Working Professional Leverages K-State Olathe Graduate Program to Advance Career
December 6, 2024
While working full-time, Donna Steve expanded her career options by earning her M.S. in Veterinary Biomedical Science from K-State Olathe, which offers several emphasis areas of study.
The decision to return to college is often a difficult one. For Donna Steve, director of regulatory affairs and quality at Eurofins Viracor BioPharma, however, the choice to level up her career through additional academic training made sense. Steve graduated with her M.S. M.S. in Veterinary Biomedical Science from chose K-State Olathe while working full-time.
“The program here at K-State Olathe exceeded my expectations,” said Steve. “It was more than I could have imagined. I was one of those nontraditional students coming in. I was working full-time – 40-50 hours per week – and they made it easy for me to make that transition and to learn. They valued me as a student.”
Recent studies show as many as 75% of college students are nontraditional, meaning they are over 25 years old and may have full-time jobs and families. Understanding the unique challenges this student population faces, the K-State Olathe faculty tailors classroom and outside support to help them achieve success.
While Steve had many options for her academic and career development, she chose K-State Olathe so she could expand her career options as she made the transition from the animal health to the human health industry. She was also drawn to the faculty, who have vast industry experience and knowledge.
Her decision paid off.
“I went from having a degree working as a specialist in regulatory affairs and in seven years, I am now a director over regulatory affairs and quality,” said Steve. “Having that advanced degree skyrocketed my career in a short matter of time.”
The Veterinary Biomedical Science program provides students the opportunity to dive deep into a selected emphasis. Options include infectious diseases; pharmacology and toxicology; biotechnology; professional communications and business; and statistical analysis and experimental design.
“The Veterinary Biomedical Science graduate program equips students with specialized, advanced knowledge that opens doors to new career opportunities and elevates their impact within the animal and human health sectors,” said Paige Adams, D.V.M., Ph.D., K-State Olathe teaching associate professor of veterinary medicine. “For professionals already working in the field, this program deepens expertise, empowering them to step into more influential roles that drive meaningful advancements in health and contribute to the success of their organizations.”
With a mission of supporting professionals’ and companies’ growth, K-State Olathe designs educational programs that grow a highly skilled workforce for the region.