Employee alumni voices sing praises for the MALA program
by Matthew Hibdon
When the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts program launched in Fall 2015 at MTSU, it created something rare in graduate education—a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that invited students to explore big questions, bridge academic fields within the liberal arts, and pursue intellectual passions at any stage of life. Ten years later, that vision has exceeded all expectations.
More than 100 graduates have now completed the master’s degree program, representing a vibrant community of lifelong learners, creative thinkers, and professionals seeking meaningful growth.
“MALA is unique because it allows students to design a program that reflects their interests,” said Janet McCormick, director of the program often referred to by its in-house nickname.
“We’ve seen students combine history and religious studies, dive into cultural studies, or even prepare for doctoral work. It’s about flexibility, intellectual growth, and personal transformation.”
Graduates consistently describe the program as life-changing—both professionally and personally.
Unlike master’s degree programs anchored in a single discipline, the M.A. in Liberal Arts draws on the full academic breadth of the College of Liberal Arts. Students can choose thesis or non-thesis paths, take evening or online courses, and join study abroad programs that bring learning to life. The result is a graduate experience that cultivates critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and cultural awareness—tools that empower graduates across countless professional paths.
“The liberal arts teach us to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the human experience,” said McCormick, who has headed the program since 2019. “Those skills are timeless—and they’re needed now more than ever.”
As the program celebrates its first decade, its mission remains unchanged: fostering intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary inquiry, and personal growth. Graduates consistently describe the program as life-changing—both professionally and personally—and their stories reflect the heart of what the liberal arts can accomplish.
The following alumni vignettes feature MTSU employees past and present who completed the M.A. in Liberal Arts and embody the program’s mission of curiosity, growth, and lifelong learning. Their journeys reveal how the interdisciplinary nature of the degree empowered them to expand their worldviews, elevate their careers, and bring renewed purpose to their roles across campus.
Together, their stories highlight the breadth of the program’s impact, illustrating how the program strengthens not only individual lives but the heart of the MTSU community itself.
Chelsea Able
Ph.D. candidate, University of Missouri
I graduated with an M.A. in the Liberal Arts program in May 2024. I had previously started a few different master’s programs, at another institution and at MTSU, but none seemed to maintain my interest. I later realized that I was interested in learning more about anthropology and possibly getting a Ph.D., but first, I wanted to determine if the field was a good fit for me. Once I learned about the MALA program and how it could be tailored to fit my goals, I realized it could be the perfect opportunity to learn more about anthropology before going into a Ph.D. program.
Although the MALA program more broadly explores the liberal arts as a whole, it offers flexibility regarding the content of your capstone or thesis as well as your electives to explore specific topics within the liberal arts.
As such, I took a biological anthropology class for graduate credit as one of my electives, where I confirmed that anthropology was the right fit for me and my interests.
With the support of Dr. Shannon Hodge, I conducted a literature search for my capstone project to explore current knowledge of cranial evolution and its potential impact on the ability for symbolic thought in Neanderthals as evidenced by current archaeological findings.
Following graduation, the connections I made with Dr. Hodge and other faculty members in the program led to references for my applications. As a result, I was accepted into the Ph.D. program in Anthropology at the University of Missouri, fully funded, which I began in the Fall 2025 semester. Without completing the MALA program, I would not have had the opportunity to explore my interests in anthropology, nor would I have made my goal of being accepted into a Ph.D. program a reality.
Megan Richard
Analyst, Education Abroad
Being part of the MALA program was an incredible experience. Getting a master’s degree was something that I had always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. When I heard about the program, I immediately jumped in and applied because it seemed to fit everything I was interested in. Dr. McCormick was so supportive and helpful from beginning to end, and that care really helped give me the confidence in pursuing this dream.
When I began taking courses for the program, I found them to be interesting and engaging. What was apparent is that a lot of thoughtful work had been put into making this program accessible for anyone, no matter what stage of life they were in. While I loved all the courses I took, my favorite were the foundation courses that offered a small piece of many subjects in the College of Liberal Arts. I loved how these courses stretched me into areas that I hadn’t considered before.
As part of my program, I participated in a study abroad program to Israel. This experience changed me in so many ways. Israel was a fascinating opportunity to learn about the ancient history up to the present day and to see how the people there work with the political, religious, and cultural complexities of the region. I will always feel grateful for the time I spent in Israel and the perspective it gave me.
I graduated from the MALA program in 2023, filled with pride and joy at having accomplished this dream that I had always wanted to pursue. I loved getting to share that with my family who had supported me through the years as step by step I went through the program. The MALA program really is something unique and special and is a gift to all those who are a part of it.
Mitch Pryor
Director, Video Production Services
The interlocking aspects of each liberal arts discipline, as presented in class by great professors, amazed me and trained my mind to be more observational and curious about the world around me. Studies on the formation of my own identity and belief system made me more empathetic and humanistic in my view and approach to a diverse world, including persons and cultures different from my own. I graduated from the program with my critical thinking skills enhanced and my view of humankind broadened to a global, if not universal, perspective regarding my existence here on Earth.
I have always been intellectually drawn to the disciplines represented under the heading of liberal arts. These included music, film, art, history, English literature, philosophy, and religious studies. Before coming to MTSU, I had worked for organizations from both ideological spectrums, including Norman Lear and Pat Robertson. I have seen much and engaged in creative collaboration with varied types of people. These experiences made the MALA program a natural fit for me and solidified my goal of a meaningful career at MTSU that contributed to the betterment of society.
“The MALA program really is something unique and special and is a gift to all those who are a part of it.”
Carol Stuart
Associate editor, University Publications
While working full time after my MTSU bachelor’s degree, I pursued a master’s degree in history for a while but ended up not making a career change and then life happened—including three kids at a later age. I was only a few steps short of my degree. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my college sophomore twin daughters returned home that spring and summer, taking courses online. I had planned on completing my master’s at some point; learned the M.A. in Liberal Arts would be my best option for finishing; and discovered there would be a History of Epidemics graduate class that summer of 2020.
Despite years (decades!) out of the classroom, I managed to keep up with the rigorous demands among those scholars, including doctoral students—and eventually had my historiography final paper on the 1918 Great Influenza published in MTSU’s academic journal, Scientia et Humanitas. After taking MALA Foundations courses with students ranging in age from recent graduates and a current MTSU tennis player to a Navy veteran and people older than me, I then enrolled in an extra elective before writing a historically based creative paper for my capstone.
The research bug bit me, and I’m now considering pursuing a doctorate in English after completing a separate graduate certificate program. As an MTSU staff member, the MALA program and other courses have kept me involved in the academic mission of the University, honed my critical thinking and writing skills to enhance my current professional production, and continued my lifelong learning.
I’ve also seen firsthand how this Liberal Arts master’s degree has helped fellow graduates land promotions or new jobs to boost their family income and has created a way for students to combine subject areas such as history and religious studies or concentrate on an area where MTSU currently does not offer a master’s program.
Rachel Helms
Assistant director, Alumni Relations
The MALA program offers great flexibility for someone who works full time and has a family. Courses are in the evening or online, and the classroom topics are varied and plentiful. The faculty have taken great care in planning the introduction courses, which rotate liberal arts concentrations every couple of weeks, so you become familiar with how many options you do have to study. Faculty also give you opportunities to present at educational conferences and connect you with experts in your field of study.
The most important aspect for me personally was that I thoroughly enjoyed every course and learned skills that complement my current job as an assistant director in Alumni Relations. That’s the great part about a degree in arts and humanities—it’s about communication, problem-solving, and understanding the big picture. In class, you are constantly absorbing information and then debating it. The discussions made me feel empowered, like I finally had the knowledge and tools to help solve problems we all face.
I am currently pursuing my doctorate in education. The foundation MALA provided me has made it easy to adapt to my new program, since I already have a conference presentation and multiple research papers under my belt. One of my goals is to have my research published in a peer-reviewed journal. I also would like to teach in higher education as an adjunct professor.
The study of liberal arts is incredibly important to our society and culture, so don’t let anyone tell you it’s not worth your time and money. MALA has opened many doors for me professionally, but most importantly, it has inspired me to be involved in the conversation surrounding our local community and society at large. In my humble opinion, a liberal arts education is more important than ever, and MALA surely delivers.
Jennifer Rice
Coordinator, College of Liberal Arts
When I began working at MTSU, I was encouraged to take advantage of the employee educational opportunity and pursue a master’s degree. While I have always enjoyed learning, I was not sure if a master’s program was the right choice. However, I decided to embrace the journey without focusing on the destination. I would simply start taking classes and see where it led. The MALA program immediately appealed to me due to its inherent flexibility. I have always struggled to focus on a single area of study, and MALA offered the perfect avenue to explore a variety of subjects that piqued my interest.
A unique aspect of my MALA journey was being a student alongside my children. My daughter was an MTSU sophomore when I started, and my son soon followed. This shared experience gave me a profound understanding of their daily challenges. As I juggled work, motherhood, and coursework, I found myself more sympathetic to their feelings of being overwhelmed during highstress times, like finals or major paper deadlines.
Beyond the shared academic experience with my children, being a student at MTSU opened doors to resources I had long encouraged them to explore. I no longer had to be envious of others; as a student I could take advantage of those opportunities myself. One of those was being able to study abroad. I wish I had taken a study abroad course as an undergrad, so I will always be grateful that I was able to incorporate study abroad into my master’s program. Because of this, study abroad became the focus of my MALA capstone project and broadened my worldview.
Through the MALA program, I learned so much, not only about the liberal arts and the world, but also about myself and the lives my children were experiencing. It was a truly enriching and transformative journey, and it has been a joy to celebrate all of our success together.
Jason Lukawitz
Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies
It was early on a Sunday morning, after spending the past few weeks researching various master’s-level degree programs, when I stumbled upon the MALA program at MTSU. Intrigued by the description, I emailed the program director, Dr. Janet McCormick, to express interest. Minutes later, Dr. McCormick responded— beginning a series of emails that answered my questions. That had me applying a few days later and subsequently being accepted into the program.
Beginning in Summer 2021, my time in MALA had me exploring learning relevant and important to me, that learning occurring within the confines of coursework necessary for the program. At the beginning of my third semester, I was offered a graduate teaching assistant position in the Department of Communication Studies. That engagement allowed me to step into an adjunct role upon graduation in December 2022. My time spent as an adjunct morphed into a full-time faculty role I interviewed for and was offered. I started teaching full time in August 2023, working alongside colleagues with whom I previously worked as a GTA in MALA.
Through carefully curated course offerings, Dr. McCormick created learning opportunities which present relevant content that creates true learning, engages the mind, and challenges the individual to incorporate it into real-world application. I unapologetically state that MALA changed my life, and I know I am not alone in making such a bold claim. The integration of concepts presented incorporated into one’s life means MALA graduates are equipped to truly make an impact on their sphere of influence—that effect on one’s sphere the evidence of true learning through practical application. I am proud to state that I am a graduate of the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts program at MTSU.
Leann McBride
Academic advisor, College of Media and Entertainment
In April 2017, I made a midlife career shift. I left my music business job after almost 24 years and revisited my childhood dream of working in education. I had always wanted to teach or be a guidance counselor. I am very passionate about the value of education and lifelong learning, so I started working at MTSU in 2017 with the goal of rebuilding my career trajectory in the direction I knew I wanted to go since I was 10. At the suggestion of my supervisor, Dr. Greg Pitts, then the director of the MTSU School of Journalism and Strategic Media, I started the MALA program in Fall 2018. Getting my master’s degree had been on my bucket list for over two decades.
After the death of my younger brother in January 2018, I decided it was time to act. The MALA program was the perfect fit! I was able to take classes that greatly expanded my cultural understanding and academic aptitude in areas like human geography with Dr. James Chaney, effective listening and communication with Dr. Janet McCormick, and detective fiction with Dr. Joan McRae. The liberal arts foundation of the program was the perfect pathway for crafting my career in higher education as an academic advisor.
I gained a deeper understanding of the human experience, socioeconomic inequities, and cultural biases that provided the perfect foundation for my thriving career at MTSU. The MALA program allowed me to finally, in my early 50s, work with students from various backgrounds who want to learn and persist in the face of everyday obstacles, challenges, and accomplishments of both higher education and life in general. I am happier in my current career than I have ever been as a working professional. I would absolutely not be in this highly satisfying position had it not been for the invaluable opportunity to earn this degree.
Julie Baker
Enrollment coordinator, MT One Stop
After considering whether to pursue a master’s degree, I ran into Dr. McCormick at an event on MTSU’s campus. I had taken a class with her as an undergraduate student and developed a great respect for her. We talked at length and I mentioned possibly applying for a graduate degree program. She discussed the MALA program with me and what an excellent opportunity it would be. During my lunch break the next day, I read about the program online and decided that it sounded very interesting and would be a great fit with my schedule. With such an exciting program and the opportunity to take classes as an MTSU employee benefit, I made the decision that same day that I was going to do it. I applied to the MALA program and was quickly admitted.
I started in January 2020 with two in-person, evening classes. While we were off for spring break, campus was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we never returned to class in person. Our classes were switched to online, but this was an easy transition for me because I had taken some online courses as an undergraduate.
This program is such a wonderful opportunity for most everyone because you can take classes in so many different areas. Whether you are most interested in art, history, music, linguistics, or numerous other content areas, there is something for everyone. My classmates came from various backgrounds and ranged in age from 22 to 80. I loved the diversity of the people in my classes as this added to the learning experience. The professors were excellent and created a wonderful opportunity for exploring more about things we were already interested in or expanding our knowledge about new subject material. As a May 2021 graduate of the MALA program, I would highly recommend this program because I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and believe that others will as well.
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