Lyndsey Gates
"On a personal level, completing multiple degrees while working full-time and raising a family has been a significant accomplishment, one that would not have been possible without Norwich's flexible structure."
Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I am a parent of two children, and most of my time outside of work is centered on family. We enjoy spending time outdoors, which I find is a great way to recharge and stay balanced. In my free time, I also enjoy reading. I value close relationships and try to make time for connection through shared activities, conversation, or simply being present."
Q: "Describe your professional background prior to enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "My professional background is in nursing and higher education, where I have held clinical and academic leadership roles. I have experience in graduate nursing education, program development, curriculum design, faculty support, and accreditation. My role requires strong organizational, communication, and strategic planning skills.
I pursued an MBA to strengthen my leadership and operational expertise, particularly in project management, financial decision-making, and strategic planning. As healthcare and higher education continue to evolve, I recognize the value of developing a broader business perspective.
My long-term goals include growing in leadership within higher education and healthcare, with a focus on program development, organizational strategy, and improving systems that support both learners and patients."
Q: "How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?"
A: "As the Associate Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, I have applied MBA concepts directly to my role. Project management frameworks have guided curriculum development and helped manage timelines more effectively. Stakeholder engagement strategies have improved communication among faculty, administration, and external partners.
The program also strengthened my ability to make data-informed decisions related to program operations, resource allocation, and process improvement. I now approach challenges with a more structured and analytical mindset.
This degree has expanded my perspective beyond clinical and academic expertise into broader organizational leadership, reinforcing my interest in roles that involve program development and systems-level improvement."
Q: "What will stay with you most from your Norwich experience, and what advice would you give to prospective students?"
A: "What will stay with me most is Norwich's emphasis on practical, applied learning and its consistent support for working professionals. Having completed my BSN, MSN, and MBA through Norwich, I have found a shared commitment to rigor and real-world relevance across all three programs. I will also carry forward the perspective gained from peers with diverse professional backgrounds, who challenged me to think beyond my own field.
My advice to prospective students is to connect the coursework to your current role as much as possible. The more relevant you make it, the more valuable it becomes. With consistent effort, the structured format is very manageable, even for those balancing work and family."
Q: "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?"
A: "Norwich University has had a lasting impact on both my professional and personal life. Across three degree programs, each experience has contributed to my growth as a leader and critical thinker. On a personal level, completing multiple degrees while working full-time and raising a family has been a significant accomplishment, one that would not have been possible without Norwich's flexible structure."
Q: "Why did you choose Norwich University Online? What influenced your decision to pursue an online program, and which aspects of the online learning experience proved most beneficial to you?"
A: "I chose Norwich University because of its strong reputation, structured programs, and focus on practical, applicable learning. The curriculum aligned well with my professional goals, particularly in project management and leadership, and I appreciated the emphasis on real-world application rather than purely theoretical content. Balancing a full-time leadership role along with family commitments required flexibility, and this program allowed me to continue advancing my education without stepping away from my career or time with my children. The most beneficial aspects of the learning experience were the flexibility and the ability to immediately apply what I was learning to my current role. In particular, the project-based assignments helped reinforce key concepts while also allowing for collaboration with peers from diverse professional backgrounds. This made the learning experience both practical and relevant to my day-to-day work."
Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "I expected a structured environment that would allow me to balance professional responsibilities and family life while building business knowledge. I anticipated rigorous but manageable coursework with a practical focus.
My experience largely met and exceeded those expectations. The program challenged me to think more strategically than I anticipated, and the assignments were highly relevant to real-world scenarios. What stood out most was the emphasis on applied learning and the diversity of perspectives within the program, which broadened my understanding of how business principles translate across fields."
