GREENEVILLE – Angelia Jarstfer was proceeding on a traditional collegiate experience when life intervened and took her in a different direction.
Angelia Jarstfer will help working adults enroll for bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Tusculum University.
Fast forward several years, and she was a working mother who was limited professionally by the lack of a bachelor’s degree. She had always felt the pull to earn a degree and that only became more intense by her circumstances at that time in her life. Jarstfer embraced the challenge and obtained her bachelor’s degree in management and leadership studies in 2014 and then attained a Master of Business Administration three years later.
Now, she has been hired as an enrollment representative at Tusculum University, helping working adults pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“Angelia understands from personal experience how life can alter the traditional path to a college degree,” said Zack Kassebaum, vice president of enrollment management and financial aid. “She will be a tremendous asset for those who have encountered similar circumstances and are now looking to pursue that missing bachelor’s degree. She also understands the experience of having a full-time job and a family but wanting to earn a master’s degree. That background will be valuable as she assists potential new students, and we are delighted she is part of our team.”
Jarstfer is a first-generation college student, meaning neither of her parents had a bachelor’s degree.
“There was always the expectation that I would pursue a college degree,” she said. “Unfortunately, I found myself independently navigating murky, unfamiliar territory with little support; no knowledge of help that was available; and family that did not fully understand what I was experiencing or what was required for success. I began my academic career as a traditional student with a full scholarship. However, working two part-time jobs while juggling family obligations and responsibilities was overwhelming. Those things ultimately took precedence over academics.”
More than 50% of Tusculum’s students are first-generation, and the university has a keen interest in their success. Tusculum is home to a federal grant program called Student Support Services, which serves undergraduate first-generation students.
The program provides academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, financial aid and scholarship support, financial literacy guidance, cultural and social activities and visits to graduate schools. All of these services are available for free to students who apply for the program and are accepted.
Jarstfer said her parents always wanted her to earn a college degree, and she considered the lack of one on her résumé to be unfinished business.
Angelia Jarstfer stands in front of the Thomas J. Garland Library at Tusculum.
“Motivation to pursue my degree also expanded to include setting an example for my children that prioritized education,” she said. “Professionally, I had advanced, but my skill set and experience were not supported by a degree, which limited employment options and opportunities. Ultimately, approaching a degree as an older adult made the experience much richer and more fulfilling because I had a more seasoned perspective and real-world experience to contextualize and apply what I was learning.”
In her new position, Jarstfer offers prospective Tusculum students perspective about what is needed to obtain a degree as an adult learner, including motivation and time management. She also assures them that their life and work experience will not only contribute significantly to their educational experience but also help them complete their degree. She believes Tusculum’s active and experiential approach to education will be an excellent fit for adult learners.
Jarstfer’s approach to recruiting students is personal and responsive. She comes to know them and learn about their individual situations in life, the challenges they are experiencing and the talents they offer so she can meet their needs. She assists them through being a good communicator, problem-solver and advocate.
“With firsthand knowledge of what it takes to obtain a degree as an adult, I believe I can offer insight, empathy, encouragement and support,” Jarstfer said. “I will be student-centric and connect adult learners with a Tusculum education that enables them to achieve their unique goals and provide the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil their specific purpose and calling. Additionally, I will help Tusculum meet the needs of employers by providing opportunities for the workforce to further their education.”
Potential adult students who would like to discuss enrollment with Jarstfer can email her at anjarstfer@tusculum.edu. All admission representatives can also be reached at admission@tusculum.edu. To apply or learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.