Turning Life Around: A Working Mother Beats the Odds

Gracie Wells Chamblee is a Pfeiffer University alumna who recognizes the importance of a flexible graduate program for working adults. A Johnson County citizen and taxicab administrator for the city of Durham, Gracie now holds a master’s of science degree in Leadership and Organizational Change. Gracie’s story is one of success, but it began with hardship.

When Gracie decided to return to school in Feb. 2009, life was a struggle. She had beaten breast cancer; experienced a divorce and became a single parent to Joshua and Zachary; and was in debt.

Gracie says, “I realized that I wanted more for my family, so I decided to go back to school.”

With several universities in the Durham area and countless online programs, Gracie chose Pfeiffer University in Morrisville. She selected Pfeiffer initially because of its convenience to work and home, but soon came to appreciate the individualized attention in the classroom that Pfeiffer offers.

She describes her professors as “very involved in making sure I did well” and cites Dr. Jim Vroom and Dr. Nicholas Chabra as two of her favorite instructors. According to Gracie, they used real-life experiences in the classroom and assigned practical projects that students would likely encounter in the future- something she knew would be helpful for building a new career.

Now that she has a master’s degree, Gracie is confident that she will have more opportunities to grow and develop professionally in the future. To Gracie, Pfeiffer represents a new chance for success and a university that met the needs of a busy, single mother.

“I enjoyed my Pfeiffer experience and I hope it continues to grow because they understand the needs and challenges of working professionals.”

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