for the Center for Academic Advising and Student Support. After Fowler reviewed her transcripts, Owens was informed she almost had enough credits for a bachelor's degree in individualized studies in English and math.
"I'm still in amazement," said Owens, who has worked at NMSU since 2005 and is a Sodexo catering sales manager for NMSU's dining services. "I had kind of given up. I was thinking I'm never going to finish, it's been how many years?"
"Being a full-time employee and student can be challenging," said Yvonne Franco, student program coordinator. "Joy was determined to return to school to receive her bachelor's degree and she succeeded. So I am very happy to hear that she will be one of many students receiving their degree this semester."
Owens also credits the Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship with helping her complete her degree. The scholarship aids non-traditional students with expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation and commuting costs.
"It was very helpful and I was so thankful," Owens said.
"The Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship is very significant for non-traditional students like Joy," Franco said. "As a non-traditional student, you are not just out of high school. You have life experience, may work a full-time job and have other personal and/or family obligations. The Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship assists students like Joy to help pay for tuition and/or textbooks. Each student that receives the scholarship receives additional support through workshops and individual meetings, which can assist them with their academic and personal goals."
After graduation, Owens said she may explore a career in teaching but doesn't have immediate plans to leave NMSU.
According to its website, the Boundless Opportunity Scholarship is designed to benefit motivated non-traditional students who recognize the power of education to create a better life for themselves and their families. The program helps hardworking students invest in themselves through continued education. The scholarship is available to non-traditional students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, who are enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at select two- and four-year colleges and universities.
Students can apply for the scholarship through the NMSU Scholar Dollar$ program at https://scholarships.nmsu.edu/.
