Grad student earns degrees from Davenport in record time

People choose to attend Davenport University for a variety of reasons. Some seek a degree to continue a family tradition, achieve personal goals or attain financial security. Others obtain a degree to help them land their dream job or give them a competitive advantage over other applicants.

Whatever the reason for attending college, one constant is true: a quality education is an invaluable asset that can open up a world of possibilities.

In this series, we profile four motivated students on their educational journey and learn how Davenport is igniting their passion and fueling their future.

MacKenzie Piper- graduate student from Grand Rapids

"Davenport has fueled my future by providing me with an advanced education."

MacKenzie Piper was a senior at Grand River Preparatory High School when she started the early college program in conjunction with Davenport. It took her just one year to earn her associate's degree in business administration, and she is proud to be the first person from her school to complete the program.

A year and a half later, she earned her bachelor's in business administration and graduated with her MBA in April. That's three degrees in four years, and she did it all without accumulating any debt!

Piper graduated high school in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and, like so many others, felt as though she was robbed of a traditional freshman college experience. She found that time in her life to be challenging but credits the pandemic for a portion of her success.

"I missed out on so many social opportunities because of the pandemic, but it was a blessing in disguise because I wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I did without it," said Piper. "I had nothing to do except take classes, so I took as many as I could, as fast as I could. The pandemic actually allowed me to finish my first two degrees so quickly."

Obtaining a college degree was always Piper's plan. She knew a degree would qualify her for more high-paying jobs and help her stand out among other job candidates. The challenge for her was figuring out how to pay for her education.

"I came from a very low-income family, and I knew the early college program through Davenport might be my only chance at earning my associate's degree," she said.

Piper was fortunate to receive numerous grants and scholarships, as well as financial aid as an undergrad, but those dried up when she began her MBA. Instead of giving up, she took on more hours at work to pay for her education.

"It was so hard, but I'm proud of myself because I did it all on my own. No one paid for my degree but me," she said.

Piper's determination to get a quality education wasn't just fueled by her desire to secure a better financial future for herself. It was also about making her family proud, especially her mom and dad.

"When I was really young, my mom came to Davenport to earn a degree, but she was raising me and my younger sister at the time, and it didn't work out," Piper said. "I'm earning my degree not just for myself but for her as well. I want my parents to know that they raised me to persevere through anything. It also feels really good to know I'm the first college graduate in my immediate family and the first to get a master's degree in my extended family," she said.

Piper is appreciative of her education and everything Davenport has done for her.

"The thing that originally brought me to Davenport was the opportunity to join the early college program through my high school, and the thing that kept me here was the amazing staff and classes," Piper said. "I met so many wonderful people at Davenport, like my amazing advisor, Sarah Murphy, and fantastic professors, like Linda Goulet."

Piper said it's comforting to know that Davenport will always be there for her. Whether it's to take a refresher class or to visit career services, she knows she'll always be welcomed back.

"If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing," said Piper. "I am so proud of my accomplishments, and with my degrees and my mindset, I know I will go far!"

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