After a hiatus from higher education, Krista Padgett returned to NDSU in 2020. She completed a bachelor's degree in University Studies with a focus on sociology and psychology in spring 2021.
At NDSU, it’s gratifying to come back to complete your studies. Krista Padgett returned to NDSU in 2020 to finish her degree after leaving in 2014.
This spring she earned a Bachelor of University Studies degree, focusing on sociology, psychology. She had a minor in women and gender studies.
“I had always intended to finish my degree and found that somehow life always got in the way,” Padgett said. After her late grandmother died, Padgett decided to return to campus in order to honor her.
Padgett said it was easy and rewarding to finish up her degree after taking some time off. “I was pretty removed from higher education and found it a welcoming transition for me to put my head back to learning,” she said.
Padgett found her time at NDSU satisfying and helpful to her career.
“Both times I attended NDSU the faculty and my experiences helped shape my view of the world and solidify my goals,” she said.
Currently, Padgett is managing a restaurant at a resort in northern Minnesota. She also will be starting a master’s program in organizational development this fall. Padgett’s dream job is an organizational consultant in the hospitality industry.
“I’m happy that I finished my degree at NDSU, that I can show my son that anything is possible for him at any time and that I got to fulfill my grandmother’s wishes by continuing my education,” she said.
Students returning to finish their degree will find specialized support to meet their needs through the NDSU Degree Completion Program. Jessica Bauer, senior academic and career advisor at the NDSU Career and Advising Center, works with students to complete their degrees.
“I meet with each student to learn about their goals and then help them through the reactivation or transfer process,” Bauer said. “I then can either advise them on their classes or get them in touch with a faculty member in their intended major.”
Degree completion students can get their NDSU experience started by emailing Bauer to schedule an appointment via Zoom or in person.
