Alumni: Chris Philipbar

It had been nearly 20 years since Chris stepped in a classroom. But when the Shreveport native started a non-profit business, Forensic Nurse Examiners of Louisiana Inc., she knew that she needed a business education and the experience of others to make sure her nonprofit was a successful endeavor.

"I knew that Centenary had a quality reputation not just in Shreveport but in the South as well," she said. "Also, I liked the idea of the classroom experience with the camaraderie and interaction within each class."

The time Chris spent at Centenary not only prepared her for the rigors of running a nonprofit organization, it "…completely changed the way she thinks professionally and sometimes personally."

"I look at the world now with a different view and have learned to think more critically as well as outside of the box," said Chris. "The professors were great and the classroom interaction cannot compare to an online experience. The diversity of the students in the program brings great different perspectives to problem solving issues."

The education she received at Centenary College provided her the opportunities to enter the business world with a well-rounded experience, and provided her the ability to access a network of needed resources in the community.

"This was one of the best experiences of my life. I enjoyed the collegiality of the student/professor relationship and the lifelong friends made along the way. This was a great college experience for an older student who has not been in the academic setting for a while!"

If asked, what would she tell a student deciding between Centenary College and another school as to why they should attend Centenary?

"I would recommend Centenary not only because of its stellar reputation academically and in the community, but because it is truly an accomplishment one can be proud of when you can say, 'I have graduated from Centenary!'"