Student Spotlight

After spending more than a decade in the Navy, Ken Johnson never expected to start his civilian life making minimum wage. With a growing family to support, he knew that he needed a better life — one that was only possible with a college degree. Johnson, a self-learner and lifelong Nittany Lion fan, knew Penn State World Campus was the perfect fit for him.

"What I needed was the education, and that is exactly what I get from Penn State," he said.

The decision to attend Penn State and earn his associate degree in letters, arts, and sciences required both a financial and a personal sacrifice, but it is one that will pay off for him in the end.

"I know that with Penn State on my résumé, I will be able to compete with anyone out there for a job," he said. "And I can say that I did it without having to give up spending time with my family." Thanks to the convenience and flexibility of Penn State's online program, he is able to keep weekends free for his wife and children.

Johnson never gave up on his education and has already started to lead his children and his co-workers by example.

"I've already talked a few of the people at work into getting computers and looking into online classes, and my oldest daughter is thinking about it, too," he said. "I'm someone who has never given up, and I don't think anyone else should either. There is always an opportunity out there if you are willing to work hard enough for it."