The University Center of the Mountains made it possible for Pashia Prater to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a psychology minor from Eastern Kentucky University. The 2014 Hazard High School graduate earned her EKU degree in May and she has plans to earn a master’s degree.
“The UCM allowed me to get a quality education from home. The UCM staff made the transition from Hazard Community and Technical College to EKU easy, and I enjoyed in-person EKU classes in the UCM. The UCM allowed me to have that experience with their technology system that let’s me see my instructors in real time while they were in different locations,” she said.
Prater works at Learn and Play childcare, where she has been for almost five years. She also volunteers at the Care Cottage in Hazard. “I enjoy working with children and being the voice for those who do not have one,” she said. Her ideal job is a therapist or counselor for children. “Pashia was one of our EKU student workers in the UCM, so she had this added opportunity and she was a wonderful resource for other students who stopped by the UCM to learn more about EKU programming offered through the UCM,” explained UCM Executive Director, Dr. Deronda Mobelini. “It is always nice for students to talk to other students who have that experience, and Pashia is a bright, hardworking individual with whom we all enjoyed working. We miss her, but we also know that she will go on to accomplish all of her goals, including serving her community. She is set for success thanks to the UCM partnership.”
The UCM is ideal for people who want access to higher education while living at home, especially to those who are busy with their home life and cannot get to a campus. “Without the UCM many people would not be able to further their education. The UCM provides computers and advisors who are there at times that are convenient for you. Many people do not have the luxury of having internet access at home or cannot travel to the school they want to attend. The UCM takes the worry away. Also, when many people go away to college they have the expense of room and board. Going through the UCM allows you to get the education without the extra cost,” she said.
“I am grateful for all that the UCM and HCTC have offered me. I would not have been able to successfully get through school without them. I am thankful to God and my family for all their love and support. I am excited for the future,” Pashia said.
Want to become the next UCM success story? Call 606-487-3182 today about enrolling.
