Online University Confers Degrees in Six Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
DENVER, May 20 - Jones International University® (JIU®) (www.jonesinternational.edu),
which received the first accreditation in the United States of a completely
virtual institution, has 2004-2005 graduates representing eight countries and
more than 30 states across the U.S., living proof that it has taken the distance
out of distance education. The participants in today's online commencement --
which included an address by the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington
-- shared observations about their tenure at JIU.
"I have had experience with several online schools and JIU is the best
of those. JIU has somehow made a personal connection through the online environment
and that makes all the difference," wrote Lonnie Standard from Quincy,
Ill. Standard, a training developer with Jordan and Howard Technologies, earned
a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Information Technology Management.
"I have been involved with electronic and computer-based learning for 15
years and I believe it is a way for us all to stay knowledgeable in a wide variety
of subjects."
Several graduates with highly mobile careers cited the anywhere/anytime nature
of JIU's online format as the key to completing their studies. "I moved
in the middle of my MBA from Houston to Kuwait and was able to complete my MBA
with no issue; all I needed was an Internet connection," said Zouhir Omar
Baki, recipient of an MBA in Negotiation and Conflict Management.
Said Kelly Elium, who earned an MBA in Information Technology Management, "I
made two moves during my studies, one to Germany and one to Kuwait, and I was
able to continue my studies without missing a beat."
Bridgetown, Barbados, is home to Erskine Hinds, an attorney who today received
his MBA. "I enjoyed the society of faculty members and learners immensely,"
Hinds said. "I found all lecturers -- without exception -- extremely helpful
and dedicated to the ideal of student success."
In his commencement address, JIU founder and Chancellor Glenn R. Jones reminded
the class of 2005's graduates that earning their degrees represents a milestone,
but along a continuing path toward knowledge. "The incessant deluge of
new information and the rampant changes it creates rush at us with astonishing
speed," he said. "Accordingly, the need to maintain the required knowledge
level in your field of endeavor will require constant learning."
Jones also praised the work of JIU's graduation keynote speaker, U.S. Librarian
of Congress James H. Billington. "He has combined the communications revolution
with the world's greatest repository of information, creativity and knowledge;
he has reached out to the great libraries of other countries and encouraged
them to participate," said Jones. "This has enabled more equal access
to educational opportunities across the planet."
But the highest praise of the ceremonies came from JIU's graduates, when discussing
their university; now, their alma mater.
"My colleagues think I'm a genius," said Willia Cooper, an instructional
designer and M.Ed. graduate. "Little do they know that the genius resides
in the learning philosophy and teaching approaches practiced at JIU!"
JIU has archived the webcast of its commencement exercises on its virtual campus
for anyone who wants to get a better idea of what online education is all about.
It may be found at: http://graduation.jonesinternational.edu.
About Jones International University
As a pioneer in online education, Jones International University®, Ltd.
(JIU®) provides a quality online education experience for busy adults around
the globe. It employs the brightest minds from various of the world's leading
universities, including Oxford University, Carnegie Mellon University, London
Business School and Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management,
to create highly relevant and practical learning experiences that help people
advance their careers and enhance their lives. JIU, which received the first
accreditation in the United States of a completely virtual institution, offers
graduate and undergraduate degree specializations and associated professional
certificate programs in the fields of business administration, education and
business communication. Visit www.jonesinternational.edu.
