Episodes feature inspiring narratives from distinguished alumni who have ascended Mt. Everest, are fighting human trafficking, offering refuge to wounded veterans and more

University of Phoenix is proud to announce the release of four new episodes of the Degrees of Success™ podcast which showcases the inspiring journeys of its remarkable alumni. Hosted by University of Phoenix Digital Campaign Manager and doctoral student Freda Richards, the podcast delves into the personal and professional lives of graduates who have overcome challenges and achieved significant success. The University, which has more than one million alumni, aims to share these incredible stories with a wider audience through the captivating series.

"Degrees of Success™ is a platform where our alumni's extraordinary stories come to life, showcasing their resilience and the transformative power of education,” stated University of Phoenix Director of Alumni and Career GTM, April Worden. “Each episode is a journey through their triumphs and challenges, and it is an incredible privilege to share these narratives that motivate and empower our listeners."

In the twelfth episode of the series, University of Phoenix alum Brian Dickinson shares the story of how he summited Everest solo, only to be struck with snow blindness, forcing him to navigate the dangerous descent with zero vision. “I went snow blind,” he shares, “And typically, with snow blindness, you’ll recover from it in about 24 hours. I wouldn’t regain my eyesight for a month and a half.” His survival is a testament to mental resilience, faith, and sheer determination—lessons that can be applied to any challenge in life.

The podcast, which was launched with the first episodes in November of last year, now features fifteen episodes – with new episodes released the first and last Thursday of the month – each sharing a unique and compelling story:

Episode 13 – Military Leadership as a Woman Officer

In this episode, Richards interviews University of Phoenix alumna Shirley Dominick, a retired Air Force officer, entrepreneur, and founder of Willing Warriors, a non-profit retreat for recovering service members. Shirley shares her remarkable journey as one of eleven children who grew up on a farm in South Carolina without running water to becoming a leader in the military and a champion for wounded veterans.

Episode 14 – The Shocking Truth About Human Trafficking

In this deeply moving episode, Richards sits down with Kylie Glendenning, a recent University of Phoenix graduate and a passionate advocate for human trafficking awareness and victim support, to uncover the harsh realities behind these cases. Glendenning shares the real-life stories that continue to fuel her fight against child exploitation, and her hopes for building a safer world for all children.

Episode 15 - From Cuba to Freedom: One Woman’s Journey

This episode dives into the remarkable story of Dr. Juana Lang, a courageous immigrant who defied the odds. From escaping communist Cuba on a makeshift raft while pregnant, to building a life in the United States as an educator, her journey is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering determination. Dr. Lang shares her harrowing escape, the sacrifices her family made, and the triumphs that followed.

Watch Degrees of Success™ on YouTube or listen on Amazon Music, Apple, iHeart Radio, Podbean and Spotify.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.

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