KNOXVILLE– Last week, WGU Tennessee – a nonprofit, online university – surprised local resident Matthew Parker with a $10,000 scholarship as part of the Tenn-K Scholarship campaign. The scholarship will cover roughly two-thirds of the cost of a degree at WGU Tennessee.
After the 2008 market crash, Parker’s hours working in the transportation field were reduced. He recognized that pursuing a bachelor’s degree would be the best way to hold a steady job and support his family’s future. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree and accepted a management role at his company. While in that role, Parker realized that he enjoyed the business and financial aspects of his job but needed to learn more about the management side. He also saw that there were limited opportunities for growth in management without a master’s degree. He decided to take the leap and apply for WGU’s MBA program to gain the skills and qualifications to pursue accounting opportunities in different fields without sacrificing salary.
“With young kids and a full-time job, the competency-based degree programs WGU offers are what really drew me in,” Parker said. “This Tenn-K Scholarship will be instrumental in growing my skills and providing my family a brighter future.”
Parker learned that he had been awarded the Tenn-K Scholarship after talking with Kim Estep, vice president of the Southeast Region for Western Governors University, during a surprise Zoom call.
“I’m always amazed by the dedication and drive of students like Matthew who have realized their career dreams and have taken the leap to pursue them by earning a degree,” Estep said. “We can’t wait to see what is ahead for Matthew’s career and family.”
Parker is one of up to 10 Tennesseans who will earn WGU Tennessee’s 2021 Tenn-K Scholarship. The scholarship – which will cover up to 75% of his degree program – is awarded based on students’ academic records, readiness for online study, and demonstrated financial need. For those interested in learning more, please click here. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2021.
