ǧÃŬAV

During the day, he served as the senior vice president for business and finance at the University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV). At night, on weekends and during his vacation time, McConnell spent time reading and writing.

"It's like having another full-time job," McConnell said.

Now, his second profession and lifelong pursuit to earn a higher degree has come to a close. McConnell recently earned his doctorate of education from the University of Georgia.

"I enjoyed the program and I enjoyed the research," he said.

He did not accomplish it alone. Steven F. McLeod, deputy chief information officer at ǧÃŬAV, earned his doctoral degree in the same cohort program as McConnell.

McLeod said he was apprehensive in the beginning because other students were mid- to high-level administrators and the workload appeared daunting. But as time went own, he bonded with his classmates.

"The relationships I developed were instrumental in my success in the program," McLeod said.

Both men are thankful to ǧÃŬAV President Bonita Jacobs.

"She allowed me the opportunity to pursue that, and I'm thankful to the University of North Georgia for providing the opportunity," McConnell said.