UMO at New Bern Criminal Justice Major Looks Forward to a Career Change
UMO at New Bern Criminal Justice Major Looks Forward to a Career Change
MOUNT OLIVE- Corey Gibbs of New Bern is excited to graduate from the University of Mount Olive on December 19. He attributes his collegiate success and newfound confidence to the opportunities available at UMO.
When he graduated from high school, Gibbs thought he knew exactly what he wanted to do and what institution he wanted to attend. He pursued an undergraduate degree at North Carolina NC A&T University, but the school did not fit his personal and academic needs. He then moved back home to New Bern and later enrolled at Craven Community College (CCC).
Gibbs graduated from CCC in 2011 with an associate’s degree in psychology. Then, Gibbs put his education on hold for a couple years and focused on gaining experience in the workforce. He worked as a 411 operator, a customer service representative, and a civil service worker before thinking about returning to school.
“I had to decide if enrolling into a bachelor’s degree program was a wise decision,” Gibbs recalled. “My parents were very supportive of me returning to college. In fact, they were the ones who encouraged me to seek information about enrolling at UMO.
In the summer of 2013, Gibbs took a leap of faith and enrolled at UMO. He decided to study criminal justice,. The variety of class options allowed Gibbs to juggle his personal life and academic life with ease.
“The once a week evening classes are convenient to attend,” noted Gibbs. “I was enrolled in both seated and online classes. Now, I am beginning some classes via videoconference.”
When reflecting on his collegiate journey, Gibbs praises UMO for the opportunity to return to school and achieve a degree at age 30.
“UMO has transformed me with confidence and hope about the future,” smiled Gibbs. “Achieving this first major milestone gives me a sense of pride. My degree from UMO will better my credentials for more earnings and prepare me for a new career.”
Gibbs attends Jones Chapel AMEZ Church in New Bern and Mt. Olive MB Church in Mesic. In the future, Gibbs plans to pursue a career in the military or civil service.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.
