SGPS Student and Alumni Stories

Full-time Job: Client Services Consultant

Etown SGPS Program: Human Services

Why Etown: After my daughter graduated from college, something in me stirred and I wanted to finish my bachelor's degree. I wanted to finish what I started so many years before. That is where my journey with Etown began. The accelerated program attracted me. Concentrating on one class at a time for 5 weeks seemed do-able. I could earn my degree and work part-time. I had a wonderful experience. The professors were interactive and very supportive in answering questions and taught the classes well. It was great getting to know classmates, discussing topics, and sharing viewpoints.

In Her Words: "I would recommend Etown SGPS to anyone because it is possible to balance classes and life. You can focus on one class at a time, and each class only lasts 5 weeks with the accelerated program. It isn't easy, but it is do-able. You have to manage your time and put in the work, but you can accomplish your goal of earning a degree. With Etown, you get supportive professors and advisors, too. Plus, other online learners to interact with and learn from."

Full-time Job: Music Specialist, Bristol Tennessee City Schools

Etown SGPS Program: Master of Music Education

Why Etown: I have a passion social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices. Etown's Master of Music Education program includes the study of all these topics through a lens of peacebuilding. When I started my search for a graduate school, I couldn't believe what a great fit this program was for me. The course content is incredibly relevant, and so important in our current world climate.

In Her Words: “The MME program has absolutely changed the trajectory of my teaching. I am a better teacher and have gained a multitude of new skills and tools to use with my students each day. My training in current, relevant topics has made me feel reinvigorated in my quest to change lives through music. I have also made a whole new group of lifelong friends and colleagues through our cohort. They are an amazing group of educators, and I am so thankful to have them as new friends to lean on and learn from!”

Goal: Continue making my music classroom a center for peaceful community for our entire school!

Etown is... Supportive, helpful, inspiring, and encouraging.

Full-time Job: Auditor at Pennsylvania Auditor General

Etown SGPS Program: Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources

Why Etown: After previously attending Penn State and Liberty University, I made the decision to return to college to finally complete my academic goals. I was searching for a local, online program that was deeply connected to the community, and Elizabethtown College met those needs perfectly. From the moment I applied, the process felt structured and supportive, and the program offered a respected path that fostered both personal and professional growth.

In His Words: “The faculty and advisors in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies were always there when I needed them. Their guidance was consistent, reliable, and effective. My academic advisor was especially helpful in resolving any issues quickly, which ensured that I could stay focused and make steady progress throughout my program.”

Goal: Secured a position with the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s office in the Performance Bureau upon graduation.

Full-time Job: CEO, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County

Etown SGPS Program: M.S. Strategic Leadership

Why Etown: “I recommend Elizabethtown College because they meet adult learners right where you are.”

In Her Words: “I’m a mom of three girls and when I made the decision to go back to school, I had middle school and elementary age children, and we really had to think about why that was so important for their future. So for me, it was about setting an example and leaving them a legacy.”

Full-time Job: Director of Building and Grounds, Elizabethtown School District

Etown SGPS Program: Business Administration

Why Etown: As an electrician, Adam wanted to pursue a business degree. Etown offered him the flexibility to complete his degree while working full-time, which allowed him to reach his goal in three years.

In His Words: “Don’t be scared to take on school with a full-time job. It’s manageable.”

Full-time Job: Senior Corporate Human Resources Generalist

Etown SGPS Program: Master of Science in Strategic Leadership

Why Etown: Tony chose the MSL program to accelerate his career growth. The flexible, affordable program fit his needs as a working professional.

In His Words: “The professors taught relevant material I could apply immediately at my job.”