Twenty years ago, Judith DeVries was moving ahead in the corporate world. She never would have guessed that she would be teaching school on the west side of Chicago, helping ex-offenders earn their high school diplomas.
When she left the corporate world, Ms. DeVries knew she wanted to do something more with her life. A commitment to community improvement drew her to Walden University, a school with a mission statement that shares her passion for social change.
From the Business World to Education
Like many students of Walden University, Ms. DeVries spent years in the business world before returning to pursue her education. She established the first hospice center in North Carolina, and served on both state and local hospice boards in that state.
Ms. DeVries is currently working on her PhD in Education with a specialization in Higher Education. Her focus is on experiential learning and critical-thinking skill development. Those skill sets translate well to her own work with adult learners.
Social Change and Local Education
Looking for a change of pace from the business world, Ms. DeVries began teaching classes in the Cook County prison system. After a moment of inspiration from an unlikely prison inmate, she found herself dedicated to the unique educational needs of prisoners.
Today, Ms. DeVries is the faculty founder and instructor at St. Leonard's Adult High School, an organization designed to help ex-offenders earn their high school diplomas in a single-year, senior equivalency program. Experienced educators work in small classes to assist the adult students on a one-to-one level.
Looking Forward with Walden University
With the help of Walden University, Judith DeVries found her passion for educating a group that often goes ignored in the educational world. In doing so, she helps strengthen community bonds and promotes change from a grassroots level.
