Rob's Story

Rob Morton, a firefighter in Plain Township, wanted to complete the educational journey he had started 18 years earlier. Morton knew that in order to achieve his goal of becoming a departmental fire chief, he needed a bachelor's degree. 

The search for finding a school and program that was right for him came as no challenge. Morton wanted the personal attention provided by Malone’s classroom format. 

“I searched several colleges and universities to finish my degree, but the main aspect of Malone that intrigued me was the face-to-face interaction with other working adult students,” said Morton.

In the classroom, Morton found his interactions with adults from varying backgrounds to be very beneficial.

“The diversity of real life experiences that were brought to the classroom made a huge impact on my education,” he said.

Not only were his interactions with the members of his cohort beneficial, but so were Morton’s interactions with his instructors.

“I liked having the ability to work face to face with other adult students and with the instructors,” said Morton. “I was able to seek advice from both parties which really helped me through my schooling.” 

The support that Morton found from his fellow classmates and instructors also helped him to extinguish his fears of not being able to finish his degree. 

"I was scared of all the writing that had to be done for the program," he said, "but after a few papers and the help of the writing lab, writing a paper or essay became second nature.”

Morton was able to accomplish his goal of finishing his degree and he has taken away more than just an education.

“Through completing my degree I have found that I have the ability to better understand different cultures, ethnicities, and individual’s personal view without being judgmental,” Morton said. “This experience has given me the opportunity to communicate better personally and professionally, be more open-minded to others view points, and solidify my relationship with Christ.”