Real-World Faculty Insights by Tomás León

0:00 (upbeat music) 0:07 - Let's meet Tomas Leon. 0:09 At University of Phoenix, degrees aren't just aligned 0:12 to real world careers. 0:13 They're taught by real world professionals 0:15 who average 28 years of experience in fields like business, 0:19 healthcare, and IT. 0:21 This kind of expertise 0:22 was exactly what Tomas was looking for in an MBA program. 0:26 Let's hear what he has to say about UOPX's 0:29 practitioner faculty. 0:31 (upbeat music) 0:38 - Gracias, Alex. 0:38 Hola everyone across America. 0:41 I grew up with humble beginnings 0:42 in a (speaks in foreign language) on the west side 0:44 of Tucson, Arizona. 0:46 I started a family early in life as I graduated high school 0:50 and began pursuing my education as a student athlete. 0:53 After overcoming many barriers 0:55 to complete my bachelor's degree 0:57 as a first generation student, 0:59 I wanted to earn my master's degree. 1:01 I looked around for different MBA programs 1:03 and could not find one 1:04 that reflected my circumstances in life 1:07 and how busy I was as a father of four, a husband, 1:11 and working professional. 1:13 I was fortunate to be introduced 1:14 to the University of Phoenix, 1:16 as these circumstances meant 1:18 that a conventional university 1:19 was not the realistic option for me. 1:22 In addition, the flexible program allowed me to take classes 1:26 and exams on my own time in my own terms. 1:30 University's curriculum is taught by faculty 1:32 with extensive industry experience and expertise. 1:36 That has been instrumental to me in my career 1:39 as a healthcare executive and social entrepreneur. 1:42 In addition to industry knowledge and expertise, 1:45 the university's practitioner faculty 1:47 know how to engage and instruct adult students. 1:51 They created a collaborative learning environment 1:54 and engaged me as a strategic partner in my learning. 1:58 I remember traveling extensively for my job at one point, 2:01 and I was considering dropping out of the program. 2:04 An instructor worked with me to develop a plan 2:07 that not only kept me in the program, 2:08 it helped me graduate on time. 2:12 I'm a proud alumnus of the University of Phoenix 2:15 and grateful for the opportunity that allowed me, 2:17 as a third generation Hispanic American, 2:20 to achieve my life and professional goals. 2:23 It has allowed me to have a successful career 2:26 as a healthcare executive, a social entrepreneur, 2:29 an angel investor, and philanthropist. 2:32 I am living the American dream. 2:35 Back to you, Alex. 2:36 (upbeat music) 2:42 - Wow, Tomas. What a story. 2:44 No wonder more than 85% 2:47 of surveyed students would recommend their instructors. 2:50 They're instrumental to student success. 2:53 Thanks for sharing such a powerful story of perseverance. 2:56 Take care. 2:57 (upbeat music)