Balancing Work, Family and School? NCCU Online Makes It Possible.

How NCCU Cleared the Path for Veteran Chad Franks to Finish What He Started  

For years, Chad Franks carried an unfinished goal. 

A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a husband, a father of three and a technology professional, Franks started college more than a decade ago but had to step away when work and life demands collided. This time, he needed a program that fit his reality and positioned him for the future of artificial intelligence.  

He believes he’s found it at North Carolina Central University (NCCU).  

Now enrolled in the university’s online information technology program, Franks hasn’t started his first class yet (he begins March 16), but he’s already experienced what sets the university apart: access, clarity and support.  

“You guys made it pretty easy,” he said. “Everything was very straightforward.” 

As a disabled veteran using the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, the enrollment process required detailed documentation and strict deadlines. Missing one item could have delayed everything. 

That’s where NCCU stepped in. 

His advisor, James Rudd, became his central point of contact: coordinating paperwork, looping in NCCU’s Veterans Affairs office and ensuring the VA received exactly what was required.  

“If I would’ve missed a deadline, it could’ve been rejected,” Franks said. “Having someone walk me through it step-by-step was a game changer.” 

For Franks, the difference wasn’t just affordability. It was responsiveness. 

“The biggest gap for veterans is information,” he said. “Having people who answer quickly and guide you makes it easier than anything else.”  

The online format also removed a major barrier. Commuting to campus from outside Durham would have made finishing nearly impossible. Instead, NCCU’s flexible design allows him to balance career, family and school without sacrificing momentum. 

And the motivation runs deep.  

“My son is finishing at Central. My wife has two degrees. All my friends finished. I’m the only one with just the associate,” he said. “Now that I’m going to Central too, I have to finish.” 

For veterans considering their next step, his message is clear: 

“Use the resources. Ask questions. Take advantage of every benefit available. Having the right support makes all the difference.” 

After completing his degree, Franks is considering pursuing an MBA and perhaps teaching one day. 

“I’d love to give back,” he said. “Central sends so many opportunities. There’s so much going on. I want to be more involved.” 

Jorden Addams Reclaims Her College Dream at NCCU

Sophomore Jorden Addams did not return to college on a whim. She returned with urgency.  

Her 6-year-old son, who has autism and epilepsy, is the reason.  

“I wanted to be in a position where I can take care of him, if need be, for the rest of his life,” Addams said. “As long as I can make sure that he’s OK, then everything’s OK.”  

Addams is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in information technology (IT) through North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Online program. She works overnight shifts at a warehouse, raises her son and completes coursework during the hours in between. Earning a degree is both a personal goal and a plan for long-term stability.  

Addams began her college career in 2011 at Howard University, majoring in finance. After about a year and half, she stepped away. She made the decision to return, this time with clarity.  

“Don’t spend years going from job to job with no progress,” she said. “If you can finish when you’re young, do it.” 

Addams path back to higher education became clear while reviewing her employer’s tuition assistance benefits. NCCU was listed as a partner institution. 

“It was perfect timing,” she said.   

Choosing a Flexible Future 

IT felt both practical and personal. Addams’ mom, who works in the field, inspired her career path and supports her daily by helping take care of her son. Just as important, the profession offers the possibility of remote work.   

“My goal is to work from home,” she said. “I want flexibility so I can be there for whatever my son needs.” 

Online learning makes that possible. With an overnight work schedule and a child in kindergarten, attending in-person classes would not be realistic.  

“I can do my classwork when it fits my schedule,” she said. 

A Supported Start  

From application to enrollment, Addams said NCCU’s support system made the transition seamless. Staff members assisted with registration, financial aid and evaluating transfer credits. A registration coordinator asked her a question that still resonates: “Is anything going to stop you from getting your degree?” 

“It doesn’t matter what happens,” she said. “I’m going to finish.” 

She points to the university’s technical support, tutoring, mental health services and success coaching as critical resources.  

“We have so much help,” she said. “I definitely feel supported.” 

Although she has visited campus only once, Addams has found connection in her online classes.   

Introductory discussions and small group formats have connected her with other adult learners balancing careers and families. 

“It’s not just me,” she said. “We’re all doing this together.”  

She hopes to engage more with campus events for transfer and online students as her schedule allows. 

After earning her degree, Addams plans to pursue IT certifications and either seek a  

promotion with her current employer or transition fully into the technology field.   

“I have to finish,” she said. 

And for her son, she will.