University of Phoenix has released six new episodes in its Degrees of Success alumni podcast series. The latest additions expand the collection of stories focused on determination, service, leadership, and lifelong learning. The episodes feature both alumni and faculty whose experiences provide insight for working adults pursuing their own goals.
The new stories cover a range of topics including earning a PhD later in life, advancing from intern to HR leader, military career pathways, wellness and mindfulness, building entrepreneurial communities, and the journey from high school dropout to educator. Guests come from backgrounds such as healthcare, human resources, entrepreneurship, wellness coaching, military service, and higher education.
Degrees of Success continues to release new episodes on the first and last Thursday of each month. The podcast is available on YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Podbean and Spotify.
One episode features Dr. Ann Diese who discusses her journey to completing a PhD in nursing in her 70s after facing personal and professional setbacks. She emphasizes the importance of mentor support and persistence for achieving career goals.
Another story highlights Army veteran Hodari P.T. Brown’s path from graduate school to military leadership. Brown reflects on mentorship, faith, and mental health advocacy for veterans.
Entrepreneur and Navy veteran Orlando Jiménez shares how his background shaped his transition into business ownership with a focus on community service. Jiménez is also featured in a Story of Success mini documentary available on the podcast’s YouTube channel.
Shantavia Webb discusses her progression from intern to human resources leader at Kroger Nashville Division. She speaks about mentorship’s role in career growth as well as authenticity in leadership.
Janice DaCosta explains how education at University of Phoenix influenced her work as a mindfulness and wellness coach. She talks about emotional balance and continuous transformation through lifelong learning.
Dr. Wayne McCoy describes his journey from dropping out of high school to becoming an educator after serving in the military. He addresses bias during dissertation processes and stresses mentorship’s value along with lifelong learning.
“Degrees of Success continues to resonate with listeners because our alumni are willing to open up about the moments that shaped them,” said April Worden, director of Alumni and Career Marketing at University of Phoenix. “Their reflections on resilience, service and personal growth offer listeners a genuine sense of encouragement and possibility. The series brings forward stories with heart, creating connections that help people feel supported and inspired as they navigate their own paths.”
The podcast series aligns with University of Phoenix’s mission to support working adults seeking educational advancement for career development or community leadership roles (https://www.phoenix.edu/). According to its official website (https://www.phoenix.edu/), University of Phoenix offers more than 100 programs linked to over 300 professions across the nation (https://www.phoenix.edu/) through both online delivery options (https://www.phoenix.edu/) and its physical campus in Phoenix (https://www.phoenix.edu/). The institution aims to address barriers faced by underserved communities (https://www.phoenix.edu/) while holding accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (https://www.phoenix.edu/).
