“As an Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement practitioner within an organization that has very few certified professionals, I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me to utilize my Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to enhance my competitive edge by utilizing tools and methods that not many within my organization were currently using.” 

Vallerie recognized Villanova University as the place to go to for continuing her education thanks to the certification exam opportunities and the work-life balance that was established to ensure she achieved her academic goals and ambitions. 

“I chose Villanova because they’re a supporter of me, a person who works full-time, has a family, served our nation, and wants to advance their career. The course structure, homework, [online] classroom, instructors and overall content was exactly what I felt I needed to earn my certifications while working full-time and maintaining my overall work, life and school balance,” she said.  

Never Stopping, Always Improving 

Coming from a military background, the idea of a heightened work ethic was not a foreign concept for Vallerie, and it showed through her academic journey and achievements. She earned a Lean Six Sigma Sensei Certification in 2020, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification in 2021, and Professional Certification in Agile and Scrum in 2022. She also completed the Certificate in Business Process Management program in July 2022 and most recently completed the Project Management Capstone course in February 2023. She used the Capstone course as a stepping-stone to prepare for the PMP certification exam through the Project Management Institute.     

“I am most intrigued by the fact that there are so many ways to utilize project critical tools that very rarely will you find that selecting one tool over another will cause project instability,” she says. “Lean tools can be incorporated within an Agile project and traditional waterfall tools can be incorporated within a Kaizen [event]. I really enjoy the flexibility!” 

Vallerie has already begun to incorporate the skills and knowledge she’s learned into her career as well.  

“Currently working in the Operational Excellence field, I began applying the Lean Six Sigma skills I’d learned immediately. Within the pharmaceutical Contract Development Manufacturing Organization, endless opportunities exist to reduce changeover downtime, improve right first time (RFT), study and improve cycle time, takt time, 5S, SMED, etc. Through my facilitated Kaizen events, I routinely incorporate decision making tools to enhance the project team’s ability to identify waste within the respective process, methods for error-proofing potential future occurrences and a robust sustainment plan to maintain our wins.” 

A Helping Hand 

Many individuals who choose to continue their education later in life can find themselves in need of guidance to navigate an online classroom environment that has changed since they were last in school. Vallerie had similar experiences at the start of her journey, but Villanova was able to offer a helping hand in guiding her towards her goals. 

“The only challenge I faced as an online student was maintaining the discipline needed to stay on top of my course work while juggling work and family. I earned my undergrad in 2008 and began taking courses at Villanova in 2020 – it had been 12 years since I had been a proper student.”  

“I really appreciated how easy it was to navigate through the online classroom especially since this is my first time taking online courses. I didn’t know it was possible, but Villanova makes learning easy and fun!” 

A Lasting Impact 

Many veterans credit the comradery they experience during military life as one of the most important aspects of their time in the service. Vallerie’s Villanova experience echoes that sentiment when it comes to the faculty that made a positive difference in her life. For the first time in her adult life, Vallerie found an institution she believes employs “only the very best” and continues to communicate regularly with some of her previous instructors. 

“Tina Agustiady and Ed Hayes are two instructors who really had a lasting positive impact on me during my time in their respective classrooms. Tina and Ed are incredible Lean Six Sigma practitioners who possess such a wealth of knowledge, know-how and practical application. They are an open book, their passion for the practice is undeniable – their collective influence really helped me understand more about my current field.” 

Vallerie also acknowledged her student success coach at Bisk – the online learning management partner with Villanova. “My representative for the past three years has been incredible. During my first phone call, I immediately felt accepted, important and valued. [My representative was] so well-versed in all the course offerings and was able to share insights about each course, which really helped me understand the course that best meet my needs.” 

Vallerie’s story is one of the reminders of the possibilities of career change through advancing education. Attaining the credentials needed to pursue further career opportunities was a goal throughout her academic journey, and she has seen its impact firsthand.  

“I have earned three professional certifications and am preparing for my fourth certification exam. My certifications and skills have transformed my resume and I soon became the employment candidate who was now receiving two to three job offers at a time rather than the familiar sitting on the sidelines hoping my chance for advancement will soon come,” she said.  

“I recently accepted a job offer in August 2022 as a Senior Specialist, Global Supply Chain Operational Excellence within Biopharma CDMO which was accompanied by a 24.63% salary increase – this wouldn’t have been possible without Villanova University.” 

When asked what practical advice she would give to prospective Villanova online students, it was a simple rebuttal: “What do you have to lose? The most valuable personal benefit of earning my education is experiencing so many doors of opportunity open right before my eyes and the fact that I know wouldn’t be available to me otherwise.”

 GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/. 

Purported salary increases and job position career advancements mentioned in this article are entirely the accomplishments of the independent student mentioned and are not at all guarantees from Villanova University. 

He also wanted to ensure that he could provide a smooth transition for his family – a wife who also serves in the U.S. Navy and his three-year-old son.

Now, after earning both certificates and a Professional Certification in Agile and Scrum from Villanova, as well as becoming a Project Management Professional (PMP)® and a Certified ScrumMaster, Nedik feels more confident about making the upcoming transition.

“I am thankful for the programs offered to military members through Villanova University,” said Nedik. “I see the advantages my education is providing me while preparing to transition to the civilian sector and I’m grateful for the opportunities Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies provides.”

From Maine to the Navy and Beyond

Nedik grew up in Augusta, Maine, part of a close-knit family with French Canadian ancestry and a strong Catholic foundation. He joined the Navy “since I could receive funding for education, be able to experience the world outside of Maine, and serve my country like many of the people in my family.”

While still in the Navy, Nedik earned an associate degree in general studies in 2008 from Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. In 2011, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sports and health sciences from American Military University (AMU). In 2017, he earned an MBA from AMU.

“At that point, I was a little over four years away from my planned retirement from the Navy and I wanted to ensure I was fully prepared both experience and education wise for a successful transition to the civilian sector,” Nedik said. His interest in leadership and business processes led him to the project management career field and the Villanova programs.

Nedik is married to a Navy reservist, and they have a three-year-old son. He spends his personal time enjoying the company of his wife and son. He’s also follows the Chicago Bears and Boston Red Sox.

“As for professional interests, I enjoy finding work in service of others. If whatever I am working on can benefit society in any way, particularly those who are underserved, I am extremely passionate about it,” Nedik said. “I love watching businesses grow, managing processes, and seeing others succeed. Any organization that has a strong foundation in the service of others is really attractive to me.”

Why He Chose Agile and Project Management

Nedik said he felt immediately drawn to the 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto because they focus on satisfying the customer early and often, teamwork, communication and simplicity.

“Agile processes are focused on delivering value frequently through collaboration and servant leadership,” he said. “I love how it’s focused on continuous improvement and maximizing the amount of work not done.”

Project management attracted Nedik because of his love of leadership, planning, processes, communication and managing budgets. He said, “All of those passions led me to go forward in my learning journey into project management. Villanova gave me a great foundational pathway into earning world-renowned certifications to pursue my passions.”

After completing the Certificate in Agile program, Nedik passed Villanova’s Professional Certification in Agile & Scrum (PCAS) exam. He said not doing so would have been a wasted opportunity.

“Any certification from a prestigious, Catholic university is too great an opportunity to pass up. Not only that, the PCAS exam gave me another great learning experience through studying for it and utilizing the online practice exams,” he said. 

He also earned his PMP® certification from the Project Management Institute, as well as the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification from Scrum Alliance. 

Applying Agile and Project Management to the Military

While he is educating himself to make a smooth transition to civilian life after leaving the military, Nedik also said that both Agile and project management apply and translate well into military leadership roles.

In terms of project management, he said many tasks taken on by military leaders are “unique, have a start and end date, and produce a deliverable.” 

Nedik added: “Whether it be individual projects taken on from the many programs I have managed in the military or the leadership of teams where each person has to be self-organizing and collaborative to achieve a goal, Agile and project management occurs throughout the military.”

Nedik said he uses his training in Agile and project management in his current role of conducting project management in software and hardware procurement and in his voluntary role as Project Management Director of Act Now Education, a career resource agency for military members and their families.  

Favorite Courses and Takeaways

Nedik said his favorite course at Villanova was the Advanced Agile Business Solutions, now called Leading Agile Teams, because of the “engaging teaching style” of instructor Mark Evans. He said Evans “created a collaborative learning environment where he ensured all students were involved and used his extensive experience to guide career decisions and get the most from the course. “

He also said the live lectures offered through the online program promoted not only engagement but also networking with others in the project management and Agile management fields.

“The high value of live interaction cannot be understated in professional development.”

Advice to Fellow Military Students

Nedik said that the flexibility of Villanova’s programs allowed him to complete work in his own time. He could complete coursework and attend live lectures without having any of it interfere with his active-duty work. 

As for advice he would give other servicemembers considering taking an online course through Villanova, Nedik said that they should know that both tuition assistance and the GI Bill® may cover a majority – and perhaps all – of a full certificate program*.

“I also regularly advise servicemembers who are considering a career in project management to propel themselves by taking advantage of Villanova’s programs,” Nedik said. “I promote it as being an outstanding learning foundation to earn industry leading certifications such as the PMP® and to add instant credibility to an employer with an educational experience through Villanova.”

PMP is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

*Information provided as to the availability and eligibility for military or veteran education assistance programs is for general informational use only. Benefit certification depends upon, among other things, your eligibility, enrollment status, and certified program of study.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

If you are interested in furthering your education – you can use your Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits for Villanova’s 100% online non-credit certificate programs, based upon your individual eligibility.

Active-duty servicemembers, Guardsmen and Reservists, veterans, spouses and dependents are also eligible to receive 15% savings per certificate course, and 10% per course on degree programs (upon verification of military status).

This reduction is valid off the standard tuition fee rate of the listed courses offered by Villanova University with online administration by Bisk. This reduction is not stackable with other reductions, and you may not use this reduction in conjunction with other reductions. Reduction is based on eligibility requirements and proof of service.

He took action by enrolling in Villanova University’s online Certificate in HR Management program. He completed the program in May 2020 and is now settled into a new recruiting position on the West coast.

“I decided to invest in furthering my education because my bachelor’s degree in English wasn’t helping me reach my goals in a competitive job market,” Feldstein said in an interview. “It was time I learned something more specific to the HR world which I knew I wanted to explore more for my career.”

In the interview, Feldstein spoke about why he got interested in HR, what the Villanova program taught him, and how he plans to put that knowledge to use. He also offered insights into what it was like completing a 100% online program.

Developing An Interest in HR

Feldstein grew up in Landenberg, Pennsylvania, a small town 45 minutes outside of Philadelphia, where his parents still live. His personal interests include playing music, hiking, playing board games, reading and watching good series on entertainment streaming services. 

Fun fact? “I enjoy playing a trading card game called Magic: The Gathering, and I’ve been playing it for almost 20 years,” Feldstein said.

He said his father, who is President of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, inspires him to succeed. “He is a strong leader in his organization, and I would frequently ask him questions related to the prompts and assignments I completed on leadership throughout the [program],” Feldstein said.

Before enrolling in the Villanova program, Feldstein earned a BA in English from James Madison University. After graduation, his career took him through several jobs, including tech sales, home mortgage consulting and working as an office coordinator, and then manager, of a dentistry group.

He then took a job as a recruiter for a small staffing agency in St. Petersburg, Florida, and his interest in HR continued to grow. Currently, he works as a recruitment specialist for Gateway First Bank in Vancouver, Washington.

“I transitioned to HR because I love working with people and helping them achieve their goals. I also like solving problems within the workplace, and meeting hiring needs of an organization through selective targeting of talent,” Feldstein said. 

He said recruiting is also intriguing, because in some ways it resembles sales. However, he said, it is “much more meaningful since this is someone’s life and career that will be affected if they make a switch to the company you are recruiting them to. It is like consulting but on a more personal level, and it is a business of building relationships, which I like as well.”

Why Villanova?

Feldstein chose Villanova’s Certificate in HR Management because the faculty are practitioners and the school has a good reputation. “I’ve only heard great things about Villanova,” he said.

He said he gained knowledge about HR processes and the industry from the program, including the rules, regulations and strategies that ensure a “positive and productive HR environment.”

Feldstein said he has put what he learned to work in his current job. Specifically, he’s used the knowledge to help him navigate the interview process. He also said the program helped him map out a career for himself.

His next step is to take what he’s learned and build a career within his current organization. “I’d like to have a position that oversees more hiring in larger markets so that I can help impact the lives of as many people as possible,” he said.

His Favorite Aspect of the Program, and the Key Takeaway

Feldstein said his favorite course was Strategic Organizational Leadership, one of five elective course options in the Certificate in HR Management program track.

“I love the strategy aspect behind building and utilizing a strong team to accomplish whatever goals an organization wants to achieve,” he said. His key takeaway from the program is “to lead with integrity, to set strategic smart goals for yourself, and to understand the major do’s and don’ts when building a team from an interview and hiring standpoint.”

He said the Villanova program has also helped him complete his work with confidence. He also said he will be able to take what he learned and apply it to hiring for more senior-level positions at his company, helping them better achieve their organizational goals through strategic hiring.

Another key has been Feldstein’s ability to immediately apply what he learned to the job. He said what he learned in the courses have helped him interview more effectively and within the guidelines of HR law. U.S. employee laws and regulations are two topics covered in the HR Management course, a requirement in the HR Management program.

“I’ve been able to complete my work with integrity, which was a big portion of the [Strategic Organizational Leadership] class,” Feldstein said. “I now do exactly what I say I’m going to do and set correct expectations for both the company I recruit for and the candidates.”

Adapting to Online Learning

Feldstein said the online format was easy to navigate and “made the learning experience painless.” He added that he received answers to all his questions and could access information quickly when needed.

When it came to the course workload and requirements of the online program, Feldstein successfully managed his time by dedicating a few hours each day to working on the course assignments. He also connected with his professor and classmates through the weekly live class sessions the courses require. 

“In the live portion, there were numerous real-life examples given by the instructor in regard to specific cases of HR law and organizational strategy. Also, I was able to hear stories and examples of leadership do’s and don’ts from other classmates who were currently working in their field. They discussed how what we were learning could help and apply to their situations.”

Feldstein added that his student success representative always answered his questions in a timely manner. He added that “payments, timeframes and questions about specific courses were all answered clearly, and I felt confident that I was getting the most out of the program, thanks to them.”

Asked what advice he would give current and prospective students, Feldstein said: “Make sure you carve out the time to study and really learn the material. This is a type of program that is interactive and if you aren’t prepared to engage with the live lectures and study on your own time, you won’t get the most the program has to offer.”

After earning a second master’s degree, Sherrill returned to Villanova to earn a Professional Certification in Agile & Scrum.

Asked why he would earn certification in these areas even after attaining master’s degrees in education, and business management and leadership, Sherrill said it’s important to keep acquiring skills and knowledge as you move through your career.

“As methodologies in management evolve, I think it is important to demonstrate to employers you are keeping your skill set toolbox current,” Sherrill said in an interview. “The Agile and Scrum certification from Villanova helped me do just that.”

A Lifetime of Accomplishment and Service

Sherrill embraces the notion of lifelong learning, relentlessly bettering himself by seeking new knowledge and challenges. 

A native of Lindenhurst, Long Island, Sherrill joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a Private First Class in 1981. He served 26 years. He’s a Persian Gulf War veteran and former paratrooper. In his last assignment, Sherrill served at the White House Communications Agency as First Sergeant in charge of teams that provided mobile global communication for the President, Vice President, White House Staff, and the First Lady.

Sherrill retired in 2007. In his first five years after leaving the military, he worked as a Communications Project Engineer Contractor for a Washington DC company. He now works as a Contract Program Manager for Analytical Services and Materials, Inc., a government contracting company. He works on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio.

Sherrill has a master’s degree in secondary education from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in business management and leadership from Liberty University. He earned his PMP® certification in 2010, his Lean Six Sigma Sensei certification in 2011 and his Certificate in Agile Management and Professional Certification in Agile and Scrum in 2020.

Sherrill and his wife, Jo Ann (an Army Signal Corps veteran), have been married 35 years and have four children and two granddaughters. He enjoys reading about great military and political leaders in American history. 

“I like to think about their strengths and weaknesses and what it was that caused them to rise to the top. I consider what I would like to emulate and what I would reject,” Sherrill said.

How Certifications Have Helped His Career

In his interview, Sherrill talked about the ways that earning his certifications have helped his career. He said that while earning PMP® certification status opened the door for earning his current position, the other certifications have kept his skills up to date.

Agile methodology attracted him because of its approach to developing a product.

“During my time studying traditional project management, I was introduced to some material on Agile methodologies,” Sherrill said. “It seemed to me the focus on customer communication while developing a product incrementally was more likely to result in customer satisfaction than a project plan forecasted over a period of a year or more.”

Sherrill said he expects the Certificate in Agile Management and Professional Certification in Agile and Scrum to widen the number of types of contracts he can work. He added that it is important because “many government contracts expire after five years, and competition is fierce.”

He said what he has learned in Agile fits well with his knowledge and experience as a PMP® holder and Lean Six Sigma Sensei.

“I think the takeaway is that these different approaches aren’t so much in competition with each other as they are methods that can be used in concert to achieve desired results,” Sherrill said. “The trick is to take from each methodology what works best to achieve your goals. The bigger your toolbox, the more you can fix.”

The Online Experience at Villanova University

Sherrill said he has returned repeatedly to Villanova for his education for a variety of reasons. For one, the school sets up online courses that give him flexibility in scheduling when he does course work. Another reason is that many of Villanova’s courses are recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which helps him keep his PMP® status current. As a PMI Authorized Training Partner, Villanova is approved to offer training and issue Professional Development Units (PDUs) for select courses.

Sherrill also said his student success representative was “always quick to respond to my questions, and if there ever was a problem, they brought it to a quick and satisfactory resolution.”

Sherrill said the most valuable takeaway from Villanova’s Agile Management program was that “incremental development of a product by a self-organized and self-managed team, with regular customer reviews, is much more likely to get a better product to market quicker and cheaper than traditional methods, making stakeholders happier.”

He particularly enjoyed learning about self-organized, self-managed teams and how it related to military organizations. He said that while centralized command and control has been a mainstay of the military, recent history has shown the value of “highly adaptable small teams that can work independently with a clear understanding of the commander’s intent (think Special Forces).” 

“It seems highly adaptable small independent teams in commercial ventures also do well when trying to create a product in a business environment with many unknowns. I found the parallel interesting,” Sherrill said.

Advice for Veterans Taking Online Courses

Sherrill said taking Villanova’s courses online works well because of the flexibility in when to complete coursework and take tests. He said the University offers more than sufficient time to complete coursework. The biggest obstacle is usually how students approach that work.

“If you’re not careful, you can find yourself procrastinating, and things begin to pile up. The best thing to do is have a set time to study and place in the house you can work with minimal interruption,” Sherrill said.

He said he would advise those taking an online class to get ahead of schedule when they can so there is buffer time to deal with unanticipated interruptions which invariably happen. 

Sherrill also noted that U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits may be applied to pay for the courses. Depending on their unique situation, veterans may be eligible to have courses paid for through GI Bill® educational benefits.

Another tip shared by Sherrill is for potential students to check with the Human Resources department where they work and find out if their company is willing to assist in paying for courses.

“If tuition assistance is not currently provided by your company, talk with a supervisor you trust about the potential benefits of introducing Agile to your organization,” Sherrill said. “If they see value in it, maybe they will pay for the class, anyway.”

PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

In 2019, Lahr completed Villanova University’s Certificate in Lean Six Sigma program and passed her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt exam to become a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt professional. Her journey through the program provides insight into how earning a Lean Six Sigma certificate or certification can help elevate a leader’s skills.

“Go big or go home,” Lahr said of her decision to pursue her Black Belt certification. “I wanted to be able to lead improvement initiatives and help teach and guide teams to continue to improve on their own.”

A Long History in Healthcare

Lahr’s responsibilities at Evangelical Community Hospital include overseeing Cardiopulmonary Services, Cardiovascular Services, Imaging, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Rehabilitative Services, and The Heart and Vascular Center.

Lahr has worked at the Hospital for 30 years. She started her career as a Phlebotomist as she attended school to become a Medical Technologist (MT). She then moved into administrative roles, starting as Assistant Director of Laboratory Services, then moving up to Administrative Director of Laboratory Services before attaining her current job.

She first heard of Lean while working as an MT. She received training in the basics of the methodology, and found that, “the principles simply made sense to me, and I quickly began to embark on quality improvement initiatives by applying Lean principles.”

Lahr soon decided she wanted to build on her basic understanding of Lean and Six Sigma and decided to research Lean Six Sigma training programs. “I wanted a certificate to support my belief in both methodologies as a means to make efficiency and quality improvements in healthcare,” she said.

Lahr, a veteran of the Navy, said that Villanova’s commitment to military members and veterans were deciding factors in her decision to enroll.

Below, Lahr talks about her career, Lean Six Sigma’s application in healthcare, and her experience in Villanova’s Lean Six Sigma program.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. It was intense, but very engaging. It pulled all the concepts together and I felt well prepared to take the [Black Belt certification] exam.

What surprised you most about taking Villanova’s program?

The intensity of the program surprised me but was very fulfilling. I have taken other online programs from other universities and Villanova’s classes are challenging, but very organized. All the information you need is in the curriculum.

What was your most valuable takeaway from the Lean Six Sigma program?

The importance of being able to lead a team and teach concepts is essential to a Black Belt.

Can you describe some ways Lean Six Sigma is applicable in healthcare?

The opportunities are endless. Currently, [at Evangelical Community Hospital] we are engaged in restructuring the supply chain process from order entry to delivery to the nursing units. This restructure is employing Kanban, 5S and other Lean principles to reduce floor stock and level the workload for the storeroom staff.

How do you apply Lean Six Sigma in your role at Evangelical Community Hospital?

Much of our Lean Six Sigma wins are in the moment – small changes that have a profound effect on the end product. For example, we are in the process of building new nursing units. Having a solid understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles guides decision-making throughout the design process. Spaces are designed to facilitate a Lean environment.

Do you have a favorite Lean Six Sigma tool or concept?

The 5S tool is my favorite. 5S seems to be the tool that has the ability to reduce the stress in your day. When you do not waste time looking for key tools to perform your job, frustration is minimized, and the day seems to go smoother.

(The 5S tool refers to sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain, and is a methodology that seeks to create a workplace that is clean, uncluttered and well-organized with reduced waste and optimized productivity).

 What is one fun fact about you?

I will not hesitate to ‘Lean Out’ anything, even the simple stuff. There was an employee appreciation event at the hospital that included free ice cream for the employees. I was helping serve when I noticed we were tripping over and bumping into each other. I called for a pause, reorganized the ice cream and supplies, then we resumed serving in a one-piece continuous flow process. Sometimes it is just the simple things.

How is your employer benefitting from the skills you’ve learned?

I frequently am asked to look at processes outside my areas and offer advice. From within my areas, I work with the Directors to identify processes that have opportunity for improvement. I then guide them along by offering “just-in-time” education on specific Lean principles. When needed I apply the Six Sigma principles to the data we collect to analyze their improvement efforts.

“I’m graded on progress, not action. I’m able to achieve a desired result without wasted time, energy or resources. I’m not concerned so much with the act of work as I am with the results of work.”

The inspiration for the quotation is leadership expert John C. Maxwell. A relative gave Cutlip a series of CDs, “Maximum Impact,” in which Maxwell discusses how efficiency is derived from the result of work. Cutlip took a quote about efficiency and substituted “I am” in place of “efficiency.”

“It’s a daily reminder to me to ask myself, ‘Is what I’m doing helping or hindering efficiency?’ If I’m hindering efficiency I change accordingly,” he said.

For Cutlip, a senior process engineer at Fabri-Kal, a manufacturer of food-grade plastic storage products in Greenville, S.C., reading Maxwell’s philosophies on leadership made light bulbs go off in his mind.

“I wanted more. I received more books on leadership, on how to lead yourself before others and applying it to my life as well as mastering influence and communication.”

Applying Efficiency to Life and Work

Emboldened by Maxwell’s work, Cutlip decided to pursue a Master Certificate in Agile Management through Villanova University, and expects to complete his coursework in 2018. Villanova’s 100% online programs met the flexibility of his schedule and offered the disciplines he wanted to pursue: Six Sigma, Business Process Management, Leadership and Agile Management.

His favorite class was the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course, as he gained a true understanding of the principles after working on a challenging class project.

Cutlip said he has applied the knowledge from his courses “to evaluate, improve or even reshape our processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness within our organization.”

At Fabri-Kal, “the programs I’ve taken have changed my mindset to see where wastes exist and make changes to meetings, planning and execution of all our processes,” he said.

For example, one change involved identifying the appropriate quality specification for one of Fabri-Kal’s products. The quality check dimension proposed during the conception of the product had been overlooked, bringing about complaints from customers.

“The question was brought up why it wasn’t planned for. I identified this as planning our own waste and that waste needed to eliminated. To do that, the correct quality spec had to be in place,” he said.

Cutlip discussed how he started in the food-grade plastics industry, his next steps after completing his certificate and the importance of continuous improvement.

Tell me more about your background.

I grew up on a farm outside Clarksburg, W.Va., graduating from Lincoln High school in Shinnston, W.Va. I joined the Navy and served for six years.

I’ve been in the plastic foodservice industry for 23 years. After the Navy, I went to work in manufacturing food-grade plastic containers in Greensboro, N.C., starting out as an inspector packer. I worked my way up to material handler and then setup technician. I then went to Hazleton, Pa., Greenville, S.C. and Mooresville, N.C., as a process technician in food-grade plastic extrusion/thermoforming, and then back to Greenville as a process engineer.

Saving the best for last: I’ve been married to my lovely wife Michele for 25 years. We have two sons, Caleb and Joshua, who are both in college pursuing their dreams.

What are your next steps once you complete your certificate?

My goal is circular: I plan to learn it, apply it, grow from it and evaluate which class would be a good fit to help further improve myself, my family and the organization.

What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?

If you’re considering enrolling, don’t wait. The best time to start is today. No matter what the job is, the goal of all organizations is to make money, and in order to make more money the organization has to be the example of continuous improvement.

To continually improve a company, we must first continually improve ourselves. There’s no better way of doing that than continuous education and by having mentors in our lives. Find out what education will work best in your environment. Review what Villanova has to offer and go for it.

Who or what inspires you to succeed?

My wife inspires me every day. She’s a natural born encourager, who inspires not only me but our two sons as well.

What is one fun fact about you?

My wife and I are currently in the process of building a miniature golf course around a flower garden as well as an archery range in our backyard.

Dennis Hatcher had not even finished earning his Master Certificate in Agile Management-IT from Villanova University when his training began to pay off.

After completing two of the three required courses toward his master’s certificate, Hatcher was hired to fill a position as IT Manager with Philadelphia-area medical device manufacturer Pulse Technologies Inc. He said that what he learned during his online classes at Villanova helped him get the job.

“A lot of (answers) to the questions that took place during the interview process came directly from these courses,” Hatcher said. “This class has helped me land a position that’s going to basically pay for (the Agile training) before I even get finished.”

The new position was exactly what Hatcher had hoped to find: an opportunity to implement Agile Scrum concepts at a successful firm. It didn’t hurt, he said, that the office was only a 20-minute drive from his house outside Philadelphia.

Master Certificate Motivation

Even before he learned about the position at Pulse, though, Hatcher made the decision to expand his professional skillset by seeking a Master Certificate in Agile Management-IT from Villanova. He was a long-time believer in Scrum software development and Agile methodology, and as an independent contractor and small business owner at the time, he wanted be able to offer clients a range of proven ideas for process improvement.

“I spent years reading about Scrum and Agile,” he said. Hatcher discovered the IT-specific Agile Management program while searching for more information on the topic, and then called an enrollment specialist to learn more about the course offerings.

After that phone call, Hatcher decided he would “take a look.”

“If nothing else, I’ll take the first course, see what it’s about, see what I’m missing and fill in any gaps in my knowledge about the subject,” he said.

Path Toward Career Advancement

Hatcher’s first attempt to implement Agile-related ideas and streamline processes occurred in 2011, while employed at a healthcare advertising agency.

Hatcher recalled that he and a co-worker were brainstorming ideas to improve workflow and project management procedures at the agency when the topic turned to Scrum. As he worked his way up in the agency from software developer to Director of Technology, Hatcher attempted to implement what he called a “small-scale version” of Scrum in the IT department.

“We started to do a daily standup, things like that, but it wasn’t truly Agile,” Hatcher said. “It was more coordination than anything else. We made some improvements in communication, at least.”

After a few years of agency life, Hatcher decided to found his own IT services company, Digitally Inclined Solutions. He took on a number of contracts, and was encouraged enough with the progress of his company to invest in advanced Agile training and education.

Then, he and his wife found out they were expecting their second child.

Hatcher decided it was time to find a more-stable, rewarding position with a company where he could earn a steady paycheck and enjoy some well-earned vacation time.

He also knew he wanted to work someplace where he could implement his deeper knowledge of Agile concepts.

As Hatcher prepared to enter his third and final Agile Management course during the summer of 2016, he interviewed with Pulse Technologies. He said his interviewers were intrigued by his ideas to implement Agile processes at Pulse in order to improve the IT department’s productivity.

“The president of the company, his eyes opened wide,” Hatcher recalled. “He said, ‘We need to redefine our process here, at least in the IT section of the company.’ And the company’s been around 20-something years. It’s not a new company. It’s in a good sector, medical devices. He even asked the name of the course and was taking notes about the course itself.”

Pulse offered Hatcher the job, he said, before he made it back home from the interview. He started in early August, and he completed his final coursework toward his Master Certificate in Agile Management-IT in October. His next step is to sit for the PMI-ACP^® exam, which he plans to do before the end of the year.

Making a Plan of Action

In preparation for his new job as IT Manager, Hatcher put together two documents based on his Agile training.

One document was an implementation plan that set incremental goals at the 30-, 60-, 90- and 120-day mark with the company. In it, Hatcher laid out many of the Agile concepts that he learned in detail during his first two courses at Villanova. It served as an Agile primer for his new co-workers, laying the groundwork for upcoming potential change.

The other document he brought to Pulse was a written plan of action. In it, Hatcher detailed how he intended to help the team implement Agile concepts.

Here is a summary of Hatcher’s plan of action:

• Get acquainted – Hatcher set up meetings with the IT team, managers and stakeholders at Pulse Technologies who could influence outcomes in his department. Knowing the importance of earning buy-in from management from the top down, Hatcher did not come in expecting to make immediate, sweeping changes. He knew it would take time to learn what worked and how it worked, and that it would take time to get a feel for personalities, individual strengths and cultural challenges.
• Discovery – The next step was to learn as much as possible about Pulse by delving into current procedures. What was the workload for the IT team? What did the flow of information look like? How was the workload managed? How were requirements gathered and prioritized? Hatcher sought to identify gaps and bottlenecks in the process.
• Develop and communicate a new plan – After the discovery phase, Hatcher formulated a customized plan for streamlining processes using Agile concepts. He identified what was working already and folded it into the plan. He also identified what was not working and sought ways to improve it. He surveyed his team and stakeholders to determine where and how the Agile mindset could be fostered. Then, he created a team charter and a working agreement for the IT department.

What came out of the initial stage of Hatcher’s implementation of Agile ideas at Pulse was a “hybrid version,” a combination of various strategies, including Agile and Scrum, catering to the specific needs at his new company.

The immediate goal, Hatcher said, was to implement “the quickest fixes that bring the biggest value” in Pulse’s IT department. The long-range goal, he said, is to shape an organization that is positioned to make incremental adjustments to stay ahead of changes in the industry or within the company.

So far, so good.

“My boss is all for it,” he said. “He sees the change that I’m bringing. … It’s going well. It’s going very well.”

PMI-ACP is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

“My drive to succeed does not come from an individual but my own, personal attempt to better myself” – Denise Baylor

Denise Baylor was searching for answers. As an Operations Coordinator for Geisinger Health System, she wanted to find an educational program that would help her gain a complete understanding of the project management process to maximize potential in her current role and move up the career ladder.

“I started at Geisinger Health System in 2000 as a Finance Secretary in the Revenue Management Department,” said Baylor.

Over the years, Baylor steadily worked her way up through the company and was promoted to her current position as Operations Coordinator in 2014.

But as a single, full-time working mom, Baylor knew that she needed to bolster her education. She needed to choose a program with lots of flexibility that would also help provide her with the skills to advance her career.

“Villanova University has a long-standing, positive reputation in providing excellent quality education,” she said.

According to Baylor, Geisinger Health System and Villanova also have a partnership that provides employees with a discount on tuition. “These factors played a role in my decision to take the Certificate in Applied Project Management through Villanova University,” she said.

Before beginning the project management program, Baylor worried that 100% online education might be difficult to follow and stay on track, but she quickly realized that was not going to be a problem. “I found the lectures and the materials very easy to follow,” she said.

Baylor said she especially enjoyed the classes related to profiling, including anything having to do with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. “It was very interesting to learn how various personalities interact with one another on a project,” she said. “It was also a lot of fun to learn how my personality plays a role in leading a project.”

Since completing her Certificate in Applied Project Management, Baylor said she has been able to grow so much more professionally. “I have been able to assist in larger scale projects within my organization and have a much better handle on managing the process from initiating through closing.”

Baylor plans to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification in May, which will allow her to move to higher positions within her career field.

For other professionals or single parents considering going back to school, Baylor offered this advice: Just Do It. “This is a great program and opportunity to learn project management,” she said.

“The online classes are manageable regardless of age or where you are with your education. I had a great experience and highly recommend it.” Here are Baylor’s comments on herself, her inspiration and her experience with her Bisk enrollment specialist.

Can you talk about your experience with Bisk and your representative?

I have nothing but praise for the support I received from Bisk and my representative, Lisa Jones. Lisa was very personable and helpful whenever I had questions before, during and after this program. She worked with me on a personal level to ensure payments were taken when it was most convenient for me financially, which assisted with reimbursement from my employer.

Who or what inspires you to succeed?

My drive to succeed does not come from an individual but my own, personal attempt to better myself. I feel I am never too old to learn and hope I will always strive to keep learning something new.

What is one fun fact about you?

I purchased a home built in 1881 a year and a half ago. I spend a good part of my free time using my project management skills to update and remodel my home. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to finish a room and see the results of all of my hard work.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

This may be a daunting question for many people, and it certainly was one that U.S. Air Force Colonel Andrew Molnar considered as he explored the possibility of transitioning out of the military and into a civilian career. After returning from a one-year deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Molnar said he was ready to transition from a great career to an even better one.

“I have always been a planner, a plodder, as well as a learning leader. I have never stopped planning or learning. I wanted to continue my education journey immediately.”

Molnar served 28 years in the U.S. Air Force and gained expertise in operations and logistics while conducting successful endeavors on seven continents. “Thanks to a great team of aviators and support personnel leadership, I was able to successfully complete assignments flying the C-141, the C-5 and the KC-135 aircraft. I also led the largest aerial port in the Department of Defense, the most dynamic en route air mobility facility at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, and the busiest legacy C-130 maintenance operation in Iraqi Freedom,” he said.

Despite his impressive service background, Molnar was unsure how his military skills could translate to the civilian world. That was when he received information about the Certificate in Applied Project Management from Villanova University.

“Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. I knew very little about project management, but had an educational services employee guide me to the career field.”

The educational services employee asked Molnar what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. “It’s a simple question, but not one I’d really pursued with any clarity,” he said.

Molnar reviewed Villanova’s project management guide and felt it covered everything he wanted out of a program. “I learned that Villanova’s courses gave me the breadth and depth of education I wanted, well beyond any other program I had reviewed,” he said. “Villanova built a program to give me what I needed but didn’t know I needed!”

Another benefit he found of the Applied Project Management program was its inclusion of a course designed to help professionals pass the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® exam. The PMP^® certification is an internationally-recognized certification for project managers that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills of project management.

“Villanova’s courses covered every aspect required to pass the PMP^® certification exam the first time. The data was current, the instructors renowned, the roll out logical and the supporting tests, scenarios and exercises really brought it all home for me. The exam can be scenario based, and the Villanova approach gave me the technical skills and scenario awareness to answer any question with confidence.”

Molnar also praised the support and encouragement he received from the school as a military veteran.

“I received all manner of support. The Villanova team, along with my enrollment advisor, guided me through all the paperwork to maximize my earned benefits. The transition was easy due to their personal involvement and professionalism.”

The 100% online Applied Project Management program helped Molnar gain the knowledge and skills to become an expert in the field, as well as build several lifelong, professional relationships along the way.

“The online tool was outstanding. It’s the best online classroom environment I’ve ever seen and I felt like I was sitting in class with the instructor and fellow students. The tool and the instructors combined to create an environment where students could learn together, collaborate and share products and information. I made lifelong professional friends due to the positive interactions at Villanova.”

For others who are considering going back to school, Molnar offered this advice: Be not afraid.

“Never stop learning, the world is constantly changing. We are always in a professional transition. No matter how much experience you have, the job market for responsible, professional jobs is tight, and gaining employment is sometimes by a razor-thin margin. Get and keep the advantages that a renowned program such as Villanova provides you to support your professional dreams.”

We talked with Molnar about his reasons for selecting Villanova after serving in the military, and asked him how the project management program helped him grow personally and professionally.

What were the key factors for your decision to choose Villanova University for your continuing education after your service in the Air Force?

The program offered a “Certificate” in Project Management. That excited me because I wanted to be GREAT at project management and also wanted a good resume bullet from a prestigious, Catholic university. I was proud to display the Certificate under my two Masters degrees on my resume. It was a confidence builder in my transition that, in the end, seemed to speak to employers.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was the Capstone course. Project management has a lot of moving parts. It’s exciting to break down project management and understand the parts to a level of expertise that makes you enthusiastic for professional conversations. More exciting, was putting those key building blocks back together in the Capstone course. I graduated with confidence that projects I am honored to lead WILL be successful for me, my team, the company and the customer.

What is one fun fact about you?

I once read that the only place you couldn’t get a slinky was in Antarctica. So on one of my Air Force trips there I made sure I brought a few with me.

During the Cold War with the Soviet Union, the U.S. and Soviets did not cross borders but ever so rarely. I was blessed, however, with multiple trips to the heart of the Kremlin. On one mission, I was allowed to go downtown Moscow while wearing my Air Force flight suit with the U.S. flag flying proudly on my shoulder. The looks I received were not those of fear or hostility, but more like, “what just happened here?”