Betty Holman

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU)’s Organizational Management Degree Program was one of five programs to be selected nationally to receive the National Council of Continuing Education and Training (NCCET)’s 2021 Exemplary Program Award. The award will be received at a ceremony immediately following the 51st National NCCET Members Conference luncheon on Thursday, February 3rd, in Austin, TX.

“I’m very excited to see our Organizational Management Program receive this well-deserved recognition,” said Betty Holman, Director of SAU’s Department of Extended Studies. “Since 1997, the goal of the Department of Extended Studies has been to transform lives, and we’ve done that.”

SAU’s Organizational Management program began in 2008 by offering face-to-face nights and weekends using an accelerated five-week format. Classes were offered on campus and at two off-campus centers in rural communities, an approximately one-hour drive from the University’s main campus. Courses changed to an eight-week format last Fall to be consistent with other evening and weekend programs offered by the University. In addition, an online option is now available as of Spring 2022. Long-term, the program will receive national accreditation as a part of the University’s School of Business, Management, and Technology.

Adult learners in this program originate from state and local government agencies and private industries. They are primarily career employees without a college degree.

“Our students receive one-on-one interaction from faculty and staff that understand the needs of the adult learner and push them,” says Holman. “At SAU, we have the resources, faculty, and staff to help students succeed here amid their adult responsibilities.”

The Organizational Management major offers an ideal alternative academic opportunity for the working adult learner to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. The program prepares students to compete in the global world of work through practical instruction, technological application, relevant curricula, and professional development.

Over the past decade, the program has graduated an average of 17 students. The graduates’ success demonstrates the program’s quality, instructional materials, and faculty. Graduates have

become authors, coordinators for Miss North Carolina, college coaches, founders of non-profits, magazine editors, and university librarians. In addition, graduates have continued their education, earning graduate and professional degrees in Accounting, Master of Business Administration, Master of Divinity, and Master of Health Administration. At least three graduates are now students in the Master of Public Administration program at Saint Augustine’s University.

“Our first graduating class was 1999, and many have moved on to have great careers and receive advanced degrees,” says Holman. “It makes me proud to know that they got their start here.”

NCCET is the leading organization in developing innovative programming and professional development for continuing education, corporate training, and community service leaders. They provide an extensive array of information, expertise, and programs to advance their member’s role as learning professionals. To learn more about the NCCET, click here.

Click here to learn more about SAU’s Organizational Management Program in the Department of Extended Studies.