EUGENE, Ore. – In this Bushnell University online student Q&A, we explore the inspiring journeys of students who have answered the call to pursue their education through Bushnell University’s online degree programs and how they plan to make a positive impact within their communities.
Nate Bill
Program: Business Administration (Management and Leadership Concentration)
What inspired you to pursue your business administration degree?
I have been fortunate enough to have worked for credit unions for over 20 years and fortunate to learn from some truly inspiring leaders. Their guidance has fueled my desire to uplift and inspire others in return, making a meaningful impact in their lives. My decision to pursue marketing as a minor comes from my passion for the transformative power of ideas, how they can resonate with others and spread positivity. By combining my leadership experience with my passion for marketing, I feel empowered to turn that passion into purpose, helping others connect, inspire, and make a lasting difference.
Why did you choose to pursue your online education with Bushnell University?
Balancing family, a full-time job, and school was important to me, and I needed a program that would support all three. Bushnell’s online program has been an incredible fit. Even though it’s online, I’ve never felt disconnected from my professors or classmates; the sense of community at Bushnell is strong. The flexibility allows me to complete my schoolwork without feeling rushed, which has been great. Online learning has also improved my personal organization and time management in all areas of my life, helping me grow both academically and personally.
What impact do you hope to have on your community?
As a Senior Community Engagement Manager, I strive to make a meaningful difference by promoting financial literacy and supporting the wellbeing of nonprofits and community partners. Whether I’m teaching individuals how to manage their finances or helping organizations boost employee morale and strengthen their mission, my goal is to uplift and empower the community. The education and support I’ve received through Bushnell has enhanced my skills, deepened my understanding of leadership, and reinforced my commitment to making a lasting impact in the communities I serve.
What excites you most about the management and leadership field?
Leadership isn’t about giving orders, it’s about leading by example and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I’m excited to grow in my understanding of what true leadership looks like and how I can develop those skills. I look forward to learning from my classmates, gaining new perspectives, and hearing ideas I may not have considered before. Most of all, I’m inspired by the opportunity to be part of a community where we share success stories, support each other, and strive to be a positive impact to others.
Kelsey LeRoy Gomez ’24
Program: Psychology
What inspired you to pursue your psychology degree?
I was inspired to pursue this degree to further my education to be a therapist, so it was a stepping stone to my master’s degree. I’ve worked in the mental health field for over 12 years and want to do more for my community.
Why did you choose to pursue your online education with Bushnell University?
I chose my online education with Bushnell because it worked best with my schedule, the classes held a good format, and I was able to maintain good communication with my professors.
What impact do you hope to have on your community?
I hope to continue to my master’s and become a therapist in my community doing trauma work with families.
What excites you most about the therapy field?
I am excited to be someone who can help a child heal and have more say in turning their life around for the better.
Ed Perry ’25
Program: Interdisciplinary Studies (Criminal Justice, Communication, and Business Administration Concentrations)
What inspired you to pursue your interdisciplinary studies degree?
This degree closely aligned with my current profession, Law Enforcement, as well as helping me prepare for future advancement into higher level administrative roles.
Why did you choose to pursue your online education with Bushnell University?
I had been thinking of jumping back into the college life after a lengthy break. I originally attended a local community college but quickly realized that the atmosphere was not for me. I later returned to that college and adjunct instructed with a lead instructor for several years, instructing Reserve Officer Police Courses. Over time I was reminded of why I had not wanted to pursue my degree with that college. I remembered speaking to someone in admissions years back at Northwest Christian University about their online program; I still have the old flyer kicking around my desk. When I went to look them up, I discovered that they were now under the umbrella of Bushnell. I did some research and decided that Bushnell fit my values as well as my needs, so I reached out and was immediately impressed. I have continued to be impressed with the amazing people I have had the privilege of learning from as well as learning with throughout my journey at Bushnell. I have raved about this school to everyone who will listen; as of now two of my Sergeants (one being promoted since starting at Bushnell, which definitely helped him) have signed up and started their degrees with Bushnell. I have a feeling more will be coming in the future.
What impact do you hope to have on your community?
I hope to continue to have a positive impact on my community as well as the Bushnell community by simply doing my best to give back as much as possible. I strive to live by a motto I pirated from one of my great opportunities to attend amazing leadership training, and it is to “Love Your People”. Such a simple yet powerful motto to live by. I constantly strive every day to treat everyone as family and try and look at things from their point of view. This has caused me to have great relationships with the people I work with and most importantly for the people who work for me.
What excites you most about the law enforcement field?
Everyday is a new day and full of new unknown challenges to be resolved. I feel as I continue to advance in my department, I am able to change culture in a positive way as well as help the people below me move further towards excellence. By giving them the power to develop their own expertise, it makes my organization stronger as a whole and. In the end, that positivity directly benefits my community that my officers are serving. I have been at my agency for over 20 years where I started as a Reserve Officer and advanced my way to an Operations Captain. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to grow in the place I started my career at. As I continue to grow as a leader I hope to someday move into the role of Chief of Police at my agency.
Bushnell online programs are designed to meet the needs of busy, working adults. Most programs can be accelerated or decelerated to meet the needs of your pace, schedule, and finances. With an 8-week format, students take just one or two classes at a time. To learn more information, visit our online admissions web page.