For many Athens State students, pursuing an education is about more than career outcomes. It’s about pursuing purpose. Tralanda Tate is no different. Through career shifts and educational endeavors, Tate shared that her focus has always been about finding her calling, and success has followed.
Originally from Macon, Mississippi, Tate began her career in education at a young age. Over the years, she gained experience in the classroom, human services, cosmetology, and barbering before returning to education in a role that allowed her to combine her range of expertise.
Today, Tate serves as a Barber Instructor at Drake State Community & Technical College and as a Huntsville City Schools educator for dual enrollment students. Her work spans secondary and postsecondary education, where she teaches students, supports instructors and helps prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
Her journey eventually led her back to Athens State University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
“I wanted to dig a little bit deeper,” Tate said. “How can I make it better? How can I be better at what I’m doing?”
For Tate, the interdisciplinary approach provided an opportunity to connect the different areas of knowledge and experience she had developed throughout her career. Rather than following a single path, she was able to build on her background and apply what she learned directly to her work in career and technical education.
Her experience at Athens State also challenged her to think differently about her career and her purpose.
“It was more of a deep-thinking challenge,” Tate said. “It made me think about where I want to be, where I’m trying to go, and what my purpose is.”
That perspective continues to influence how Tate approaches her work today.
At Drake State, she works with both traditional and dual-enrollment students, teaching technical skills while also helping students develop leadership, professionalism and other skills they will need in the workforce. She also works alongside instructors and adjunct faculty to help ensure they have the tools and support needed to be successful in the classroom.
Her Athens State education helped reinforce the value of her work while providing the credentials to support her professional experience.
“As an educator, it enhances my current role and broadens future opportunities as well,” Tate said. “It came with certification which speaks volumes in my field.”
For Tate, that combination of education and experience has opened the door to greater professional opportunities, including leadership and advancement within career and technical education.
Her experience also reflects the flexibility of an Athens State education. Tate first learned about Athens State through advertisements and coworkers who were already enrolled. The opportunity to complete her coursework online ultimately sealed the deal for her attendance at Athens State.
She credits Athens State faculty and staff, including Dr. Debra Baird and advisor Jennifer Mares, with helping her navigate the program and understand how each step connected to her long-term goals.
“I never had to wonder, ‘What class am I taking next?’” Tate said. “It was a full curriculum, a clear pathway to the next step, and I just had to follow it.”
Today, Tate continues to use her Athens State education to help students see what is possible for their own futures.
Her career may have taken several different paths, but each experience has added another layer to the educator she is today. Through the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Tate was able to bring those experiences together, strengthen her professional credentials and continue moving forward in a career dedicated to helping others succeed.
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.