John Clarkin's Distance Education Story

In 1990, John Clarkin found himself in need of a bachelor’s degree to remain competitive in the job market. While considering his career options, Clarkin attended an information session held by UWP's distance learning program (then called the Extended Degree Program). John Adams, the program’s director, highlighted the credibility and flexibility of distance learning, contrasting with traditional institutions during his presentation. Clarkin compared the various programs he had been researching and opted to go with UW-Platteville.

“The early days had some champions,” said Clarkin. "Certainly [Student-Faculty Coordinator] Deb Kenny was a huge positive influence, and John Adams was another. I was saddened by [Administrative Assistant] Sheila Cheek's passing recently. She was great."

"I knew the program was relatively new when I signed up, and it was exciting to be a part of something as innovative and forward-looking as this program," said Clarkin. "There were a couple faculty members whom I recall, but none more so than Ann Al-Yasiri. We just clicked! When I finally met her, I could not help myself. I ran to her and gave her a great big hug!"

Clarkin was determined to devote his attention full-time to his studies because he was eager to use his new degree in the business world. He soon discovered, however, that distance learning courses require much more self-motivation and discipline than traditional programs.

"The distractions of the workplace and home are removed in a classroom setting," he explained. "A distance program requires a focus and work ethic that far exceeds that found in a conventional classroom environment."

Though it has been a decade since Clarkin graduated, he still vividly recalls working his way through the required courses to finish the program. He had a system that involved mapping out the assignments for each course on a chart on his refrigerator and marking an "X" in the appropriate box when he completed an assignment. As a result, he knew not only what he had left to do, but he could see at a glance how much he had already accomplished.

“It is like a marathon, and marathons are finished and won by taking one step in front of the other,” said Clarkin.

Clarkin completed his personal marathon and received his business administration degree in 1993. In addition to enabling him to secure employment, his undergraduate degree became the foundation for continued studies. His success at UW-Platteville encouraged him to continue with his education and earn MBA and Ph.D. degrees.

While following his career path, Clarkin learned that each new course he took honed the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in life. Pursuing a degree at a distance helped him to develop a disciplined work ethic that has stayed with him beyond graduation. His experience with returning to school has convinced Clarkin that learning is a lifelong process that does not end with the attainment of a degree, but begins.

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