The pathways to a master’s degree are diverse, but the journey inevitably connects passion and purpose. This the true for Abigail Cool, a student in Drury’s Master of Nonprofit and Civic Leadership (MNCL) program.
Abigail started college at age 52 with an eye toward a career in social work. While completing courses in Drury GO’s Behavioral and Community Health program, she discovered an interest in educational initiatives, advocacy, and public policy. A grant writing class revealed career opportunities in the larger nonprofit sector that prompted her to re-think what might be possible. Upon completing her bachelor’s, she took the bold step of applying for an executive director position with a local nonprofit and got the job!
Abigail is now serving as the executive director of the Women’s Medical Respite, an organization founded in 2015 that provides temporary and safe shelter for homeless women who have been discharged from the hospital due to injury, illness, or surgery and need a clean, safe place to recuperate.
Since she was new to the executive director role, she met with nonprofit leaders across the community to form valuable connections and re-focused her attention on school. Abigail applied to the Master of Nonprofit and Civic Leadership to deepen her knowledge of nonprofit operations.
Thanks to the program’s courses, Abigail is gaining valuable insights into nonprofit leadership that support the many hats she wears as an executive director. The program’s core courses include:
- Foundations of Nonprofit and Civic Leadership (MNCL 601)
- Governance and Executive Leadership (MNCL 602)
- Fundraising and Philanthropy (MNCL 603)
- Financial Oversight for Nonprofit Organizations (MNCL 604)
These four courses also serve as the curriculum for the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate, a 12-credit hour credential that can be completed in nine months (start in August and complete the certificate in May).
Abigail’s journey, fueled by a passion to serve others and a thirst for learning, is one to celebrate. She is making significant progress in the fulfillment of the Women’s Medical Respite mission by securing successful grants and increasing the organization’s outreach.
The MNCL program features 10 courses (30 credit hours). While many students complete the degree in 18-24 months, coursework applies toward degree requirements for a period of seven years.
Apply today or request more information and support your professional passion with a valuable credential.
You must be logged in to post a comment.