In this inspiring episode of the Degrees of Success Podcast, host Frieda Richards interviews University of Phoenix alum Dr. Terry Jones, a decorated HR executive and Vice President of Human Resources at the United States Institute of Peace.

With over 25 years of leadership experience and a background as a military veteran, Dr. Jones shares his journey of overcoming adversity, embracing servant leadership, and driving change in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Learn how he transitioned from the military to a civilian career, the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy, and the impact of empowering others to achieve their goals. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or looking for career inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable advice and motivating stories.

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Dr. Terry Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drterryjoneshrleader721/

Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-c...

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Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Chief Patrick Smith, a University of Phoenix alumnus with a master’s degree in organizational management. Chief Smith shares his incredible journey from growing up in Alabama as the youngest of 13, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, to becoming a high-ranking LAPD officer and transforming policing strategies in Birmingham, Alabama. Discover how his leadership, education, and family values have shaped his career in law enforcement and his relentless pursuit of justice. Learn valuable insights about resilience, innovation, and the importance of education in achieving career growth. Don’t miss this deep dive into a career that bridges service, innovation, and community impact.

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Chief Patrick Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-d-smith-0b198769/

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Join host Freda Richards as she sits down with University of Phoenix alum Brandon Warren, the associate director of hospital operations at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Brandon talks about his journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a leader in the Big Apple, and his love for playing music.

Brandon Warren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-m-warren-mpa-6b57735b?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name

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Join host Freda Richards as she sits down with University of Phoenix alum Matthew Phillips, a former franchise owner and current chief of staff with the city of Detroit’s water department. Matthew talks about missed opportunities, his open-heart surgery, becoming the CEO of a large nonprofit, and how hard it was to run a franchise.

Phillips will be the first to tell you he likes to talk, and that’s because he has a lot to say (usually in a way that will make you laugh).

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Matthew Phillips on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-phillips-83696610/

Alumni Chronicles | Matthew’s Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/uopx-alumni-spotlight-matthew-phillips.html

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Join host Freda Richards as she talks with University of Phoenix alumna Dr. Mautra Jones to discuss her journey to becoming the president of Oklahoma City Community College. Dr. Jones made history by becoming the first woman and first person of color to serve as president of the college. In 2023, Dr. Jones was named Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO for public companies by The Journal Record. She received the 100 Women to Know Across North America Award and was named Oklahoma’s Remarkable Woman by KFOR/Nexstar Media. In 2022, she was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame. American Mothers, Inc. named her National Mother of the Year and Oklahoma Mother of the Year in 2021. Dr. Jones advances and elevates each institution she touches and has become one of the nation’s most sought-after thought leaders through her impactful and dynamic leadership.

✅ Subscribe, like, and leave your comments below to join the conversation. Dr. Mautra Jones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mautra-staley-jones-ed-d-70566b3/

Alumni Chronicles | Mautra's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/uopx-alumni-mautra-jones.html Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html

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Join host Freda Richards as she talks to UOPX alum Gary Batara, a former French chef who transitioned from the culinary world to the marketing world. Gary grew up in the San Francisco Bay area to a family of healthcare professionals. When he announced he wanted to become a chef, they were skeptical and disappointed, but they supported him throughout his culinary journey. Gary spent two months in France, where he developed an enduring love of slow food and French cuisine.

Gary’s career as a chef was short-lived and he started working in corporate food service, where he was quickly pegged for a management role.

From there, he made his way into the marketing world and finally ended up at Garten, a food service company, as the vice president of marketing. Gary is also an accomplished author and has written a book called, Lessons to Inspire: Practical Advice from Successful People.

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Gary Batara's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-batara-bb063451/ Gary Batara's Book: https://a.co/d/coaqWvV

Alumni Chronicles | Gary's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumnus-gary-batara.html Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html

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Join host Freda Richards as she talks to University of Phoenix alum John Kirch, an American citizen who has been living and working in Lima, Peru for nearly 30 years.

John currently serves as the Corporate Health, Safety and Security Manager for Grupo Gloria, overseeing security operations for more than 20 companies spanning seven countries in Central and South America. John leads a global team in developing safety policies, conducting risk management assessments and directing crisis and incident-management programs to ensure the protection of personnel, assets and business continuity.

Earlier in his career, John held leadership roles in aviation security, where he played a pivotal role in implementing post-9/11 Safety and Security measures. He also served as a United States Marine, attached to U.S. embassies in the countries of Myanmar and Peru.

John earned two degrees from the University of Phoenix: a bachelor’s in organizational security and an MBA.

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John Kirch's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kirch-mba-7aab1625/

Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Webpage: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html Explore the University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/

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Join host Freda Richards as she talks to University of Phoenix alum Dr. Scott Andrews about his journey to becoming New Mexico’s Dona Ana County manager and CEO.

Scott has 21 years of experience in public sector administration, distinguished by providing progressive vision and decisive leadership to 5 local government organizations in Florida, Georgia, and California.

A native of Tampa, Florida with deep roots in Atlanta, Scott is a first-generation U.S. born citizen and college graduate. His maternal grandparents played a large role in his upbringing, where they helped to instill his work ethic, and his sense of humor.

To honor the memory of his baby daughter who died shortly after birth, Scott started a non-profit called The Violet Movement, which fosters love, kindness and positive community change through transformative scholarships.

Scott is also an accomplished author and wrote book, Violet’s are Blue: Finding Relief From Grief and Lessons from Depression.

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Scott Andrews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cscottandrews/ Scott Andrews Book: https://a.co/d/iKuviup The Violet Movement: https://www.thevioletmovement.com/

Alumni Chronicles | Scott's Story https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumnus-scott-andrews.html Alumni Chronicles | Main Page https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles.html

Explore the Degrees of Success Podcast Page: https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumni-chronicles/podcast.html Explore the University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/

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Thinking about attending UOPX online? 📱 Request info today: https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information 💻 Apply to one of UOPX’s online programs today: https://rb.gy/k0a75c 🎓 Find your degree program University of Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-degrees/find-your-program.html