CCPE Graduates Congratulated on Achievement

On June 14, KSU’s College of Continuing and Professional Education congratulated more than 100 graduates as they received their professional certificates. CCPE hosts graduation in June and December of each year, honoring adult learners who’ve completed programs such as Project Management, Culinary, Paralegal, Certified Nursing Assistant and AutoCAD.

This graduation marked the first for interim dean, Dr. Tim Blumentritt, who joined the college in March. He’s worked at KSU since 2006, serving in the Coles College of Business, Distance Learning and the President’s Emerging Global Scholars program.

In addressing and congratulating the graduates, Tim acknowledged their commitment to education. He shared how he worked at a bank full time while going to school at night to earn his MBA.

“I was Tim before,” he said while reflecting on his journey to continue his education. “Now I was Tim with something extra. Just adding a couple of letters to the end of your name makes a difference. But what you do next is important — get value out of that.”

CCPE graduates earn a KSU credential — the professional certificate — but also have an opportunity to sit for exams that will provide an additional designation. Examples include Project Management Professional (PMP)®, Certified Financial Planner (CFP)®, Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)®. Our students learn the tools necessary to be successful on the job and receive preparation for their desired certification.

“Follow your dreams, but work to make them true,” Tim continued. “Accelerate yourself. This will lead to something that changes you.”

A few graduates shared their motivation for pursing a professional certificate. Christopher Kwaw completed the EKG Technician program. He said, “I was actually making a career change from teaching to healthcare. I plan to work in a health institution to grow in my chosen career.”

Bookkeeper Certificate graduate Shoshawnna Hamilton had previously taken an accounting class but did not receive encouragement to continue in the field. However, she said, “I earned an education [at CCPE] and the confidence to immediately apply and am now on week 3 of my new job.”

Rodney Dennis said KSU’s reputation and unique course offerings spurred him to enroll in the Ethical Hacker and Information Systems Security Professional programs. His goal post-graduation is entrepreneurship.

“KSU offers an amazing opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates, no matter what field you are in,” he said. “The support that goes on outside of the classroom is much better than I have seen thus far.”

Michelle Girage, assistant dean, addressed the graduates by saying, “Your future is bright!”

For more information on CCPE, visit our home page, call 470-578-6765, or email ccpe@kennesaw.edu.