University of Phoenix Collaborates with National Guard Association of the United States to Offer Scholarship Program

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

University of Phoenix and National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) awarded three full-tuition scholarships to Guardsmen to complete a master's degree program at University of Phoenix. This is the second year University of Phoenix offered the scholarship to eligible NGAUS members. The scholarships were awarded to Army and Air National Guardsmen and NGAUS members ranked Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) and below.

“NGAUS is pleased to continue working with University of Phoenix to provide our members access to academic opportunities,” said Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, the NGAUS president. “We believe education is a key step in the continuing development of the citizen-soldier, and this program allows us to recognize and offer financial assistance to deserving young officers.”

The 2014 University of Phoenix NGAUS Scholarship recipients are:

• Deborah Gatrell, a Major in the Utah National Guard from West Valley, Utah, will pursue a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. Gatrell is the third generation in her family to serve in the military, and is currently serving as an Aviation Intelligence Officer. Currently, Gatrell teaches Geography and State History to students who come from diverse backgrounds and living situations. More than 72 percent of her students meet federal poverty standards. Gatrell feels her best lesson is helping students reach their potential, and she is determined to help her students understand what they are able to accomplish.
• Kimberly Gushikuma, a Captain in the Hawaii National Guard, will pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration. Gushikuma works as a nurse both in her civilian and military jobs. She wants to pursue the dual master's degrees to positively affect the quality of care given to her civilian and military patients, and to possibly pursue a nursing administrator/supervisor role. In September 2011, Gushikuma's nursing skills were put to the test when she was a spectator at an air show and a P-51 Mustang crashed into the crowd killing 11 and injuring 69 people. Because of this experience, she strives to continuously learn and better her skills, knowing that her expertise could save someone's life. Additionally, a master's degree will allow Gushikuma the opportunity to become a clinical instructor at one of the nursing schools within her community, giving her the chance to educate future nurses.
• Jennifer Carver, a Major in the 165th Airlift Wing Georgia Air National Guard, will pursue a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management. Currently, Carver is the optometrist for her National Guard unit, and is active in the national, state and local optometric chapters and serves on the Armed Forces Optometric Society Executive Committee. Additionally, Carver has served as project manager for the National Guard Bureau and planned medical humanitarian missions through the Innovative Readiness Training program. She hopes to further utilize her knowledge and expertise as a project manager to better plan the medical services for the humanitarian missions she executes in the future.

“University of Phoenix is excited to again collaborate with NGAUS and provide our nation's Guardsmen an opportunity to achieve their education goals,” said University of Phoenix Military Relations Vice President and retired Army Col. Garland Williams. “The 2014 University of Phoenix NGAUS Scholarships allow Guardsmen to increase their professional skill sets through education, helping them enhance their careers both in the military and beyond.”

University of Phoenix NGAUS Scholarships demonstrate the University's commitment to corporate social responsibility in providing access to education opportunities. For more information on University of Phoenix scholarships visit www.phoenix.edu/scholarships.

For more information about each of the programs referenced, including on-time completion rates, median loan debt of graduates and other important information, please visit: www.phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.

About NGAUS

The National Guard Association of the United States is the nation's oldest military association lobbying solely for the benefit of the National Guard of the United States and educating the public about the Guard's role and history in the Armed Forces of the United States. It was formed by militia officers in 1878 to obtain better equipment and training by petitioning Congress for more resources. For more information, visit http://www.ngaus.org/.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. APOL, University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.