Graduate Spotlight: Brittany Fulcher (AIS in Interdisciplinary Studies)

Throughout her life, Brittany Fulcher has always wanted to make an impact on the lives of others. Her passion led her to health care. It’s also what motivated her to further her education online through the University of Cincinnati.

Brittany recently graduated from UC’s online Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies program. To highlight her accomplishment, we spoke with Brittany about her experience as an online learner and how it felt to graduate.

Health care has always spoken Brittany. For her entire career, it’s where she’s chosen to put down roots. Before she came to the University of Cincinnati, she’d already earned her LPN and Medical Assisting certification and had years of experience in patient care. Even so, her quick growth in the field had come to a halt.

“I chose to enroll in my first online program because I reached a point in my career where experience alone wasn’t enough to keep advancing,” Brittany said. “Without a degree outside of nursing, I started running into barriers that could eventually prevent me from reaching my long-term goal of becoming a COO. I knew I needed formal education to match the level of responsibility I was already taking on.”

There was just one problem: Brittany knew she couldn’t make a traditional on-campus program work with her life. She’s a regional Director of Operations for US Vision Med Partners; she’s also a single mother. It quickly became clear that if she was going to continue her education, she needed the flexibility of online learning.

When Brittany learned about the interdisciplinary studies program at UC, everything clicked into place. Earning her degree was her pathway toward career advancement, not starting from scratch. “Online learning gave me the flexibility to continue leading in my role while building the academic foundation I needed to keep scaling professionally.”

Interdisciplinary studies was the perfect match for her goals. Along with being able to apply previously earned credits toward the program, Brittany could also tailor her degree curriculum in a way that built upon her existing knowledge.

“My UC Online experience has strengthened the business and leadership skills I use every day in my role,” Brittany said. “Some of the classes I’ve taken have helped me think more strategically and communicate more effectively. It has also reinforced my long-term goals of advancing into executive leadership.”

Her years in nursing and role as director of operations have given Brittany plenty of hands-on experience in her field. Her AIS coursework has complemented her hands-on operational experience, allowing her to further hone her abilities.

Courses like Business Communication and Finance were also impactful. “They helped me strengthen the way I lead teams, manage operations, and the way I look at the finance piece in operations.”

During our conversation, Brittany made one thing clear: online learning made it possible for her to go back to school.

“It gave me the flexibility to continue leading in my role while building the academic foundation I needed to keep scaling professionally,” she said.

That’s not to say that earning her degree was easy. She stressed that going back to school never felt “convenient or perfectly timed.” As an online student balancing motherhood and a demanding leadership role, Brittany relied on a structured weekly schedule to keep up with her studies. Typically, this meant staying disciplined and setting aside designated study time; other times, it meant doing her homework in the airport.

For years, Brittany told herself she’d do school “later.” She felt as though her dreams had to wait until life was less busy, less complicated, less overwhelming. Eventually she realized something: “Later never comes unless you decide it’s now.”

Choosing to pursue her degree changed everything. Now Brittany strongly encourages women like her to not wait for the “right” time to go back to school.

“I know what it feels like to doubt yourself or to believe that you have already missed your chance,” she said. “Deciding my time is now has shown me it is never too late to rewrite your story. If anything, being a mother and a leader has made me stronger, more determined, and more capable than I ever realized. Your future is worth investing in, even if the timing isn’t perfect. Start now, start scared, and start tired—because you are worthy of choosing yourself.”

Brittany finished her AIS degree this past spring. UC Online graduates have the option to celebrate their graduation at home—or come to campus and walk across the graduation stage. While Brittany ultimately wasn’t able to attend the ceremony in person, it didn’t make her graduation any less special.

“When it finally clicked that I had officially graduated, it felt surreal,” she described. “I kept thinking about everything it took to get to that moment. The late nights, the moments of doubt, and the determination it took to keep pushing forward. It wasn’t just a finish line; it was proof to myself that I could set a goal and follow through, no matter how challenging the journey felt at times."

Looking back on graduation day, Brittany recalled feeling a wide range of emotions.

“There wasn’t one big spotlight moment, but rather a deep, personal acknowledgement that I had followed through on something I once questioned if I could finish,” she said. Alongside that sense of self-recognition, she felt gratitude for the people who helped her reach this point, as well as immense pride in “earning something meaningful through real effort and perseverance.”

However, when she looks at her diploma now, it takes her back to another moment from graduation: the quiet realization that this time in her life was finished. She still remembers the relief she felt when she submitted her last assignment.

“It was such an emotional feeling. I can do hard things!”

With an associate degree under her belt, Brittany has no plans to stop learning. In fact, she is already enrolled in UC’s online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies (BPS). Like the AIS program, the BPS degree is designed with working adult learners in mind and allows them to earn college credit through prior work experience. It was the perfect next step for Brittany as she strives toward an executive leadership role.

She’ll graduate next year with her BPS. After that, the sky’s the limit. She already has her sights set on UC’s online Executive Master of Health Administration program. No matter what path Brittany takes, it’s clear that her dedication and work ethic will take her far.

When asked for her final piece of advice for adult and non-traditional learners, she shared the following:

“My biggest advice for anyone is to give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. Balancing life and school is possible when you know your ‘why’. Most importantly, don’t underestimate yourself; returning to school later in life is such a strength, and all the experience you may have will help you succeed.”

Brittany’s story is a powerful reminder of what so many online learners wrestle with. It’s never the “perfect” time to go after what you want, but if you can take that leap, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. From all of us at UC, congratulations Brittany!

Did Brittany’s advice strike a chord for you? If so, consider exploring online learning at the University of Cincinnati. Our online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs offer numerous opportunities to upskill and advance your career—with the flexibility you need as a busy working professional.

If you’ve been struggling to decide when to go back to school, let us help you think it over. Connect with your Enrollment Services Advisor today.