The greed and drama of Las Vegas may offer delirious highs to its millions of visitors, but for many, those highs can lead to intense lows. Fortunes are made and lost in an evening, weddings happen at the drive-through window, and the lights never ever go off. When visitors to this mecca of consumption are feeling the stress of excess, Chaplain Charles Bolin is there.
Unlikely Ministry on the Las Vegas Strip
Charles Bolin has worked for 14 years on the Strip as chaplain at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. In that time, he has listened to stories from Las Vegas visitors at their very lowest.
"I helped a lot of people through distressing times," he says. Bolin's own career and his spiritual journey has been enriched with his work toward an online doctoral degree at Walden University.
Online Education Fosters Spiritual Career Path
Bolin's unique career in the ministry didn't begin at the Riviera.
He became a chaplain with the Air Force Reserve and was enlisted by the Church On The Strip to provide Bible study courses backstage for dancers and stage crew.
In 2003, Bolin enrolled at Walden University in its online PhD in Psychology program with a specialization in Health Psychology.
"I already had a master's degree in divinity, but I wanted a 'secular degree' to have credibility in the mental health community as well as the theological community," he says.
By 2007, he was completing his coursework and working on his dissertation, Spiritual and Religious Coping for Traumatic Stress.
Online Education Challenges and Inspires
In the course of his own study, Bolin was inspired and challenged by Walden University professors. His dissertation chair, Dr. Wayne Lever, stands out in Bolin's mind. "He offered courses dealing with medical crisis counseling and grief therapy," he says. "That was right up my alley, and the courses were so powerful."
Earning an online degree gives you the chance to expand your knowledge and pursue your dreams. With fascinating coursework, strong faculty guidance, and professional online degree paths, an online education at Walden University is designed to support your career goals while working with your schedule and lifestyle. Pursue an online degree that allows you to help others, improve your community, and make a difference through Walden University.
