Student Spotlight: A Conversation That Changed Everything for Amanda

A Conversation That Opened the Door

Amanda had earned her associate degree years earlier but ran into a major roadblock when her credits would not transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Discouraged, she put the idea of finishing her education on hold.

Then, while attending a workplace event, she met MVNU President, Dr. Castleman.

“I feel like I was very lucky and it was God-driven to run into Dr. Castleman at the time that I did,” Amanda shared. “It was definitely meant to be.”

What started as a casual conversation about her career and goals quickly turned into something more. Dr. Castleman asked about her background, her education, and her interests. When Amanda mentioned her growing passion for Human Resources, he encouraged her not to give up on her dream of earning a bachelor’s degree.

“He’s my miracle worker,” she said. “That conversation changed everything.”

Discovering a Clear Academic Path

Amanda originally pursued business operations and organizational development, but her career evolved when she moved into a business administrator role and discovered a strong interest in Human Resources.

When she shared that direction with Dr. Castleman, his response was simple and affirming.

“He got ecstatic when I mentioned HR,” Amanda said. “He said, ‘Let’s do that. We can help you focus on HR.’ That gave me the confidence to believe I could actually finish my bachelor’s degree.”

Now enrolled in MVNU Online’s business program with a focus on HR, Amanda is building both practical knowledge and long-term confidence in her professional path.

A Learning Experience That Feels Different

After attending another online university for her associate degree, Amanda immediately noticed a difference at MVNU.

“I love MVNU’s platform,” she said. “All of the professors I’ve engaged with have been amazing.”

One assignment in particular stood out to her: a reflection paper on the Sermon on the Mount in Dr. VanZant’s course.

“I have never been more passionate about a paper than that one,” Amanda shared. “The words just naturally flowed. It sparked something in me.”

She credits that experience with helping her see education not just as a career tool, but as a spiritual and personal growth opportunity.

Faith Integrated Into Everyday Learning

Amanda was surprised by how deeply faith is woven into her coursework at MVNU Online.

“I did not expect it to be as biblically founded as it is,” she said. “Our forums often included a Bible verse that related to the content, and we were asked to reflect on it and discuss it with our peers.”

That integration pushed her to dig deeper into her own faith.

“It made me want to dig more into my personal Christian faith,” Amanda said. “I didn’t expect to grow spiritually in this process, but I really have.”

She found herself bringing what she learned into conversations with her husband and colleagues at work, creating meaningful dialogue beyond the classroom.

Support That Builds Trust

From the beginning, Amanda felt supported by MVNU’s enrollment, onboarding, and advising teams.

“Even in the onboarding process, I hit them with a lot of questions,” she said. “They were very responsive and very transparent.”

When she asked about doubling up on classes, her academic advisor helped her think through pacing, workload, and long-term success.

“I appreciate the honesty,” Amanda said. “When they say something, I trust it. They know what’s right for my situation.”

She also recalled struggling through an Excel course she dreaded. Instead of being left to figure it out alone, she was offered tools, tutoring, and encouragement.

“They came alongside me to make sure I could still be successful,” she said. “And I passed the class.”

Thriving With Structure and Routine

Balancing full-time work, family life, and school takes discipline, but Amanda has found a rhythm that works.

“I’m extremely routine-oriented,” she said. “I usually spend the first three days of the schedule getting all my work done. I don’t save it for the weekend.” That structure has allowed her to stay ahead and manage heavier weeks when big projects or papers are due.

“The workload fits into my life,” Amanda said. “I don’t feel like I’m struggling to keep up.”

Clarity About Her Future and Calling

As her education deepens, so has her clarity about the kind of career path she wants to pursue.

“This education has helped me set boundaries about my future employment,” she said. “If a job doesn’t align with my biblical beliefs, it would be a hard transition for me.”

For Amanda, faith is not just something she studies. It is shaping the kind of professional and leader she hopes to become.

“It’s helping me understand the direction and type of person I want to be,” she said.

Advice for Future Students

When asked what she would tell someone considering MVNU Online, Amanda did not hesitate.

“Do it,” she said. “But go in with a list of questions and realistic expectations.”

She believes honesty about workload, pacing, and goals is essential for long-term success.

“The transparency I received is 110 percent the reason why I said yes to MVNU,” Amanda shared.

Being Rewarded in More Ways Than Expected

Today, Amanda describes her experience at MVNU Online as something far richer than she ever anticipated.

“I’m being rewarded in more levels than I thought I would be,” she said. “The biblical foundation, the relationships with professors and students, and the education itself. It’s all been worth it.”