Nicole French ’22 ’23 ’25 has completed a trifecta at Columbia College.
The Waynesville, Missouri, resident earned her associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from CC – all while serving on the college’s staff, where she currently works as a student engagement manager.
French celebrated her third degree during a joint base graduation ceremony at Fort Leonard Wood on Friday, Aug. 8, receiving her Master of Business Administration in a meaningful moment shared with students, colleagues and the community surrounding her.
“Being hooded represented more than the completion of an academic program; it symbolized perseverance, personal growth and the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration,” French says.
French first learned about Columbia College through her father, himself an alumnus of the college’s Fort Leonard Wood location. She had previously started pursuing a degree but never finished, and when she came across the opportunity to work for the college on the installation, she saw the possibility to contribute professionally and advance her own academic goals.
“Accepting the position allowed me to turn a dream into reality,” she says. “I am very appreciative of the professional and educational opportunities Columbia College has provided, which have allowed me to accomplish more than I ever anticipated.”
French utilized the college’s Employee Education Grant program to help fund her coursework for all three degrees, which she says removed the financial barriers without requiring her to take out student loans.
She credits the grant for giving her extra motivation to advance academically.
“The (grant) made higher education possible as a single mother of two working full-time,” she says.
Experiencing the college as a student and staff member at the same time provided French an opportunity to bridge the gap between administrative guidance and academic experience.
In her role as a student engagement manager, she works with a wide range of individuals, especially members of the military community. Having grown up in a military family, she understands the challenges and strengths of this community.
“Supporting our nation’s military, their families, and civilian students in pursuing their educational goals is both an honor and a privilege,” she says.
French noted that earning her associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at CC has equipped her with knowledge, skills and discipline essential for her future professional growth. Her degrees instilled resilience and commitment to lifelong learning that she passes along to the students she helps guide.
“I particularly enjoy meeting with students to help them map out their academic path,” French says. “This allows them to make their dreams a reality, too.”
