UC Online Ambassador Spotlight: Macy Staggs, Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Macy Staggs, an online student at the University of Cincinnati, is the definition of busy. In addition to being a mother of three, she is a fifth-grade teacher at Adams County Christian School. With these competing priorities, in-person learning wasn’t feasible for her life.

Through UC, Macy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree 100% online and fulfilled a lifelong goal. But she didn't stop there. Now she’s pursuing her online Master of Education in Educational Leadership.

We spoke with Macy about her experience as a two-time online UC student, including what made UC stand out and how she’s balanced everything on her plate. 

Finishing her degree has always been a goal of Macy’s, but life often gets in the way, especially when you’re a working parent. Before she came to UC, she had tried going to school both in person and online, but these attempts were never the right fit.

“I always seemed to run into the same problem,” Macy said. “I would reach out to advisors with questions and sometimes struggle to get a response or the help I needed.”

When you aren’t coming to campus and interacting with peers, faculty, and staff every day, it’s easy to feel like you’re just another face in the crowd. Macy was already busy with work and family; she didn’t feel as though she could succeed academically without any support.

“I needed a program where I felt like someone was actually there to help me. I did not have time to constantly chase down answers or try to figure everything out on my own.” 

Macy didn't give up on her goal, though. She took a chance and enrolled in an online bachelor’s program through UC. Immediately, the difference was like night and day. 

UC’s dedicated online team and their consistent support “made going back to school feel possible,” Macy recalled. Both faculty and staff, such as online Enrollment Services Advisors and Student Success Coordinators, were well-versed in the unique challenges that Macy was facing as an online learner. She didn’t have to “chase down" support anymore. At UC, she finally felt like there were people invested in her journey.

For Macy, earning her bachelor’s degree was about more than fulfilling a personal goal. Family was a key motivator, and the “better future” she wanted to build for her children.

“Starting college again was about finishing something I had wanted for a long time,” she said, “but I [also] wanted my children, especially my girls, to watch me work toward something that was not always easy.” 

Macy graduated with her communications degree at the end of 2025. Walking across the stage at commencement, she barely resembled the student she’d been when she had first enrolled—riddled with doubt, worried that she wouldn’t find the support she needed as an online learner.

“I was so proud when I walked across that stage to get my diploma,” she said. More than just a degree, her diploma “represented all the late nights, assignments, sacrifices, and moments when I could have given up but chose not to." 

However, Macy’s UC journey didn’t end there. For so long, she’d been unsure if graduation was within her reach. With a finished online degree under her belt, she was hungry for more. 

A year later, Macy is in her final year of UC’s online educational leadership graduate program. Just like before, her desire to reach her full potential drove her to keep going.  

After having such positive experiences with her coursework and professors, she knew that continuing her education at UC was the right choice.

"I honestly wasn’t ready to give it up,” Macy said about online learning. “I knew I could still improve my education in some way, and kids don’t stay little forever. Getting my master's is something I can use when my kids are all grown and out of the house.” 

College is a balancing act for students of all ages, but adult learners are often navigating a unique blend of priorities. Macy admitted that “balancing school, work, family, and life was difficult” at times. The support she received both at school and at home made a huge difference and helped her persevere. 

When life threw unexpected curveballs—kids coming down with colds, emergency room visits, or writing "a three-page paper while the kids were at 4H”—Macy found that her instructors were understanding and willing to work with her. 

“They were so supportive of me being a mom and stuck with me in my journey,” she said. “They were always there for all my questions and the sudden family popups.”

Another major source of support for Macy was her husband; without him, she doesn’t think she would’ve been able to accomplish this much.  

But support isn’t the only thing that has kept her going. She's stayed dedicated because of what she hopes her children can learn. 

“I wanted them to see that becoming a mom does not mean you have to stop having goals for yourself,” she said. “They can work hard, build a life they are proud of, and still be amazing moms.” By watching her go on this journey, she hopes her kids will see what they’re capable of themselves, no matter what path they eventually go down.  

She added, “Being a woman is truly amazing, and I hope they see that if I can do it, they can do it and be loved along the way.”

When the opportunity to become an Online Ambassador presented itself, Macy jumped at the chance. For years, she’s been a role model for her children—showing them what’s possible when you give something your all. Now she’s ready to share that story with current and prospective students as well.

“I wanted to be able to tell others that finishing college is possible at any age, especially with UC,” she said. "They want you to succeed and are as excited as you are when you do.” 

Looking back on her previous struggles at other colleges, Macy said, “I’m proud that I took the chance and went back to school.” 

UC gave her the guidance and direction she needed to feel like there was an end in sight. If possible, she wants to let others know that they have the same opportunities available.  

First as a bachelor’s student and now in her master’s program, she’s able to provide a unique perspective to others who are interested in going back to school.

“I started this journey because I wanted to finish my degree and create a future where I knew I could stand on my own if I ever needed to,” she said. “My UC adventure is still being written, and I am excited to see where it takes me next.” 

Macy’s story is an impactful example of how much you can accomplish when you have support—from family, but also from your university.

Like Macy, are you wanting to continue your education as a working parent? If so, the University of Cincinnati’s flexible online programs may be the right choice for you. With over 140 online degree programs ranging from certificate to doctoral level, UC makes it possible to advance in your career without sacrificing time with your family. 

Your Enrollment Services Advisor can offer personalized guidance and help you consider your next steps. Connect with UC today and see what your options are.

Discover how you can share your experience, answer questions, and help future Bearcats see what’s possible.  For more information, visit the UC Online Ambassador Program webpage.