Vols Online Degree is Part of a 30-Year Journey to Create Lasting Change
Gladys Hunt vividly remembers the moment her life shifted course forever. Escaping civil unrest in her Central American homeland, her family left behind the comfort of the familiar for an uncertain future in the United States. What initially felt like an ending became a remarkable new beginning that helped shape her life’s path. Part of this incredible journey gave her the courage to reinvent herself and change careers, including enrolling in a Master of Public Health degree through the University of Tennessee’s Vols Online program.
When Hunt immigrated to Missouri as a child, she entered a foreign world. A week after her arrival, she sat in a classroom surrounded by unfamiliar faces, customs, and a language she couldn’t understand. Driven by resilience and determination, she worked to overcome the language barrier. This early perseverance laid the foundation for her future success, culminating in her graduation from college and a career in the international transportation industry.
For nearly 15 years, Hunt thrived in her role, managing staff, leading technology projects, and implementing software systems. But at the peak of her career, she felt a desire for something more profound. It was a sense that her skills and experiences could be used to create a more meaningful impact. This ambition sparked a significant pivot in her professional life.
In the early 2000s, Hunt transitioned to the healthcare sector, where she found her true calling. She took on roles that allowed her to serve her community more directly, from leading lifestyle management courses to developing cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Her work became a blend of innovation and compassion, focusing on patients, stakeholders, and entire communities. She also began volunteering and working with refugees and immigrants, connecting deeply with their struggles, having lived through similar circumstances.
Though she had started her work towards an advanced degree nearly 30 years earlier, she was forced to pause for personal reasons. Driven by her growing desire to create lasting change, Hunt recognized that a graduate degree could amplify her ability to make a positive impact. An online program would be the best fit due to her schedule. She chose the Vols Online program for its reputation, flexibility, and the practical focus of the Community Health Education concentration in the Master of Public Health program. The decision marked the next chapter in her remarkable story.
Balancing her renewed education with her ongoing healthcare work, Hunt continues to thrive. She has gained invaluable skills, such as conducting data analysis, performing literature reviews, collaborating in online environments, and leading program evaluations. She uses these skills in her schoolwork, in her work with refugee organizations, and as the Community and Patient engagement lead with the Tennessee Heart Health Network.
“The professors have been amazing and are experts in their field, bringing real-world experience. They are incredibly responsive, always willing to help, answer questions, and offer support. In my opinion, their dedication makes the professors the biggest asset to the program,” said Hunt.
Hunt’s return to school is not just a tale of reinvention—it’s a story of resilience. She embodies the strength that can emerge despite adversity and has inspired those around her to believe in the same possibilities. Her life is a testament to what is achievable for adult learners and online students and a reminder that education and the courage to take risks open doors to incredible opportunities. With every step of her evolving career, she proves there is always time to rewrite your story and create an impact that resonates far beyond yourself.