Student Success Story: College Graduate, Sheri Spencer

Nelsenia Spencer knew flexibility was a must for her if she was going to further her education as an adult. Ashworth College, which offers a range of online career and college programs was exactly what she needed. Here’s how she found success as an Ashworth College graduate.

Going back to school as an adult learner.

As a “seasoned adult,” Nelsenia Spencer - who goes by Sheri - knew that she needed flexibility if she went back to school. That’s why she chose Ashworth College. With online, self-paced courses, studying and working on her classes from home was exactly what she needed.

“I got so interested when I started,” Sheri said, “that I’d do classes before work, work all day, then not sleep [so I could work on courses]. My son would just come and say, ‘Did you eat today?’ And I’d say ‘I don’t know.’”

Sheri has been in the employee benefits sector of healthcare for thirty five years. Anything related to the medical or healthcare industry has always excited her, so it made sense for her to pursue a degree in healthcare administration. And with her new degree from Ashworth College under her belt, Sheri was able to snag a new position just before she attended her graduation ceremony as a Senior Client Delivery Consultant. The position allows her to continue working in an industry that excites her, but on the consultant/management side. Added to the satisfaction of a career she enjoys, the new role - which she credits her Ashworth degree for helping her secure - comes with a $13,000 per year raise.

Besides her professional accomplishments at work, Sheri decided to take on her own business - wedding and event planning, which she also studied at Ashworth. “I’m at a company where I can work anywhere in the country,” she said, which makes adding a side hustle more than doable. She launched her wedding and event planning business and successfully coordinated her first wedding in October 2019.

Though the flexibility of Ashworth’s courses and her current career worked well together to help her stay motivated, her adult sons also inspired her. They pushed her to keep moving forward and she offers the same advice to other adults, younger and older, who are considering stepping out of their comfort zones.

“Be entrepreneurs. Start business. Learn things. Don’t stop, don’t let someone else’s words get in the way. Dream for yourself. Dream big and go for it. Keep pushing.”

Find your success with Ashworth.

Inspired by Sheri’s journey? You can take the next step toward making your dreams and goals come true today. Reach out to one of our expert Admissions Specialists today at to find out which path and program is right for you.