To call Edward Wilson a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Business Management program is true, but far from the whole story. While others relied on routine, Edward thrived on movement. His educational journey spanned not just semesters, but landscapes—each one adding depth and perspective to his academic experience. In a life marked by shifting time zones and ever-changing backdrops, it would have been easy to lose focus. But Edward’s resolve was unwavering. He didn’t just learn management—he lived it, navigating uncertainty, setting goals in unfamiliar places and building systems to support himself wherever he landed. Edward’s graduation is not just a milestone; it’s the punctuation on a story of intentional living and self-determined success. In a world that increasingly rewards flexibility and vision, he’s not just prepared, he’s already ahead of the curve.
From Ohio to Texas – And Everywhere In Between
Growing up in Ohio, Edward remembers his childhood as somewhat average. Going to school, wandering around his small town and even finding some hobbies he actually enjoyed doing. He was, as he would say, “average.” After going through some hardships in life, including having his father pass away, Edward eventually moved to Texas to spend time with family. And though he couldn’t call Texas home – yet – Edward decided to look into attending college. After all, that was the next thing in life. However, it became quite clear to Edward that college was not for him, at least not now.
“It was really wild,” Edward said. “I was doing college, and then I just sort of got burnt out. I did about two semesters’ worth of classes and told myself I would go back the next semester. And as it turns out, that became a 20-year break.”
As time went on, Edward decided to get a job and just carry on with life as best as he could. Eventually, Edward met his soon-to-wife, who happened to be an ACU alumnus. Talking about how great ACU was for her, he remembers his wife mentioning that he should look into getting his degree, too. Reluctantly, he decided to go for it at a different online university. And while online education wasn’t necessarily at its highest peak globally, Edward went for it, but found that maybe this was just another dead end.
“I tried to take two or three classes, and it was not a good experience,” Edward says. “There was no connection to the professors and it felt like there wasn’t much of a care whether you showed up to class or you didn’t. It was very difficult to get any type of extra help with things. And so, I kind of got tired of that.”
Still though, his wife didn’t let him give up on his dreams of finishing his degree. Pushing him to look into ACU Online, Edward eventually gave in and gave it a shot – and it was the best decision for him, by far.
Getting to ACU
Long before “remote work” became the buzzword of a generation, Edward had already carved out his own path, working remotely since 2007, well ahead of the curve. That early adoption of a digital lifestyle made the leap into online education feel like a natural extension of the world he had already mastered. Navigating virtual spaces wasn’t a challenge—it was home. When he discovered ACU Online, something clicked. Here was a university that didn’t just offer online classes, but built a whole academic ecosystem grounded in faith, community and real connection. From the very beginning, Edward knew he wasn’t just logging into lectures; he was stepping into a community that cared. He dove into his Business Management coursework with enthusiasm, finding each class to be not just a requirement, but a rewarding journey. What surprised him most was how personal it all felt, how professors didn’t just know his name, but knew his story, his goals and his potential. The deeper he went into the program, the more inspired he became. His professors were mentors, encouragers and thought partners who helped him translate his wide-ranging life experience into academic and professional growth. Edward’s goal was always clear: to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management by December 2024.
When he crossed that virtual finish line, it wasn’t just a checkbox on a list—it was a dream realized.
“I never thought I would ever arrive at this point of my life,” Edward said. “All my life, I’ve been told I would never amount to anything – and now, here I am.”
Now, with his bachelor’s degree proudly earned, Edward is looking ahead with curiosity and determination. The idea of pursuing an MBA is no longer just a possibility; it’s a real and exciting next step. He sees it as a way to deepen his leadership capacity and build on everything ACU has helped him discover about himself and the world. But none of this—none of the growth, the milestones, the new horizon—would have been possible without two powerful sources of support: ACU and his wife. To Edward, ACU wasn’t just an academic institution—it was a lifeline, a launchpad and a place where his unconventional path was not only accepted, but celebrated.
Today, Edward stands at the edge of a new chapter, grateful, grounded and more motivated than ever. His story proves that dreams don’t expire, that it’s never too late to pursue a calling, and that with faith, partnership and the right community, even the most nomadic path can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
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