Since 1928, BayPort Credit Union, based in Newport News, Virginia, has been a trusted financial partner among its local communities and members. Today, the $1.6 billion credit union is also partnering with Averett University, helping to enhance its employees’ skills and careers by encouraging education.
Partnering for Success
Averett University’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program partners with businesses like BayPort, offering a non-traditional track for adults to pursue a college degree or continue their education. Averett identifies employers who want to help its employees grow professionally and personally, then enables these organizations to provide an education option to their employees and families at a lower cost.
BayPort Credit Union has proven to be an ideal partner for Averett’s GPS program. True to its company motto, People Helping People, BayPort is reaching out to its employees and helping them to further their education, advance their careers, and improve life for themselves and their families.
Fulfilling Dreams
“After high school it’s supposed to be college, and while my life took a different turn, my dream for my degree did not stop,” says BayPort’s Laceena Brown, an Electronic Service Representative who will earn her bachelor’s degree in business administration this year. “Averett gave me a chance to not only fulfill a dream, but to also set a positive example for my kids.”
Averett gave me a chance to not only fulfill a dream, but to also set a positive example for my kids.
Michael Goodwin, ITM Supervisor at Bayport, had a similar motivation for attending Averett. “I received my associate degree years ago and always intended to get my bachelor’s, but I just kept putting it off. It’s a journey I’m now determined to fulfill,” says Michael, who will graduate next year from Averett also with a degree in business administration.
Meeting the Needs of Adults
Returning to school as a working adult can certainly have its challenges. It’s why BayPort Assistant Manager and MBA student Jennifer Dye is so appreciative of the support she’s received at Averett. “The admissions staff, my professors, my student advisor – the relationships you form here are authentic,” says Jennifer. “I feel like it’s an open-door policy, that I can contact any of them, anytime, with a concern.”
Michael appreciates the GPS program’s design and flexibility. “Taking one class at a time, every five to seven weeks, can really help you adjust your schedule,” says Michael. “With all my responsibilities – as a husband, father, and employee, and now also adding student to that – Averett has been a blessing for me and my family and my career.”
Take the Step
The Averett-BayPort partnership is no doubt changing careers and lives. “I’m living out a dream,” adds Laceena. “My degree is not only for me; it’s for my family. To those considering going back to school, I’d just say: yes, it’s a sacrifice, but it’s worth it. Take the step. Don’t sit on your dreams.”