Student Experiences

Spotlight: Derek Govin, Class of 2012

Hometown: Wytheville, Virginia

ODU Extended Campus site: Wytheville Community College

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Plans after graduation: Work towards a Master's in Elementary Education through ODU at the Virginia Western Community College site.

Why did you choose ODU Distance Learning? 
Convenience! I was able to keep working and attend classes.

Did you take distance learning courses before you came to ODU?
Yes, through Wytheville Community College's extended campuses.

What would you tell someone considering distance learning courses?
You need to be a self-starter, and don't be shy in the classroom!

What was the best part of being a DL student at ODU?
I loved the personal attention I got from my Site Director. I always knew what was expected of me, and I appreciated the support.

Here's what some other ODU Distance Learning Students have to say.

Michael
Full-time Accounting Student
Army Reservist

As a father, Army reservist, and full-time student, my life requires a high degree of perseverance and flexibility to be continuously successful. I initially chose Old Dominion University due to the close proximity to my home, flexible scheduling, and unique course delivery method – at a competitive cost. ODU fits well with my life, allowing me to take evening classes and still maintain a daily routine. As I have progressed in the curriculum, I have grown to appreciate the academic rigor of the program and the professionalism of the staff. The positive reputation of ODUensures that my education and accounting degree will be valuable to future employers. Pursuing a degree at this university is one of the best decisions I have ever made – one that will pay dividends in the future.

Allegra
Online Graduate Student

I have enjoyed the freedom that an online distance program has given me. It has allowed me the flexibility to spend time with my daughter and husband while still working on school. The distance program lets me work at my own pace as well. The greatest advantage to the ODU distance program is that I am able to contact my teachers and advisor easily. My questions are answered quickly and I have never run into an issue that couldn’t be resolved.

Melissa
Part-time Finance Student
Full-time Mom
Charlottesville, VA

ODU Distance Learning provided a way for me to continue my education. It allowed me the flexibility I needed as a stay-at-home Mom to obtain a degree and tend to my little ones at home.

Sheena
Part-time Teacher Licensure Post-Baccalaureate Program
Richmond, VA

Working 60 hours a week makes finding time for reaching goals difficult. But ODU Distance Learning has made completing my goal a reality. I live in Richmond, but I participate in learning through virtual classrooms. I know my classmates as if I were in the same room as them. My professor is easily accessible, knowledgeable and pushes me as a student. From day one with ODU DL, I have enjoyed the process, grown as an individual, and restored faith, focus and energy in reaching my goal.

Karen
Alumni
Counselor
Martinsville, VA

Without the ODU Patrick Henry Community College extended campus location, I would never have been able to complete my bachelor’s degree and become the counselor that I have longed to be. Through helping hands and open communications, the staff, school and professors have made my dream a reality.

Allison
Elementary Education (Art) Student
Alexandria, VA

ODU is providing me the opportunity to start an entirely new career field in teaching…all from the convenience of my laptop computer!

Kristen
Part-time Professional Communications Student
Employed Part-time
Charlottesville, VA

I have had such a great experience with Distance Learning at ODU. The course schedule, the class size at the site, and the resources available allow for students to have a great educational experience. Distance Learning has allowed me to continue to work and participate in activities in my community. I would recommend this program to anyone!

Colleen
Alumni
Public Administration
Northern VA

I often wonder whether my decision to pursue an MBA was a result of a mid-life crisis or simply taking advantage of my employer’s tuition reimbursement program. Most likey, it was a combination of both. In any event, with the encouragement of my supervisor I investigated my higher education options in the DC Metro area. I soon discovered that ODU’s Northern Virginia Center was the perfect fit: 10-minute drive to class; I wouldn’t have to miss any work since my classes would meet nights and Saturdays; the MBA program was accredited; the affordable tuition was within my budget; and since the courses taught via the system were archived, if I ever missed a class I could view it at a later date. And I would soon learn of a caring staff, competent and accessible faculty, and interesting classmates.

Sol
Alumni
Accounting
Silverdale, WA

As a Navy Vet, I am sailing again and this time have set a new course for a second career with Old Dominion University.

Isaac 
Part-time Human Services Student
Employed Part-time
Charlottesville, VA

I have benefited greatly from ODU Distance Learning. While I work part-time, I am able to schedule my classes around work and the ease of community to and from the site is especially important. I am a transfer student with an associate’s degree under my belt and my course requirements for this particular degree were met by the classes that I’ve previously acquired through Southside Virginia Community College.

Mathew
Part-time Health Sciences Student
U.S. Active Duty Military
Columbus, IA

I chose the ODU Distance Learning Program for multiple reasons. One reason was the initial ease of navigating the website to find answers to the simple questions I had while researching a degree plan. College education is pushed on almost a daily basis from all areas of the “chain-of-command” in the military. Many of the popular programs are from small schools that required minimal output from sailors to earn a degree. I wanted a degree that actually taught me a trade, not something to simply allow me a small point advantage on advancement exams. ODUseemed like a challenging program relative to what I was looking for. The program offered a great exchange of college credit for my military experience and training. Another factor was that ODU is located in a huge Navy town. I figured that the longer I stay Navy, the more likely I would be to end up in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. That scenario would be a major opportunity to take both online and traditional, on campus, classes.

Morgan
Business Administration and IDS Student
Leesburg, VA

I feel greatly privileged to have the opportunity to attend such a prestigious university from the comfort of my home. Distance Learning gives me the chance to juggle my home life, work life, and school life as I see fit.

Sarah
Alumni
Accounting
Bremerton, WA

Old Dominion University’s Accounting Program allowed me to work full-time in the accounting field while earning my bachelor’s degree, which will make me a more valuable asset to my organization.