A new partnership between Lubbock Christian University and Lubbock Area United Way is creating a pathway for employees of United Way and its partner agencies to return to college and complete degrees they previously started. As the recipient of the partnership’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, Kennedy Johnson, Practice Manager at Lubbock Children’s Health Clinic, will return to school through LCU’s degree completion program.
The opportunity is designed for working adults who have completed some college coursework but have not yet earned a degree. Employees of Lubbock Area United Way and its partner agencies who wanted to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship were required to apply for admission to LCU, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and be accepted into the university’s degree completion program.
Johnson began her career at Lubbock Children’s Health Clinic as a Certified Medical Assistant and has advanced into her current leadership role as Practice Manager. Through the scholarship, she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Managerial Leadership, preparing her for her long-term goal of advancing into executive healthcare leadership.
“Throughout my career, I have learned that great leadership is about more than managing daily operations, it’s about serving others, creating positive change, and helping teams succeed together,” Johnson said in her scholarship application. “Working in nonprofit healthcare has reinforced my commitment to serving families and ensuring they have access to quality care regardless of their circumstances.”
Lubbock Area United Way President and CEO Amanda McAfee said, “We’re incredibly grateful to LCU for setting up this Presidential Scholarship for our partner agencies. This is a life-changing opportunity that will support not just the individuals who receive the scholarship, but the nonprofit community and Lubbock as a whole.”
“Partnerships like this allow us to extend the reach of higher education into our community and create opportunities for individuals to finish a degree and build a better future. Through LCU’s degree completion program, we can meet people where they are and help them take the next step toward achieving their goals,” said LCU President Scott McDowell. “We are grateful to partner with organizations like United Way that share our commitment to strengthening our community through opportunity and education.”
LCU’s degree completion program was designed specifically with adult learners in mind. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to continue working and balancing family responsibilities while pursuing their education.
“Not only are these programs offered in a convenient format at an affordable price, but each student is assigned an educational mentor who is a licensed professional counselor. This mentor is their partner on their educational journey, providing academic advising and so much more,” said LCU Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kent Gallaher.
LCU offers a Bachelor of Science in Managerial Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in University Studies through its degree completion program. Classes are offered in eight- to 16-week formats during the fall, spring, and summer.
LCU established its degree completion program to provide opportunities for returning students and, through partnerships with the City of Lubbock and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, established tuition incentives for employees of those organizations. The United Way partnership extends that same benefit to eligible employees of Lubbock Area United Way and its partner agencies who are accepted into LCU’s degree completion program. For every eight classes completed, the ninth class is tuition-free. The partnership also included the one-time Presidential Scholarship awarded to Johnson.
“Partnering with United Way reflects a shared commitment at the heart of both our organizations: serving and strengthening our communities,” said LCU Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Jody Reding. “The United Way Presidential Scholarship is a natural extension of that partnership, and we are honored to provide United Way employees and their partnering agencies with a pathway to complete their degrees and achieve their educational goals.”
“My goal is to continue advancing into executive healthcare leadership, where I can help improve access to quality care, build strong and supportive workplace cultures, and create lasting, positive changes for both patients and healthcare professionals,” Johnson said.
About Lubbock Area United Way
For 80 years, Lubbock Area United Way has united people, resources, and organizations to improve lives across Lubbock and the South Plains. Through strategic investments in local programs, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and initiatives such as ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), Lubbock Area United Way works to advance Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Together with 22 partner agencies and countless supporters, Lubbock Area United Way is committed to creating lasting change and building a stronger community for all. To learn more, volunteer, or support the mission, visit www.lubbockunitedway.org.