The Art Institute Online Congratulates
Graduate Debra Pennell

"Most of my background experience has been in the field of counseling, where I have practiced for over 15 years. I have a doctorate in Marriage and Family Counseling from Texas Woman's University in Texas, and a BA and a MS in psychology from what is now Texas A&M Commerce. I had a thriving counseling practice, but have always been interested in art and design. After much planning, I decided to make the change. I felt that my background in psychology could only help me in a field where understanding the dynamics behind the target market, especially in advertising, is so vital."

"My experience in the online program was one of the most rewarding and challenging of my life. Having experienced onsite education, I found this format to be so beneficial in so many ways. The coursework was very challenging and very interesting. In this program I felt that I came to know my classmates on a closer basis than in onsite education. It was a great help to be able to log in at midnight or anytime during the day to complete work. It wasn't uncommon to see an instructor putting in late night hours. It was just a very special, rewarding time in my life. In online education you have the added benefit of interacting with students and instructors from all over the country."

"I have benefited tremendously from all of the talented professionals at The Art Institute Online. I am amazed at all of the concepts and skills that I picked up in a very short period of time. I sometimes look back and can't believe everything that we learned in the program. I truly feel that I am very prepared to succeed in the field of digital design. Approximately two weeks after I graduated I received a call about a wonderful project opportunity, which I have just completed. It went very well, and I am currently doing other projects. My plan is to freelance as it will award me the most variable experiences and will allow me the flexibility that I desire. I just love this field and am so appreciative of The Art Institute Online for such an innovative and professional program experience."

-Debra Pennell, PhD

Dorothy McCrary had two goals. Her first was to return to school to earn her Bachelor's degree. Her second was to earn that degree through The Art Institutes. The only problem was that she thought she'd have to quit her job and relocate to do it.

"I think education is important and have always wanted to get my Bachelor's degree," McCrary says. "I already have an Associate's degree from The Art Institute of Houston and wanted to pursue my Bachelor's with The Art Institutes. But I'm currently living in San Antonio and there isn't an Art Institute school here."

And then she discovered The Art Institute Online.

"I was so excited to learn The Art Institutes offer this degree online, because I don't have to move anywhere," she says.

Relocating for school was not an option because McCrary is married and likes her full-time job designing billboards and marketing pieces for an outdoor advertising company. But her prospects for moving up in the organization are limited without a Bachelor's degree - making continuing her education more urgent than simply fulfilling a long-time goal.

"In my company, having a Bachelor's degree will give me an edge over the competition by showing I'm a hard worker and have accomplished something more than someone else," she says. "Besides, I don't think you can ever really have enough education."

And why was attending a school within The Art Institutes system so paramount for McCrary?

"As a returning graduate, I'm familiar with The Art Institutes and the quality of education they offer," McCrary says. "The fact that The Art Institute Online is part of The Art Institutes made a big difference to me - it's a solid school, with bricks and mortar in its background."

Best of all, The Art Institute Online has exceeded McCrary's expectations.

"I was a little skeptical at first as to how much interaction there would be with the class, but I can honestly say that you get more personal attention online than on ground," she says. "I'm currently in my fifth class at The Art Institute Online and am loving it. I'm finding the whole experience very rewarding!"

-Dorothy McCrary