A Gilbert father of four was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of Phoenix by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the university Friday.
Eliott Reynolds, 35, has worked in the IT field for the better part of a decade, but didn’t think he could receive a college degree because of the cost while also maintaining a full-time job and raising a family.
“It’s something that’s been in the back of my mind,” Reynolds said about returning to school.
Reynolds decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technologies. His scholarship will cover tuition and all of the resource fees associated with each class.
Recently, there had been a job opportunity, Reynolds said. However, they were looking for someone with a degree.
“It’s a career I’ve morphed into and learned on my own,” he said. “I think a degree will strengthen my skills and marketability.”
After attending a Diamondbacks game in mid-August, shortly before the application deadline, Reynolds saw the scholarship opportunity. That night he looked at the website and decided to apply.
“I had painted myself into a corner career-wise,” he said. “If nothing else, this will allow me to explore other avenues.”
Reynolds will begin orientation in October and start classes in the beginning of November.
Contact writer: (480) 898-5645 or sspring@evtrib.com
IceCat posted at 5:51 pm on Tue, Oct 2, 2012.
An IT degree from the University of Phoenix, and being at least 40 when you graduate; good luck with that. [wink] But free is good.
mrsjones2010 posted at 10:54 am on Thu, Oct 4, 2012.
Wow, I think that's awesome. Also, I don't think there's really any age limit for attending school and earning a degree. The friends I have who work for UoP know of people in their 70's who are still going strong in school. Knowledge is an ongoing pursuit. Pretty fantastic for a father of four to have that desire to improve.