Tera Little

Sometimes one decision can prove itself the right one very quickly, and that was the case for Bellevue University graduate student Tera Little. She originally enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program, but realized the Master of Organizational Performance (MSOP) might be a better fit.

Little, an online student from Southern Idaho, works for the federal government. The agency she currently works for is evolving to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

“I realized the Organizational Performance graduate program had the potential to be more relevant to my current role in driving and managing change,” she said. “I am constantly grateful I made the switch, as every class in the Organizational Performance program has directly related to something I’m currently working on.”

Certification with Real World Application Pursuing self development and enhancing a career through a master’s degree is impressive, but Little has also taken that one step further by attaining a CAPM (Certified Associate Project Management) certification. She had sought out formal project management training through work, but management didn’t fully recognize the value of it at the time.

The MSOP program provided the perfect opportunity, empowering Little to earn her CAPM certification in conjunction with her work in a class within her program, Project Management Essentials Applied Project. “When I realized I could do the CAPM as part of this program, I decided it was worth the extra effort and financial investment on my part,” Little said. “I have been applying many of the tools and techniques I learned as part of the CAPM certification process to projects I’m currently working on. I have received positive feedback from management on noticeable efficiencies gained through increased accountability and oversight.” After seeing the noticeable impact of her CAPM certification, she also plans to pursue a Project Management Professional certification soon.

Preparing for a Bright Future Though balancing graduate studies, a certification and a full-time job have been challenging, Little knows it will all pay off when she completes her program this September. “My husband and son are very supportive and understand that making some sacrifices now will pay off when I graduate,” she said. “The most exciting thing is that I’ll accomplish a goal I set for myself a long time ago: to complete a graduate program with very little student loan debt, thanks to my 9/11 GI Bill benefits.”

Little said completion of the MSOP will make her more competitive as she applies for future positions. “On top of this, the CAPM certification is icing on the cake, as this skill set is often desired by organizations,” she said. “I’ve seen it listed more frequently for positions advertised in my current agency. With the recent enactment of the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act (PMIAA), it is clear that federal government agencies are realizing the need to invest more in the skills the Organizational Performance program helps build.” MSOP Enables Success Across Industries Though Little’s experience has been crucial to shining in her current role and preparing for future roles, she said this degree can help learners from any industry.

“I think regardless of what organization or line of work someone is in, they will consistently find valuable insights and develop applicable skills from this program” she said. In addition to the CAPM, five additional certifications can be earned in tandem with MSOP. The program is designed to be personalized, with students choosing projects that directly align with their industries and career goals.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, about 400 Bellevue University students crossed the stage at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and received their diplomas at the University’s winter commencement ceremony. Among the graduates were LaDazja Ivory, a graduate of the Omaha-based Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) mentoring program, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science.

Ivory is a first-generation college student and graduate who grew up in Omaha and graduated in the top 10% of her Omaha Northwest high school class. Before earning her baccalaureate degree, she earned an associate degree at Metropolitan Community College. While at MCC, she excelled academically and received a P4K Scholarship. She then transferred her credits to Bellevue University to complete her degree – receiving another P4K scholarship in 2018.

“The individual aspirations that our students have and that Bellevue University enables are truly remarkable,” said University President Mary Hawkins. “LaDazja exemplifies that. The students we serve best are those who, like LaDazja, have invested in themselves and are motivated to succeed at the next level.”

Ivory who currently mentors 12th graders at five Omaha Public Schools through a joint program of Americorps and P4K, says she is looking ahead to a career working with area youth who face obstacles and challenges. “There is nothing you can’t achieve in life,” she said.

The commencement ceremony, which began at 9:10 a.m., also featured Emad Rahim, the Kotouc Family Endowed Chair and Program Director of the University’s Project Management Center, who is also a genocide survivor. Dr. Rahim, who came to the United States as a refugee from Cambodia as a child, is today an award-winning entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, Fulbright Scholar, and author.

Michael Speed also delivered an address as the ceremony’s student speaker. When he receives his Master of Business Administration degree, it will be the third Bellevue University degree Speed has earned. He also holds an additional Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University. Speed, who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in information sciences while working full-time as a Technical Program Manager for Google, spoke on setting high goals and overcoming adversity to accomplish them.

According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 481 degrees from Oct. 1, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2019. This includes 288 undergraduate degrees, 189 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees.

The University streamed the commencement ceremony live so those who could not attend had an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas.