Online Student Spotlight: Nicole Alexander-Brisbon, First Class Back Scholarship Recipient

In 2021, Nicole Alexander-Brisbon graduated with her associate degree from the University of Cincinnati. Now she’s continuing her journey toward earning her bachelor’s degree, but she didn’t always think this would be possible.

Because of UC’s First Class Back Scholarship, it was. 

We spoke with Nicole about her experience with UC, what her scholarship meant to her, and where she’s headed after she earns her degree!

Stopouts—breaks in enrollment lasting longer than a semester—can make a huge impact on degree completion. According to research from the National Student Clearinghouse, every time a student stops out, it takes them additional years to earn their bachelor’s degree. Some students who take time off never complete their degrees at all.

For adult learners, this may hit harder than for others. Non-traditional students are often navigating school alongside full-time jobs and family commitments. Sometimes, stepping away from school is unavoidable. 

That shouldn’t hinder your progress toward graduation, which is why UC offers the First Class Back Scholarship. 

First Class Back helps eligible UC students come back to school by covering the cost of their first online class through UC Online. To qualify, students must be in good academic and financial standing and have started, but not yet completed, a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati. 

It eases the financial burden that can prevent students from returning to their education, but it’s more than that. No matter what you're doing, the first step is always the hardest. 

First Class Back helps students take that first step—from there, they’re able to continue working toward graduation.

Take Nicole’s story, for instance. She’s the mother of two daughters and has worked for the Department of the Army Child & Youth Services (CYS) for over twenty years. She also works as a part-time resident assistant at a women’s and children’s homeless shelter.

Nicole earned her Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care and Education with a concentration in Administration. While she enrolled in her bachelor’s degree afterward, she had to put her studies on hold for financial reasons. 

However, when Nicole received an email about First Class Back, it changed everything. She described feeling “blessed, seen, and astounded all at the same time.”

She set a goal for herself in 2017: finishing her bachelor’s degree. Ten years later, she’ll graduate with her online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies in Spring 2027. Her scholarship helped her reach the finish line. The encouragement she received from UC’s faculty and staff also made her feel a part of the Bearcat family.

“Knowing that UC cared about me finishing my degree made me feel like I was truly a part of the Bearcat family,” Nicole said. “The scholarship offer allowed me to return to school.”

Nicole had earned her online associate degree through UC, so she felt that she was in good hands when returning for her bachelor’s. She had a less positive experience with a different online program. As a result, she appreciated the intentionality with which UC supported her needs.

“From the design of the courses, to the many supports available to help me succeed, UC has made balancing school and other responsibilities very manageable,” she said. “The student support services are outstanding, and my courses have taught me concepts I can use professionally while I am pursuing my degree.”

In fact, Anna Smith, Nicole’s Student Success Coordinator (SCC) at UC Online, was the first person to contact her about her scholarship. SSCs help online students navigate their UC experience, connect with university resources, and work through challenges along the way.

These personal connections with staff, faculty, and other online student resources made a remarkable impact on Nicole’s experience. She felt like a person, not just a number.

Once she graduates, what’s next on the horizon for Nicole? She wants to keep learning. 

“I plan to see what career opportunities may be available to me now that I’ve earned my degree,” she said.

Graduate school is part of the grand plan, but she's also excited to discover where her newfound skills and knowledge will take her next. She added, “It will be one of the proudest moments in my life to finally hold my degree in my hands.”

No matter where she’s headed next, Nicole’s story is a testament to her perseverance and resilience. She’s living proof that it’s never too late to achieve your goals and continue your education.

Like Nicole, are you interested in completing your college degree but waiting for the perfect time? You don’t have to—especially since there may never be a “perfect time.” 

At the University of Cincinnati, we know the obstacles that stand between you and your educational goals. By offering over 140 online programs, from certificates to doctoral degrees, we’re here to help you overcome them.

Connect with an Enrollment Services Advisor today and begin exploring your options at UC!