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Student Profile | Angela Curreycurrey

Doctoral student attracted to Baker's flexible schedule.

As a mother and an educator, Angela Currey was determined to find a doctoral program that balanced her personal and professional life.

"I always knew I wanted to pursue the goal of obtaining a doctoral degree, and I was looking for a program that would meet the needs of my family," said Currey, the principal at Park Hill Early Child Education Center.

Baker University was a perfect match for Currey, who is interested in early childhood development. Two years after beginning doctoral courses at Baker's Overland Park campus, she became one of the first graduates to earn a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree in May 2008.

"Meeting once a week at night class with other individuals going through the same process made a difference," she said. "I was fortunate to share the experience with administrators at the high school level and college level as well as teachers. I learned just as much from my fellow classmates as I did from my professors."

Relationships with faculty and classmates were important to Currey's success.

Harold Frye, chair of Baker's Master of Arts in Education program, served as a mentor to Currey. The personal relationship also contributed to her success.

"I've always liked smaller universities and I felt I really made a connection to Dr. Frye," she said. "It is always special having the professors know you on a professional level. He knows I have three boys and enjoy camping. He knows the intricacies of me and how I work."

The relationships with her mentors and classmates were important throughout the coursework.

"I felt the university cared about me," Currey said. "I was more than just a number or a body in the classroom. First and foremost, I am a person. It took a lot of organizational skills and willingness from my family to make it all happen."

Currey credits the doctoral degree for helping her secure the job at the Park Hill Early Education Center. "I wouldn't be in the position I am right now if not for the program," she said.