|
Glenville, WV - In an age when the average time it takes for a college student to graduate is five years, one Glenville State College freshman is on schedule to receive her degree in just two years.
2011 Calhoun County High School graduate Victoria Vineyard (left) started classes this fall at GSC already having completed sixty-eight credit hours of college classes. That is more than half of the one-hundred and twenty-eight hours required to earn a Bachelor's Degree. By taking summer classes, dual-credit courses, and on-line courses offered by GSC, Vineyard has already accumulated enough credits to qualify for an Associate's Degree in Fine Arts. She has applied to receive that degree in December of 2011.
"Some people don't believe that I have earned so many credits already, so I show them my transcript," said Vineyard.
Vineyard began taking college level classes during the summer of her sophomore year at Calhoun County High School. "I have always been serious about academics and wanted to get a head start on my college education. I can't wait to graduate and get out and find a job," she said.
In high school, Vineyard was a member of the National Honor Society, class President during all four years, and voted 'Most Likely to Succeed.'
"Glenville State College is doing everything we can to give high school students in central West Virginia the opportunity to prepare for their college career by providing off-campus and dual credit courses. Victoria has certainly taken advantage of these offerings. Her accomplishments and dedication to academic success shows what students can achieve if they are serious about their education," said GSC Vice President Enrollment Management Duane Chapman.
Vineyard lives in Arnoldsburg, West Virginia with her mom and dad, Earl and Julie, and four younger brothers. Her mother, Julie McKinely Vineyard, is a 1987 GSC graduate and encouraged Victoria to follow in her footsteps by attending Glenville State College.
"I love it here at GSC. It is much more challenging than high school so I have to push myself academically. I like the small campus, and the professors and people here are great," said Vineyard.
Her immediate goal is to graduate in May of 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a specialization in History. She hopes to teach at a Christian school. Her long term goals include earning a Master's in Education as well as a Ph. D. and becoming a college professor. "I want to teach because I was inspired by some of my teachers who did all the extra things necessary to encourage me to be a good student and become successful in life."
For more information on GSC dual-credit classes offered at area high schools and other off-campus courses, contact GSC Off-Campus Programming Coordinator Kathy Gilbert at Kathy.gilbert@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6124.
| 
