Colorado Tech Online Students and Alumni
Meet Sharon Doffing
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Sharon Doffing is a woman with many titles, including City Councilwoman, independent
insurance agent, college graduate. And now she can add one more: Colorado Tech Online
distinguished alumnus.
Sharon's success story began like that of many others who choose to continue their
education at Colorado Tech Online: with a desire for knowledge and new opportunities.
"I always had a personal interest in learning about business and economics," says
this graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program.
"I wanted to update my education, especially in the area of e-commerce, and I wanted
to increase my earning potential. I began to look into universities that offered
online learning because it fit my busy lifestyle."
Colorado Tech Online was highly recommended to Sharon by a friend who works in education.
When Sharon learned about the hands-on, project-based learning approach at Colorado
Tech Online, she knew she wanted to enroll: "I was immediately impressed with the
high caliber curriculum and faculty. I learned the value of developing professional
relationships at a distance. I enjoyed learning and eventually started getting straight
A's."
Like many working adults, Sharon faced—and overcame—challenges that come with being
a student. And her involvement in local politics only added to the challenge. In
the midst of a campaign for city council, Sharon began to worry about maintaining
her grades. "I spoke with Dr. Peter West, Director of Education, who told me that
I should not give up because I was on track to graduate summa cum laude. When I
found out that means 'with highest honor,' I set a new goal for myself: attaining
a 4.0 grade point average. That goal inspired and motivated me throughout the remainder
of my time with Colorado Tech Online." After setting her goal, Sharon not only graduated
through Colorado Tech Online summa cum laude, but also won her city council seat
in a city of 23,000 "by securing 70 percent of the vote in a hotly contested three-way
race."
Before Sharon was selected as a Colorado Tech Online distinguished alumnus, all
she really wanted to do was say thanks. "When I completed the application, I wanted
to convey to the faculty and to the University how much I appreciated the education
I received at Colorado Tech Online. I wanted to show that the knowledge and skills
I have gained have helped me become successful in many areas. I wanted to show how
that has changed my life and to express how thankful I am for that. I did not expect
to be awarded anything. In a sense, I just wanted to say 'thank you.'"
But it was much more than her heart-felt thanks that distinguished Sharon from other
applicants. In addition to playing an active role in her church, local politics
and a non-profit organization, Sharon is employed by GoldenCare USA, a leader in
the long-term care insurance industry, where she was hired immediately after graduating
through Colorado Tech Online. At GoldenCare USA, she initiated a new sales process
using the Internet, email and telephone to develop long-distance sales relationships.
Sharon says that her "ability to develop and initiate such a strategy stems from
my educational experience at Colorado Tech Online. I also feel my education from
Colorado Tech Online helps me be a better advocate for the citizens of my community."
Sharon's intention may have been to thank Colorado Tech Online for the education
that led to her achievements, but Sharon's achievements may also be what have earned
her the recognition she deserves in her community, career and from Colorado Tech
Online.
As a distinguished alumnus, Sharon received a tour of the facilities that support
Colorado Tech Online; had dinner with Dr. Wallace Pond, the Chancellor of Colorado
Tech Online; and met some other very interesting people. She found the facilities
impressive. "The facility is huge, and the data center is astonishing! It is an
extremely large, state-of-the art network. I could not believe the magnitude of
technology at Colorado Tech Online. The explosive growth of online learning is truly
amazing. The tour gave me an enlightening view of the future of education."
The leaders and staff at Colorado Tech Online made an even better impression on
Sharon. "The high point of the award ceremony for me, indeed, was having the opportunity
to personally thank some of those who helped inspire me to get where I am today.
Being in the presence of so many people who work behind the scenes to make education
work for people like me was both a fulfilling and humbling experience. The people
I met are personable and well-equipped for their leadership roles, yet remain focused
on the importance and needs of individuals like me. I was truly honored when Dr.
Pond introduced me to a room full of [department] directors, Admissions Advisors
and faculty members at a luncheon, and I received a standing ovation!"
Sharon's experience as a distinguished alumnus may also have given her some ideas
for her future. "I found out that a lot of people who work for Colorado Tech Online
also go to school through Colorado Tech Online and are able to advance their career
opportunities as well as their education. I may soon have a new goal to strive for
because I am looking into continuing on to earn a Master's degree and teach courses
through Colorado Tech Online. I would like online learning to continue to be a part
of my future. Thanks to Colorado Tech Online and to everyone there who helped make
this possible for me!"
Back to Student/Alumni Profiles Home