As an educator and coach working for the Pauls Valley Public School district for the last 15 years, Mark Green knew he wanted more from hir career. The science teacher and coach found that opportunity at Southern Nazarene University where he was able to pursue his master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
“I am currently teaching Chemistry, Physical Science, the AOPA aeronautics class, and I coach tennis,” said Green. “I’ve taught science in Oklahoma for 25-years.”
For Green, there were several reasons why SNU was the right school for him.
“Accepting previously earned credit, cost, location (satellite class in Davis) are a few reasons. But the real sell for me was their helpfulness and responsiveness when I called to talk about their program,” Green said. “I was immediately put in contact with Patricia Milford, who had most of the answers, and received a call back in just an hour with answers to the questions she had not been able to reply to previously on the phone. The level of care makes you feel like you are the only student enrolled instead of just a number.”
Something he has enjoyed most about the program is the faith-based approach of his instructors.
“They truly understand we are working a full-time job while doing coursework, and they are exceptional at getting you the information you need without wasting time,” said Green.
“One facet that surprised me was the care and attention from all the professors. The level of care has been above and beyond anything I had hoped for.”
Now Green is looking forward to future opportunities to enter into an administrative role in a few years.
“I can have a larger impact on my school and at some point, maybe even the district,” said Green.
He offers this advice to anyone looking to further their education.
“The advice I would give to other adults is: Stop looking and enroll at SNU! The level of knowledge passed down from the professors is invaluable, and you will build an exceptional list of professional contacts and resources not available through other programs.”
