For Tyler Stanley, choosing where to pursue his graduate degree wasn’t just about earning credentials; it was about finding a connection that was engaging and rooted in community. Tyler’s journey with Abilene Christian University begins at the graduate level, having already earned his bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from another online university. He knew he wanted to pursue a graduate degree and dive into the world of business. After hearing about an educational opportunity offered through his employer, Tyler was introduced to ACU.
For Tyler, earning his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in business analytics isn’t just about adding credentials to his résumé. It’s about building a foundation for a future he’s been thoughtfully planning for years.
Choosing ACU
Tyler works a full-time job as a patient registration representative for the emergency room at UC Health in Cincinnati. Emergency rooms operate 24 hours, seven days a week, so he is often called into work to help greet patients, which makes it hard for him to attend college in person. This was one of the factors that influenced him to enroll at ACU. While grateful for his undergraduate experience, he admits something was missing.
“There was no face-to-face contact,” he said. “It felt distant.”
When it came time to pursue graduate school, Tyler knew he wanted to join a program that offered him a personal, engaging experience, even though it was online. His employer brought up ACU, mentioning that many of his coworkers were already a part of the Wildcat family, so he decided to look into everything ACU had to offer. “I was really driven by the culture and what ACU stands for,” he said. “And I love the football team.”
Not long after, Tyler enrolled and began earning his MBA.
Why Tyler Decided to Pursue Business Analytics
With a background in healthcare administration, Tyler’s decision to pursue business analytics might seem like a pivot. For him, it was a strategic step forward. “I picked business analytics because I want to grow companies using data,” he explained.
Working in healthcare has given Tyler firsthand insight into how operations, efficiency and decision-making impact patient care. He sees analytics as a powerful tool that can help transform medical organizations at the systemic level to improve patient and employee lives for the better.
Although new to ACU and still early in his online program, Tyler has nothing but great things to say about the coursework. His current classes in data analysis, leadership and business strategy are sharpening his ability to interpret trends, evaluate performance and think critically about organizational growth. Currently enrolled in a leadership course, Tyler says it’s already reshaping his mindset.
“It’s changing how I think,” he shared. “I love it.” Tyler continued describing his program, pointing out that he will also receive a certification in business analytics after completing his master’s degree.
Taking Initiative to Build Community
Tyler is also a part of ACU’s Online Student Government Association as an event coordinator. The council’s mission is simple but meaningful: to create a communicative space where students can build community, share ideas and become more involved. Tyler helps coordinate and create events, programs or fun activities that bring online students together, no matter where they are or what they’re studying. This organization is still fairly new, and he’s proactively looking for ways to get more students involved.
“Online students can sometimes feel disconnected,” he said. “We want to help people feel involved with the community.”
For Tyler, that involvement is personal. After experiencing a more isolated undergraduate program, he understands the importance of connection. Through ACU, he has found a level of engagement he had never experienced before. “ACU is the only college I’ve been able to have that kind of engagement,” he said.
Tyler then began to share how helpful ACU has been from day one. “There’s a lot of support mentally and academically,” he said. “We receive resources that help with writing essays. The discounts and benefits we get as students are overwhelming. I love it.”
However, for Tyler, the tuition discount is just a bonus; it’s the faculty and people of ACU who have made an impact on him. He emphasized that his professors genuinely want him to succeed, and he doesn’t feel like a number to them. “The professors are not just here for a paycheck,” he said. “They care about students as a whole.”
“Holistic” and “family” were two words Tyler used to describe how ACU welcomes and uplifts its students academically, professionally and spiritually. He mentioned that he loves how important the power of prayer is and that his professors pray at the beginning of class.
Tyler’s Plans for the Future
After completing his master’s program, Tyler hopes to open his own assisted-living business, combining his healthcare background with business analytics to create an organization that prioritizes quality care for patients. Before launching his own venture, he aims to work as a nursing home administrator, overseeing operations and gaining hands-on leadership experience.
Tyler is confident that the combination of coursework, leadership development and faith integration is equipping him not only for career advancement but for life as a whole. “ACU makes it so hard to fail,” Tyler shared after a long pause. When asked if he had any other words for potential students, Tyler said, “Take the leap.”
For Tyler Stanley, ACU is not just another place to earn a degree and move forward in life; it’s a community that affirms his calling, strengthens his faith and prepares him to turn his dream into reality.
If you’re ready to take the leap and pursue your degree, consider an online degree from Abilene Christian University. To learn more about our 100% online degree programs, visit our website.