UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Felicia Ellis-Jones may not have taken a traditional path to a college degree, but she said her experiences as a Penn State World Campus student have empowered her to advance her career and achieve a long-held personal goal.
Earlier this month, Ellis-Jones, who currently lives in Houston, graduated from the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. After several years working in recruiting in New York City, Ellis-Jones realized that earning her degree would complement her professional experience and open new doors.
“It was like an ‘aha’ moment,” she said. “I was sitting on the train and told myself I was going to do it — I wanted higher education to support my experience.”
While exploring her options, Ellis-Jones came across a Penn State World Campus advertisement — on the same New York subway where she had her epiphany. After researching the program, she knew it was the right fit.
“I was looking at programs in the New York area, but Penn State stood out,” she said. “I didn’t know where I’d be long-term, and World Campus gave me the flexibility to keep going even if I moved back to Texas.”
Her interest in human resources led her to major in organizational leadership. The degree, she said, helped her formalize and build on the skills she had developed on the job.
“Working in recruiting sparked my passion for human resources,” Ellis-Jones said. “A recruiter once helped me break into the field and changed my life. I want to be able to do that for someone else — help them feel seen, supported, and capable. It all aligned perfectly.”
Throughout her course work, Ellis-Jones gained knowledge across a variety of subjects, often applying what she learned to real-world experiences. One class in particular, LHR 458Y: History of Work in America, left a lasting impression.
“It was research-heavy, and I wrote a 15-page paper on the New South Deal and FDR’s presidency,” she said, referring to Franklin D. Roosevelt. “I took it last fall, so it really helped me understand the significance of elections and labor laws. It changed how I think about voting and being an informed citizen.”
Though she wasn’t able to travel to the University Park campus for the spring 2025 College of the Liberal Arts commencement ceremony, Ellis-Jones celebrated the milestone at home with her family and friends.
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from Penn State — from academic scholarships and faculty guidance to resources that helped her stay on track. She was also an active member of the Virtual SHRM Student Chapter, which she said played a key role in developing her leadership skills and strengthening her work as a recruiter in the human resources field.
“Penn State really supported me every step of the way,” she said. “Whenever I needed help or applied for scholarships, someone always pointed me in the right direction. Even when I doubted myself, there was always someone there. I would 100% recommend Penn State to anyone.”
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts online through Penn State World Campus.
