How Jordan Earned 2 Degrees in 2 Ways at the Same University

Jordan (Lake) Remmes ’08 ’16 has some history with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

It’s where she lived and learned as a traditional campus student, immersed in academics and extracurriculars. And it’s where she earned her master’s degree as a new mom — her babies close by as she worked on her assignments online.

She earned two degrees from the same university at two very different points in her life.

Campus Life: A Time of Discovery

From her first visit to SNHU’s Manchester, New Hampshire, campus, Remmes knew the university was right for her.

"I knew it was a good fit the day I first visited campus: the programs, the location, the faculty who made me feel like a person rather than a number,” she said.

Next came choosing a major. Remmes (then Lake) said she knew what she wanted to study, but she wasn’t sure what degree best aligned with her interests.

“I had loved PR when I was in high school," she said. “I really loved writing, and I loved creating and I loved tech.”

She noted that her community at SNHU helped her make the connection between those interests and a bachelor’s degree in communication.

“Communications, as a degree, let me have the flexibility to get more concentrated as I studied and worked,” Remmes said.

Her business communications course, in particular, was one of her favorites. She noted that it’s since helped her as a woman in business and a consumer.

Remmes said she was really able to tap into the knowledge and experiences of her college instructors, too — leaning on them when needed and “respectfully challeng(ing)” them during the learning process.

At SNHU, she said her faculty felt like family.

“They were always proud of my work so long as I tried my best,” she said.

Beyond academics, Remmes was active on campus. While she was earning her degree, she also served as a resident assistant (RA), a news editor for the campus newspaper and a club member of the Coordinators of Activities & Programming Events (CAPE).

Young Professional + Mom of 2 + Master’s Student

When Remmes decided to go on for a master’s degree in marketing, college looked a lot different than her first time around. As a young marketing professional and new mom, Remmes decided to return to her alma mater as an online graduate student.

“At the time, I was beginning my career in marketing,” she said. “I did not come from wealth, and I had two babies I was often spending late nights tandem nursing while my computer and books laid everywhere.”

As her babies became toddlers, Remmes said she would build “nests” for them to sleep in next to her desk, where she was plugging away at her degree.

In 2016, eight years after her campus experience concluded, she earned her master’s degree in marketing, as well as a graduate certificate.

“There were struggles that wouldn’t have been surmountable without online schooling,” Remmes said. “I was able to do my work and keep (my children) close to me.”

Community and Flexibility: Features of SNHU

Now a two-time graduate, Remmes noted that SNHU offered her community and flexibility — and resources were readily available whenever she needed them.

“I never felt like there was red tape I had to get through,” she said. “If I needed something for my education, or even just as a person, the tools were always available for me to learn.”

Something that surprised Remmes about her college experience is that she walked away with more than an education. She said that she’s a better person now.

“I went in just expecting to get an education, but I achieved and acquired so much more,” she said. “I was empowered to know that if I work hard and if I have compassion for those around me, then I could achieve the best outcome possible.”

Rebecca LeBoeuf Blanchette '18 '22G is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she fulfills her love of learning daily through conversations with professionals across a range of fields. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing at SNHU’s campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, and followed her love of storytelling into the online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn.