Meet Stephanie Layne, a 2023 graduate from the Individualized Degree Program and BEAR Scholarship Recipient.
The BEAR Program at Athens State University exists to help students with readmission after an absence of two consecutive semesters. Students find the support they need to return to school and may also be eligible to receive scholarship money.
“Without the BEAR Scholarship, I would not have been able to complete my bachelor’s degree,” shared Layne. “It was a dream come true!”
The twists and turns along life’s journey made it difficult for Layne to stay in school. After her father passed away, her mother raised the family as a single parent, and they worked to make ends meet. Starting in the tenth grade, Layne helped support her family while also taking care of herself. She was given her dad’s truck and learned early what responsibility looked like. Known by the nickname “Slayne” while playing softball through ninth grade, she developed a competitive spirit and resilience that would later define her academic journey.
Layne worked toward her degree for 10 years before completion. While in school, she has experienced more loss by being widowed. Layne is now raising her young daughter, who is her primary source of motivation to keep moving forward. Finishing her degree is as much for her daughter as it is for herself. Through every obstacle, Layne has demonstrated an incredible amount of grit and determination to create a better future for her family.
Layne is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and hopes to teach at the community college level.
I want a rewarding career,” shared Layne. “One that allows me to help people the way I have been helped. My education has completely changed my outlook on life.
A delayed graduation has given her the time to thoughtfully consider what she hopes to do with her future. She realized through her time at Athens State that one of the best ways to make a positive impact is through education.
“Most people would have given up by now,” Layne shared with tears in her eyes. She expressed her confidence that returning to school was the best decision and that she is right where she is supposed to be. “It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are. If you have a goal and dream, you can get there.”
From returning to complete her undergraduate degree through the BEAR Program and Scholarship to pursuing her master’s degree, Layne will have the opportunity to use her education to open more doors for her family’s future. After the Spring 2026 semester, Layne will be just three courses away from obtaining her master’s degree and making her dreams a reality.
About the BEAR Program
At Athens State, we know it isn’t how you started that matters – it’s how you finish – and we are committed to helping you get back on the path towards finishing your degree! There is no timeline for your academic journey. Join the B.E.A.R program and finish your degree with confidence! The “Benefits of Education by Academic Readmission”, or BEAR Program, can help you connect with the resources needed, such as readmission assistance, dedicated academic advising, guided course selection & registration assistance, and opportunities for financial assistance. Learn more HERE.
About Interdisciplinary Studies
With Athens State University’s online Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, you’ll get a flexible, entirely customizable graduate degree that allows you to pick the exact courses you need to meet your career goals. Learn more HERE.