The growth of digital media has upended the careers of many journalists. Mary Beth Jackson, mother, homeschooler, and online student, is among them. Even with her journalism awards in four states, her career as a reporter for community newspapers was over. Jackson had to pivot. Through IU Online, she discovered a way to solidify her new career.
Jackson had founded and incorporated two businesses, but she needed professional guidance on creating blueprints for taking her businesses to the next level, and more information about intellectual property.
Her path forward had to accommodate an already full life—family, homeschooling her children, and growing her fledgling businesses: an outdoor clothing line, and equine assisted learning.
Her answer came when she discovered IU Online’s B.S. in Business Administration through IU Southeast. She says, “Here was my opportunity to delve into intellectual property issues, staff development, team development, corporate development. My venture creation class this semester is exactly what I need.”
Why IU Online?
“For my professional next step, IU Online checked all the boxes. As Indiana University, it has an excellent reputation. And it provided the flexibility I needed to attend school while still being home to care for my family, homeschool my kids, run my businesses, and accommodate quarterly medical appointments. I could also transfer almost all the credits I earned for my associate’s degree from Vincennes University. With IU Online, I had the flexibility to do everything I wanted.”
Accessible, supportive professors
“My professors have been super accessible, super helpful, and lightning fast to respond. I’ve been amazed. Quizzes and homework are due once a week, so I can plan each week’s work around my other responsibilities.
“I can tell my professors want me to succeed. I appreciate feeling like I’m not out here flailing around on my own. I didn’t expect to do well in accounting, but my accounting professor Christy Burge was available whenever I needed her. She repeatedly said, ‘Reach out if you’re having trouble.’ So I did just that. The next morning on Zoom she gave me a tutorial on everything I needed. She said, ‘I’d be happy to do this every week.’ I was floored! I did not expect that kind of personal-level help from my professors. I love her openness. Her tone conveys that she cares. She has the spirit of a real teacher.”
The IU warm welcome
“My daughter wanted to see where I go to school. At the IU Southeast campus in New Albany, a woman greeted us with a warm ‘Welcome home!’
“During lunch in the student center, my daughter walked into a student government meeting and asked what they were doing. ‘Come in and sit down,’ they said. We’ll tell you all about student government.’ Everyone was so welcoming! I’d like to spend more time on campus. My daughter would love to go to school here. So many people care about me, on and off campus.”
To potential students
“You’ll find going to school online is not like in-person classes. This experience is what you make it. It’s all up to you. You can walk through, just checking the boxes, or you can make real connections—with people, with ideas. I’m surprised by how manageable it’s been. I like taking one class at a time and pouring all my energy into it.”
IU Online cares!
“I feel so cared for by IU Online. At finals I got a postcard saying, ‘We’re rooting for you!’ They sent a welcome kit with an IU thermos. These thoughtful gestures really make a difference. It’s clear IU Online wants us to feel included, part of Indiana University. And I do.”
