When Angela Graves joined the University of Memphis in 2015, she didn’t just find a job. She found a community that would change the trajectory of her life.

Now serving as a Financial Aid Data Integration Analyst, Angela is also a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree and a graduate certificate in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT). Her journey is a powerful example of how UofM staff can grow professionally and personally by taking advantage of the university’s educational benefits and by believing in themselves.

A Commitment to Growth

For Angela, education has always been deeply personal.

“I value education and knowledge immensely—it’s part of who I am,” she says. When she learned that UofM employees could take classes tuition-free, the decision felt obvious. Encouraged by colleagues and peers, Angela first earned her bachelor’s degree and is now continuing her academic journey through graduate study.

“Lifelong learning isn’t just a goal for me—it’s a way of life.”

Where Passion Meets Purpose

Angela’s decision to pursue Instructional Design and Technology was a natural extension of her passion for training, development, and empowerment. Throughout her career and volunteer work, including her role as a certified coach training facilitator with Girls on the Run Memphis, Angela has focused on helping others grow.

The IDT program allows her to formalize those skills and design learning experiences that make a real impact. “It’s been incredible to see how my career and education align so seamlessly,” she shares.

Learning That Translates to Real Impact

Angela’s academic work directly informs her professional role and vice versa. Through her coursework, she has improved accessibility, streamlined workflows, and reimagined how data and training tools can better serve campus partners.

“My academic and professional worlds are in constant conversation,” she explains. “It’s been transformative.”

That synergy came to life through one standout project: helping design an onboarding program for new faculty in the UofM Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The program, created alongside two project partners, is now being implemented. “Knowing our work is making a real impact is incredibly rewarding.”

Balancing It All—with Strategy and Support

Balancing full-time work and graduate school isn’t easy, but Angela approaches challenges with intention and organization.

An online learning format allows her to maximize breaks and evenings, while tools like Microsoft OneNote, Canvas, and her personal favorite spreadsheets (lots of them!) keep her on track. Just as important is her support system.

“Organization and community are my secret weapons,” she says.

Advice for Fellow Staff and Working Professionals

Angela encourages other UofM staff members considering graduate school to use the resources available to them and ask for help.

“Grad school is a big commitment, but it’s worth it,” she says. “You’ll grow in ways you never imagined and the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.”

A Proud Tiger Through and Through

Being part of the UofM community as both a staff member and a student holds deep meaning for Angela.

“This university has changed my life,” she says. “Being able to give back to the same community that’s supported me is incredibly fulfilling. I’m a proud Tiger, through and through.”

As she looks to the future, Angela hopes to continue designing educational programs that empower others and help communities adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Her message to current and future graduate students is simple but powerful:

“Keep going. You’re smarter and more capable than you think. You’ve got this.”