Graduate Success Stories and Student Testimonials - City Vision University
City Vision Graduate and Student Stories and Testimonials
Cheryl Hackett, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising & Development
Cheryl Hackett serves as the Director of Development at the Wyoming Rescue Mission in Casper, Wyoming, the state’s only full-service shelter. Her team provides meals, shelter, counseling, case management, and a year-long recovery program to those in need. Recently, she helped the mission expand its reach with the addition of a 355-acre recovery ranch in the Medicine Bow National Forest, offering guests a peaceful place for restoration surrounded by God’s creation. Cheryl’s calling is deeply personal, shaped by her own experience with the pain of addiction in her family. After a season of loss and transition, she discovered her purpose…
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Ralph Mccraken, MBA
Meet Ralph McCracken, Director of Enterprises at The Foundry Ministries. Ralph helps sustain programs that serve hundreds of men and women recovering from addiction. But even with years of leadership experience, he realized something was missing: “I could do the job, but I wasn’t sure I understood why I did the job.” That’s when Ralph decided to pursue his MBA at City Vision University. “The classes helped me understand my purpose. They made me more efficient, a better leader, and a better person.” Today, Ralph combines business excellence with ministry impact—proving that education rooted in faith can change not just…
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Brittany Curry, BS in Business Administration
“Before City Vision, my life was unmanageable. I came to St. Matthew’s House Homeless Shelter broken and in need of hope. Through their one-year recovery program, I found freedom in Christ — and a new direction for my life. I never imagined I’d go from a resident in a recovery program to earning two degrees and serving as a Program Manager helping families rebuild their lives. But that’s what City Vision helped make possible. What started with one class — Vocational Calling & Purpose of Work — became a five-year journey that changed everything. I earned my Associate’s in Christian…
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Gerald Snell, BS in Addiction Counseling
When Gerald Snell walked through the doors of Gateway Gospel Rescue Mission in Jackson, Mississippi, his life was at a crossroads. After years of battling addiction and a devastating relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic that followed the loss of his father, he was desperate for change. The mission’s New Life program became the turning point that restored hope. Just six months later, Gerald was invited to join the staff as Evening Shelter Manager, a powerful reminder that God was not finished with his story. With the encouragement of Gateway’s director, Gerald enrolled in City Vision University’s Christian Addiction Counseling program.…
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Terresa Wood, AA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
Meet Terresa Wood — a shining light at the Rescue Mission Women’s Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Terresa’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of God’s grace. “I thought the rest of my life would be spent on the streets,” Terresa shares. For four years, she faced homelessness and addiction, believing that was all life had left for her. But God had a bigger plan. After graduating from the Rescue Mission’s program seven years ago, Terresa was hired as the house manager — a role that ignited a passion for serving others walking a similar path.…
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Michael Schoettle, MA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
At the heart of the Topeka Rescue Mission, you’ll find a leader who has walked through valleys and come out the other side with a message of hope. Michael Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness and Discipleship, is more than just a ministry professional—he’s a living testimony to perseverance, grace, and God’s timing. After starting a master’s degree years ago and putting it on hold due to life changes, Michael reignited his educational journey in 2023 after attending a City Vision University session at the Citygate conference. Drawn by CVU’s Christ-centered, flexible, and affordable approach, he enrolled in the Master’s in…
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Barry Willis, Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Barry’s journey is a testimony to the transformative power of faith, support, and education. After completing the recovery program at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, he chose to stay on for a second year as an intern — not just to serve, but to grow. That’s when he found City Vision University. "Before City Vision University, my life was in recovery. Before that, it was addiction. One thing that this place has really helped me do was to gain more confidence in my abilities," Barry shared. Encouraged by a career education specialist who believed in his potential, Barry took the brave…
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Jeff McLain, MBA
When Jeff McLain decided to pursue his Master of Business Administration, he wasn’t just looking for another credential — he was looking for a program that aligned with his calling. At City Vision University, he found a Christ-centered education that was flexible, affordable, and deeply relevant to his work in ministry. Each course offered practical insights with immediate application, helping him grow as both a leader and a learner.Jeff appreciated how the program was structured to fit a busy life. Balancing ministry at Water Street Mission, personal commitments, and academics could have been overwhelming — but City Vision’s manageable course…
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Isaac Del Rio, BS in Nonprofit Management
Isaac Del Rio has dedicated over 14 years of his life to serving with Youth With a Mission, touching lives across diverse communities in Costa Rica, Mexico, and South Africa. As a passionate translator, Isaac bridges cultural divides, connecting teams with local communities through language and shared understanding. His experiences reflect a deep commitment to ministry, compassion, and fostering intercultural relationships.Joining City Vision University was a transformative step for Isaac, enhancing his cognitive, spiritual, and practical skills. The flexibility offered by City Vision allowed him to seamlessly blend his educational journey with his ongoing ministry, working through assignments at his…
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Hannah Nadeau, BS in Nonprofit Management
As the Executive Director of Graces Guatemalan Relief Assistance for Children's Educational Services, Hannah Nadeau sought a program that was not only affordable and flexible but also offered a holistic approach to education, especially within the nonprofit sector. Her primary goal was to understand the business side of nonprofit work and grow as a leader, all while remaining connected to the crucial human element. City Vision University truly exceeded her expectations by addressing all these needs. Starting at 30 years old, she appreciated the strong mentorship and comprehensive education that supported her development as a young executive director. While taking…
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Kyle Meyers, BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
As Kyle Meyers prepares to graduate from City Vision University with a degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership, he reflects on a transformative journey that has shaped both his calling and his character. Despite being surrounded by several Christian universities in his area, Kyle was drawn to City Vision for one key reason: its focus on outreach ministry. Unlike traditional ministry programs centered around church leadership, City Vision’s hands-on, mission-oriented approach offered him exactly what he was looking for — preparation to serve in real-world ministry settings, outside the walls of the church. Kyle also emphasized the remarkable supportive culture…
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Michael Jones, BS in Business Administration
For as long as he could remember, ministry was his calling. At just 18, he was already serving in churches, leading others, and pouring himself into community work. But despite his hands-on experience and clear sense of purpose, one thing was missing: a college degree. “I didn’t think college was for me,” he admits. “I jumped straight into ministry after high school. It just didn’t seem like the right time—or like it was even possible.” Years later, while serving as an associate pastor, that old dream resurfaced. He’d earned an associate’s degree in business, discovering a passion for the intersection…
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Teresa Martin, MS in Organizational Leadership
Teresa Martin, a teacher at Water Street Mission in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has dedicated her career to empowering adults experiencing homelessness. When her organization offered the opportunity for further education, she saw it as a calling from God and enrolled in City Vision University’s Master's in Organizational Leadership program. Through her studies, Teresa experienced a direct connection between her coursework and her daily work responsibilities, particularly as she stepped into leadership roles. She appreciated City Vision's unique community of students and faculty, who share a common passion for ministry and service. The shared understanding, encouragement, and practical insights she gained…
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Heather Ross, MS in Organizational Leadership
Heather Ross graduated from City Vision University with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Her studies helped her grow in her role as Director of Volunteering at Water Street Mission. Now she understands better how the whole organization works. She also gained the skills and confidence to become a stronger leader.  "The work I did in my classes helped me see what God is up to here...and all around the world."
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Kim Thornton, Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Kim Thornton first came to City Vision while she was a Salvation Army intern. She got her Bachelor's in addiction counseling, then became a Case Manager with the Army. After years of serving in that role, she wanted to move up in the Salvation Army. Just then, Nancy Young of City Vision let her know City Vision offers Master's degrees. Kim "dove headfirst" into a Master's in Organizational Leadership, focused on Cross-Cultural Ministry. The courses were a perfect fit for her career, practical and Christ-centered. The degree was also affordable, since the Salvation Army offered her tuition reimbursement. But what…
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Julie Jones, BS in Business
Julie Jones went to the Portland Rescue Mission every Sunday for three years with her high school Sunday school teacher. From then on, she had a passion for rescue mission work. So, she was thrilled when she learned she could use her Americorps award to pay for a nonprofit management degree at City Vision. That way, she could get practical Gospel-centered training without going into debt. What Julie appreciated most about City Vision is the unity within diversity. Even though students and faculty have different backgrounds and doctrinal beliefs, all seek to follow God in life and work.  Julie's training…
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Wayne Earl, BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
Before he came to City Vision, Wayne Earl had been homeless, but Jesus Christ pulled him out of that pit and set his feet on a rock. Wayne graduated from the recovery program at the Bay Area Rescue Mission and worked there for a year. Once he became a manager at the mission, a co-worker encouraged him to go to City Vision and finish his college degree. Every course he had taken at previous colleges transferred, so it was easy to finish. Everything Wayne learned at City Vision was immediately applicable to his work. He especially appreciates that City Vision…
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Rex Baker, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising & Development
Rex Baker is the Executive Director of Gateway Rescue Mission. His organization got its start with City Vision because some of their program graduates attended City Vision courses. One day, though, he saw City Vision offered a certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising. All 6 classes in it were ones that applied to their organization's immediate needs. "It was like God knew just what we needed at the right time," he said. It was the most useful certificate he's ever received - everything he studied he could apply soon afterward to his organization's needs. City Vision is a great bargain, he says,…
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Brittany Curry, AS in Addiction Counseling
Brittany Curry had been in active addiction for a long time before coming to the recovery program at St. Matthew's House. After she graduated from their program, she wanted to work with the shelter but wasn't sure in what capacity. Her director encouraged her to take just one class at City Vision to see where her passion might lie. After that, she took "just one more" class and soon found herself working toward an Associate's degree. She loves how City Vision's classes allow her to incorporate Christ into her profession. Now she serves as a development officer at St. Matthew's…
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Kimberly Mosler, MBA
Before starting courses at City Vision University, Kimberly Mosler studied nursing. However, she got involved in addictions from which she recovered at Adult & Teen Challenge. While she was there, she decided she wanted to finish college. The dean of education recommended City Vision University. When Kimberly researched the school, she appreciated it was affordable and faith-based, and offered courses online. First, Kimberly completed a Bachelor's in Addiction Counseling with City Vision. But later, as her passion for helping women in addiction grew, she decided to enroll in the MBA program. Through that program she got prepared to be Executive…
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Reggie Quintana, BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
For Reggie Quintana, a degree from City Vision University helped him to grow both in his faith and his ability to run a nonprofit. After spending five years in prison, Reggie rediscovered his faith in the Lord. Once he was released, he took care of his sick father and had extra time on his hands. He earned 32 college credits in Bible & theology from the Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI). Reggie wanted to complete a bachelor’s degree but when he tried colleges after TUMI, he found them expensive and difficult to understand.  That's when a friend introduced him to City…
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Adam Beretta, BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
Adam Beretta had taken a long break from school, but wanted to advance in his career. He was looking for an affordable, Christ-based education. He heard about City Vision through his work at Wheeler Mission. His colleagues recommended the school - some even worked for City Vision now. Adam was looking for a degree so he could advance in his career. He found City Vision's faculty and support second to none. Online classes were easy to navigate, and the professors were always willing to accept feedback. Even though City Vision is an online school, Adam found a deep, God-centered community. His…
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Micah Matthews, MBA
Micah Matthews works for a Christian Community Development organization called Urban Vision in Akron, OH.  The ministry's programs do a great job at reaching students and families, but he wanted to learn how the organization's administration could run more efficiently. So he considered getting an MBA to help with that and looked online at many different places. He needed a degree that was online, affordable, and relevant.  Then Urban Vision's executive director ran into Dr. Sears and recommended Micah study at City Vision University. It felt like the work of God because City Vision was exactly what he was looking…
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Mira Alfy, Grad Certificate in Christian Ministry
Mira Alfy finished her certificate in Christian Ministry with City Vision through the EMI Fellowship program. She appreciated the encouraging professors who gave helpful feedback. City Vision offered a wide range of classes from leadership to theology and cross-cultural ministry. She recommends these to anyone looking for a similar certificate. Graduating from City Vision provided Mira with knowledge about how to minister in the church. Now she has the skills to mentor younger professionals. She hopes to help them grow in their faith.
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Antonio Rafael, Grad Certificate in Christian Ministry
Antonio Rafael came from a Christian family and came to Christ at an early age. He always wanted to serve God but felt ill-equipped as to how to go about it. Then he became part of the fellowship program through EMI (Engineering Ministries International). This included getting a Graduate Certificate in Christian Ministry from City Vision. Studying at City Vision was empowering for him. It helped him learn more of what his faith actually is about and how God relates to us. Now he is way more confident when he speaks to people about the truths of his faith. Antonio…
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Kyna Kelley, BS in Addiction Counseling
Kyna Kelley has been a pastor for the Salvation Army in many different churches. But until she came to City Vision she never had imagined becoming a licensed addiction counselor. Now that she is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling from City Vision, though, she plans to get a Master’s and even to seek licensure in multiple states. “The best thing that's going to happen out of all this is someday when I retire as an officer in the Salvation Army, I will have a realm to still serve and love people and help them recover from the struggles…
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Christian Dennis, MS in Organizational Leadership
Christian Dennis found out about City Vision University through his employer, Adult and Teen Challenge Ohio Valley. The program was a perfect balance of Bible knowledge and practical courses. He started with the Christian Ministry's bachelor's. Then he continued to get the Master's in Organizational Leadership degree from our Nonprofit Management department. "Everything I learned at City Vision was applicable and practical...to my workplace. It's really equipped me well to serve the people God has called me to serve."
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Kayla Hix, BS in Nonprofit Management
Kayla Hix's life had been going well, but then the pandemic happened. She realized that she needed to shift what she was doing and consider what she would do in the future. She had already been considering a degree in nonprofit management, but the pandemic provided the motivation to get it from City Vision. "It's been a marvelous experience to complete my degree in just over a year in an online format that works with my schedule," she said.
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Lisa Pullock, MBA
When Lisa Pullock of the Fairbanks Rescue Mission was looking for a degree program she was initially skeptical about online degrees. But with City Vision, she found a supportive community of fellow practitioners around the world. City Vision prepared her to do things she never imagined would be possible.
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Scott Childress, AAS in Christian Ministry
Scott Childress earned his Associate's in Christian Ministry & Leadership from City Vision University and went on to pursue a Bachelor's in Addiction Counseling. He recently shared his testimony in the newsletter of our partner ministry, Place of Promise: "I started using alcohol, drugs, and heroin in my teens. Soon, I was using daily, and, for many years, I was able to successfully “manage” my drug addictions. After moving to Boston, I worked at a bookstore and then entered the music industry. Eventually I became the district manager of a Downtown Crossing record store. By then, I was using $300…
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By Category
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Adam Beretta, BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
Adam Beretta had taken a long break from school, but wanted to advance in his career. He was looking for an affordable, Christ-based education. He
Read More »
Antonio Rafael, Grad Certificate in Christian Ministry
Antonio Rafael came from a Christian family and came to Christ at an early age. He always wanted to serve God but felt ill-equipped as
Read More »
Barry Willis, Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Barry’s journey is a testimony to the transformative power of faith, support, and education. After completing the recovery program at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, he
Read More »
Brittany Curry, AS in Addiction Counseling
Brittany Curry had been in active addiction for a long time before coming to the recovery program at St. Matthew’s House. After she graduated from
Read More »
Brittany Curry, BS in Business Administration
“Before City Vision, my life was unmanageable. I came to St. Matthew’s House Homeless Shelter broken and in need of hope. Through their one-year recovery
Read More »
Cheryl Hackett, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising & Development
Cheryl Hackett serves as the Director of Development at the Wyoming Rescue Mission in Casper, Wyoming, the state’s only full-service shelter. Her team provides meals,
Read More »
Christian Dennis, MS in Organizational Leadership
Christian Dennis found out about City Vision University through his employer, Adult and Teen Challenge Ohio Valley. The program was a perfect balance of Bible
Read More »
Gerald Snell, BS in Addiction Counseling
When Gerald Snell walked through the doors of Gateway Gospel Rescue Mission in Jackson, Mississippi, his life was at a crossroads. After years of battling
Read More »
Hannah Nadeau, BS in Nonprofit Management
As the Executive Director of Graces Guatemalan Relief Assistance for Children’s Educational Services, Hannah Nadeau sought a program that was not only affordable and flexible
Read More »
Heather Ross, MS in Organizational Leadership
Heather Ross graduated from City Vision University with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Her studies helped her grow in her role as Director
Read More »
Isaac Del Rio, BS in Nonprofit Management
Isaac Del Rio has dedicated over 14 years of his life to serving with Youth With a Mission, touching lives across diverse communities in Costa
Read More »
Jeff McLain, MBA
When Jeff McLain decided to pursue his Master of Business Administration, he wasn’t just looking for another credential — he was looking for a program
Read More »
Julie Jones, BS in Business
Julie Jones went to the Portland Rescue Mission every Sunday for three years with her high school Sunday school teacher. From then on, she had
Read More »
Kayla Hix, BS in Nonprofit Management
Kayla Hix’s life had been going well, but then the pandemic happened. She realized that she needed to shift what she was doing and consider
Read More »
Kim Thornton, Master’s in Organizational Leadership
Kim Thornton first came to City Vision while she was a Salvation Army intern. She got her Bachelor’s in addiction counseling, then became a Case
Read More »
Kimberly Mosler, MBA
Before starting courses at City Vision University, Kimberly Mosler studied nursing. However, she got involved in addictions from which she recovered at Adult & Teen
Read More »
Kyle Meyers, BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
As Kyle Meyers prepares to graduate from City Vision University with a degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership, he reflects on a transformative journey that
Read More »
Kyna Kelley, BS in Addiction Counseling
Kyna Kelley has been a pastor for the Salvation Army in many different churches. But until she came to City Vision she never had imagined
Read More »
Lisa Pullock, MBA
When Lisa Pullock of the Fairbanks Rescue Mission was looking for a degree program she was initially skeptical about online degrees. But with City Vision,
Read More »
Micah Matthews, MBA
Micah Matthews works for a Christian Community Development organization called Urban Vision in Akron, OH.  The ministry’s programs do a great job at reaching students
Read More »
Michael Jones, BS in Business Administration
For as long as he could remember, ministry was his calling. At just 18, he was already serving in churches, leading others, and pouring himself
Read More »
Michael Schoettle, MA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
At the heart of the Topeka Rescue Mission, you’ll find a leader who has walked through valleys and come out the other side with a
Read More »
Mira Alfy, Grad Certificate in Christian Ministry
Mira Alfy finished her certificate in Christian Ministry with City Vision through the EMI Fellowship program. She appreciated the encouraging professors who gave helpful feedback.
Read More »
Ralph Mccraken, MBA
Meet Ralph McCracken, Director of Enterprises at The Foundry Ministries. Ralph helps sustain programs that serve hundreds of men and women recovering from addiction. But
Read More »
Reggie Quintana, BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership
For Reggie Quintana, a degree from City Vision University helped him to grow both in his faith and his ability to run a nonprofit. After
Read More »