UMGC support helps learners finish strong
“My success coaches.”
“My advisor.”
“My professors.”
At UMGC, a variety of individuals can offer assistance, and no matter a learner’s background or individual story, support systems are designed to connect them with someone who has their back.
Ten years ago, LaKiyah Seard ’26, graduated third in her class from high school and was chosen to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy. She began her college career at University of Maryland, College Park, in fall 2016. Then life happened.
“I would say that I hit my first rock bottom,” said Seard. “It was kind of me realizing that my mental health wasn't something to play with, nor was it a joke. It was seriously affecting me.”
Seard left College Park, but, when she was ready, chose to try again at UMGC, and that’s how she met her success coach, Elizabeth Gall, who recommended a steady plan of two classes per term. With guidance from Gall and another success coach, Meghan Barnett, Seard mapped out a trajectory that culminated with her taking six courses her last semester to earn her bachelor’s double-majoring in health services management and psychology.
“Liz is the best. Fought for me as if it was for herself,” Seard said. “I am so grateful for her. This is possible because she's been an amazing rock. [She has] been with me from the beginning and has never given up on me.”
“And Meg is the GOAT, because she managed to help me transfer in 10 courses to be able to graduate this spring.”
Seard also appreciated her professors, who granted her accommodations while she worked through mental health challenges.
“I've always been super smart, but my mental health has taken a lot of things from me,” said Seard. “And my professors would see that and reach out on their own to let me know what they could do to accommodate me.” The flexibility, Seard noted, made all the difference.
Seard graduated in May with honors and was inducted into Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society for social science disciplines.
LaKiyah Seard ’26 BS, Health Services Management and Psychology (double major)
A new diagnosis brings a fresh perspective
Kieonna Thomas ’26, BS, Business Administration, was already managing a full-time career in the federal government, motherhood, and family responsibilities when she decided to pursue her degree at UMGC.
“I’d always approached things differently—like creating an entire spreadsheet on the possibilities of a conversation. I kind of find my own rhythm and path,” Thomas said. “But then the world shifted after COVID, and once more while on my UMGC journey. It just seemed like everything was a little more demanding and options were less.”
Thomas sought further clinical assessment and received an autism diagnosis, then dove into the scientific literature.
“Light bulbs went off as I started comparing my reading to my lived experience,” Thomas said. “And then when I mentioned it to my friends, family, even my primary care physician—turns out everybody had already connected the dots but me.”
Although Thomas hadn’t formally shared her diagnosis with her success coach, Akisha Thomas, she laughs, noting that it likely wasn’t much of a mystery. “I probably tested her patience more than I realized, but she never once made me feel like it.”
When she shared the news with her professors, Thomas was impressed that they “treated it as clarity, not a limitation,” and offered detailed, compassionate feedback. “I had to learn [that], although I could finish this 10-page paper today, it’s probably best if I don’t.”
In the end, professors and family members helped her clarify her voice and allow her strengths to emerge fully.
“I always saw the full picture,” Thomas said. “I just finally figured out how to hold it up so everyone else could see it too.”
Thomas’ next goal is a master’s in art therapy and counseling.
Kieonna Thomas ’26 BS, Business Administration
Determination makes the difference
For Allison Plater ’26, significant challenges arose at the beginning and end of her journey to earn her master’s in human resources management.
“I debated pursuing my master's for a long time before I finally committed. But then I found my passion for human resources and I decided to do it,” she said.
When circumstances affected Plater’s mental health, she thought she was going to have to leave the program or, at minimum, retake her first course. “I felt defeated, like I wasn’t capable of continuing my program. I was so disappointed with myself.”
As she started to feel better, she decided to ask her professor if she could submit her late assignments. Working with her professor and success coach, she arranged an incomplete grade and an additional 90 days to submit the overdue work.
“I wound up getting an A in the class,” she said. “And I was like, okay, well, I can do this. From that point forward, I made a vow to myself that I would not let the trials and tribulations of life deter me from earning this degree.”
That determination was tested in her last semester, when she received a job promotion that required 13-hour workdays plus a two-hour round-trip commute.
Adjunct Professor Greg Nenstiel, PhD, noticed Plater wasn’t immediately engaging in the course and reached out. “The fact that he cared enough to reach out and just see what was going on and offer his help in any way, that alone was truly what helped me push through and finish. This isn't just a job for him. He cares about his students. Professors like him make the stress of it all worth it.”
Ultimately, Plater graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.
“I took that first A and decided I wanted to keep that going,” she said. “One of the things I've learned through this experience is that, as long as you're engaged and you're communicative, you're always going to be successful.”
Allison Plater, ’26 MS, Human Resources Management