University College helps working Midstate mom resume academic quest to earn MTSU degree

MTSU graduating senior Michelle Zeigler, center right, of Antioch, Tenn., poses with her daughter, McKensey, who will graduate from a Memphis university four days later. At left are the stole and silver shoes Zeigler, 46, plans to wear at the Dec. 10 Fall Commencement Ceremony to receive the Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree she earned by enrolling in MTSU's University College after pausing her academic pursuits in the early '90s. (Submitted photos)

Michelle Zeigler walked across the stage in Murphy center to accept her diploma from Middle Tennessee State University in December. Four days later, her daughter also achieved her dream of graduating.

Zeigler set a goal for herself to graduate before or with her daughter when she enrolled at MTSU back in 2021.

Zeigler, now 46, started college in the early ’90s at Tennessee State University. Like so many other students, “life happened,” Zeigler said, and she paused her academic journey at Tennessee State with about 90 hours completed.

After settling down with “the man [she] was supposed to marry,” her husband Belford, Zeigler refocused and considered going back to school to finish her degree. She looked into Strayer University but was told that all the work she had done when she was younger would not transfer.

“That set me back mentally,” Zeigler said. “I was not prepared to start from scratch because I had worked hard back then, even if I didn’t finish.” Then, in early 2021, she saw a post on her neighborhood’s Facebook page about a “Finish Your Degree” event hosted by MTSU’s University College.

A woman of faith, Zeigler said that God had told her for years to finish what she had started. She took that Facebook post as a sign and decided to attend.

“I was relieved that the people at the event almost knew my story before I told them,” she said.

MTSU graduating senior Michelle Zeigler, right, of Antioch, Tenn., poses with her daughter, McKensey, who will graduate from a Memphis university four days later. Zeigler, 46, returned to school to earn an integrated studies degree through MTSU’s University College after pausing her academic pursuits in the early ’90s. (Submitted photo)

Because she chose the Integrated Studies Degree Program, Zeigler’s prior credits transferred almost seamlessly and she only had to take one class before enrolling in the Applied Leadership Program, an area of study built for adults looking to finish their degree. In that program, students also earn certificates after completing three of the courses.

Zeigler said her classes were difficult, but she was relieved to not be the only adult in the classroom.

“We all have taken ownership over our learning, and it really shows in the discussions and the quality of work we are all doing,” she said. “This time it is on my dime, and it’s been an entirely different experience going back to school as an adult. It’s wonderful.”

Zeigler said that coming back to school at MTSU has reignited her passion to grow in her career at McKesson Specialty Health in LaVergne. The skills she’s learning and the experiences she’s having are pushing her to new levels, she said.

“For one of my projects, I interviewed my company’s office of diversity, equity and inclusion,” she said. “After that, I can see myself moving into a similar role, and before MTSU, I am not sure I would have had the confidence to say something like that.”

MTSU graduating senior Michelle Zeigler of Antioch, Tennessee, will wear this stole and silver shoes at the Dec. 10 Fall Commencement Ceremony to receive the Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree she earned by enrolling at MTSU after pausing her studies at Tennessee State University in the early ’90s. (Submitted photo)

Zeigler said the only thing she wishes MTSU could have done differently was “find me 10 years earlier.”

“MTSU has helped me uncover what I am capable of, and I am doing things with my career that I never expected,” she said.

“I used to be the most fearful presenter ever, and through all of this, I have learned and studied and practiced. It has been a game changer with my performance at my job and has made me realize I am not done. I am not finished learning.”

Because she has realized her potential, Zeigler is considering starting the Master of Professional Studies degree at MTSU. She believes, along with the certificates she’s earned in her current program, that a master’s degree from MTSU will take her to the next level of her career.

“This is my time,” she said. “Everyone has been so supportive. I have received so many positive reactions and messages about learning more about the program and MTSU.

“This is the best decision I’ve made since marrying my husband.”

If you’re interested in coming back to college and finishing your degree, you can visit MTSU.edu/finishnow or call the University College at 615-494-7714.