In January 2012, Terry Evans earned his MBA from Excelsior College, his third degree from the distance learning institution. For many, a graduate degree would signal the culmination of their academic journey. However Terry, at 56 years old, is just getting started. He has already enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Northcentral University in Arizona with hopes of eventually working his way into the international business scene.

For Terry, currently a program administrator for the New York State’s Office of Mental Health, it’s a dream that once seemed impossible. Once an executive vice president at Metal Transportation Systems despite not having an advanced education Terry chose to head back school after losing out on a promotion to a colleague with a degree.

He searched for options, but knew his familial obligations would make it difficult to find the time. Eventually, he found Excelsior. The flexibility allowed him to continue working while raising a family. After earning an associate and then a bachelor’s degree, Terry became “addicted” to schooling. He enrolled in the MBA, learning firsthand how much he still had to learn about business, despite his wealth of experience.

Terry found the MBA program rigorous and challenging, but with his wife’s support he found a way to succeed working over email and within online communities with his classmates from across the country – an experience, he says which opened him up to entirely new world views and ideas.

As he moves onto the next stage of his academic career, Terry looks forward to continuing to give back. He has aspirations of using his Ph.D. to work with struggling small businesses within the international community.