Meet recent mother-son graduate team from Athens State, Kim and Jared Breach! The story of Kim and Jared Breach is proof of the value of a solid support network, education, and dedication. Learning is a lifelong process, as shown by their experience at Athens State University, which not only enhanced their careers but also strengthened their relationship as mother and son.
I enrolled in Athens State and completed my Bachelor’s in Acquisition and Contract Management in 2023,” Kim says. “After graduation, I had what people call ‘school withdrawals’ so I decided to go back and get my master’s in the same field.
Kim’s passion for learning inspired Jared to follow in her footsteps. What began as a suggestion from his mother turned into an educational journey that would impact both their futures.
“When my mom told me she was going back for her master’s, I was initially skeptical,” Jared recalls. “She convinced me to give it a shot too, so I enrolled in Supply Chain Management.”
Jared admits that he was initially intimidated by the prospect of pursuing a graduate-level degree, but Athens State’s supportive environment made all the difference. He shared that although he was unsure if he would finish the program, his mom’s dedication throughout her journey both inspired and motivated him to keep going.
Athens State is such a great place,” Jared notes. “The professors are really supportive and they make sure you’re on track. If I had gone somewhere else, I don’t think I would have received the same level of personal attention.
Both Kim and Jared thrived in Athens State’s flexible online programs, which allowed them to balance school with their busy lives. While they studied different fields, they supported each other throughout the process.
“We didn’t study together much,” Kim adds. “If we had the same professors for our courses, then we would guide each other through what to expect.”
The education they received at Athens State profoundly impacted both Kim and Jared’s careers. Kim, who processes subcontracts, found that the program directly prepared her for her role. Kim’s current work with SES involves subcontracting for military helicopters, modifying planes, and even building military-grade equipment.
I now work with government contracts and everything I learned about the FAR regulations, contract terms, and how to draw up contracts is used every day in my job,” she says. “I am always amazed by the scale of the work we do, and I owe a lot of it to the education I received at Athens State.
Jared, who manages a used car business, says that his degree in Supply Chain Management gave him the confidence and skills to succeed in his career.
“The principles of supply and demand, logistics, and inventory management are directly related to what I do every day,” he explains. “I’m glad I earned my degree because it’s given me options for the future.”
Kim and Jared’s story is an example of how education can change lives and create new opportunities. Kim is considering pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a professor because of her love for learning and desire to pass it on to others. She also shared a piece of advice for anyone considering furthering their education.
“At least try. A degree is something that can never be taken away from you,” Kim says.
Jared, on the other hand, feels that his education taught him valuable life lessons beyond the classroom. He shared that those lessons can go beyond pen and paper such as “managing your time well, being persistent, and understanding how to overcome obstacles.”
Kim and Jared earned their degrees from the College of Business in Acquisition and Contract Management and Supply Chain Management.
These programs are designed to equip students with the skills necessary for careers in logistics, procurement, and management. To learn more about these programs and how they can help you reach your career goals, visit Athens State’s Acquisition and Contract Management Program and Supply Chain Management Program.