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In each edition of eConnect, you will notice certain articles fall under the category
of
Powerful Partnerships
. In a lot of ways, those two words represent a defining
characteristic of our institution. We work with partners on many different levels.
Industry professionals sit on our Academic Advisory Boards and provide invaluable
input as we modify and update our curriculum to accommodate the ever-changing hiring
criteria in a variety of professions. Employers rely on us to provide entry-level graduates
to fill open positions, as well as to educate existing employees seeking to elevate their
skills and advance within the organization. In turn, we rely on those employers to provide
meaningful externships to enhance the student learning experience. We work together
with our students so they can be ready professionally and technically for employers.
Partnerships become powerful when everyone involved receives something of value. We
believe that is exactly what is happening at ECPI University. Satisfied employers mean our graduates will continue to be in
demand and our institution attractive to the next generation of students.
Sincerely,
Mark Dreyfus
W
hen he returned from his last de-
ployment, Brett Schroder knew it
was time to come home for good. His lit-
tle girl did not recognize him. After eight
years in the Air Force, he had gained
many skills working with advanced radar
systems. Yet, he knew he still needed
additional education to augment that
experience. With the demands on his
time, he knew attending college online
was his best option. “I began research-
ing schools, and was disappointed at
first,” says Brett. “I really wanted to be in
a professional atmosphere that offered
a lot of interaction with the teacher and
other students. Luckily, I found ECPI
University.”
Brett began taking classes and per-
severed, even as he moved from duty
stations in Afghanistan, Germany,
and Delaware. He has now earned his
Bachelor of Science Degree in Electron-
ics Engineering Technology and is now
working for Texas Instruments in Dal-
las. “I was stationed in Dover, Delaware
and heard that Texas Instruments was
testing students at the Virginia Beach
campus. Two of my favorite teachers at
ECPI used to work for the company and
spoke very highly of it. So, I drove down,
took the test, and was later invited to
interview.”
“Brett was a very determined individual,”
says Student Services Coordinator Phil-
lip White. “He always responded quickly
to everything asked of him, despite
working 10 hours a day and caring for
his wife and four children. He sacrificed
quite a bit, but in the end it paid off.”
“I am very pleased with how everything
has turned out, especially all the support
I received from beginning to end,” says
Brett. “Most especially, I cannot say
enough about ECPI University’s Career
Services. They really kept the lines of
communication open, making me aware
of opportunities and helping me prepare
so I could make the most of them.”
From Halfway Across the World,
Online Grad Begins the Journey Home
Online On-the-Job
“I cannot say enough about ECPI
University’s Career Services.
They really kept the lines of
communication open, making
me aware of opportunities and
helping me prepare so I could
make the most of them.”
– Brett Schroder
Electronics Engineering
Technology Graduate
ECPI University graduate Brett Schroder (right) with
his commanding officer the day he was promoted
from Senior Airman to Staff Sergeant.