Student Success Coordinator Madison Jones Parlays University of Cincinnati Experience into a Successful Career

University of Cincinnati (UC) alumni Madison Jones knows first-hand what it takes to finish a bachelor’s degree. As a graduate of our organizational leadership bachelor’s program, her insight into student life makes her an ideal Success Coordinator (SSC) for UC Online.

Madison began her career with UC in 2019. She worked in student financial aid and, within a year, joined the UC Blue Ash recruiting team. Madison spent several years at the regional campus before stepping into the SSC position, where she supports the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership program. “I found the program helped me succeed in my student leadership roles,” she says. “When I graduated, employers saw the value of the degree and my confident leadership abilities.”

Personalized Support for Online Students

SSCs are unique to UC Online and available to students who learn on their own schedule and complete their degree within a specific timeframe. Madison describes the SSC role as dual-focused, as it supports students while working closely with our university’s academic advisors and staff. “I’m here to support students from day one,” Madison says. “From the moment they’re a confirmed Bearcat through graduation, I guide them and stay connected.”

Once a student is confirmed for the organizational leadership bachelor program, they receive an email from Madison. She introduces herself and explains the individualized support she offers. This early connection is essential, Madison says. “I want to ensure a great online learning experience and have students feel content, be pleased with the onboarding process, and remain content from their first class to their last.”

The students Madison support work in businesses, such as human resources, non-profits, and some corporations. Many plan to use their degree to get promoted to a leadership role upon graduation.

When it comes to how much support a student needs, Madison uses her initial conversations with a student to gauge the ideal level of involvement. How a student wants to communicate is considered too. Some communicate with Madison solely via email, but others talk on the phone. “I personalize the relationship according to a student’s needs and preferences. Some want regular support, while others do great independently,” she says.

“Being a UC grad helps me professionally. I have a personal network of faculty, staff, and office contacts here.”
– Madison Jones, Student Success Coordinator for the Organizational Leadership bachelor’s program

One benefit of working with an SSC is their ability to connect online students to various departments across the university. Madison leverages her deep experience to help new students acclimate quickly. “Being a UC grad helps me professionally,” she says. “I have a personal network of faculty, staff, and office contacts here. As a result, I can easily assist students by reaching colleagues directly and expediting communications.”

Madison helps organizational leadership students meet other staffers focused on student success and satisfaction. For example, there is a significant military population among UC Online students. Many of them interact with the Military Benefits & Financial Aid department. “Connecting students to the right resource is a key part of my SSC role,” she says.

It’s easy to see that Madison enjoys her SSC role. She often sends fun and encouraging emails to maintain contact. Madison says, “Students know I’m a real person they can call, talk to, and rely on while they are enrolled here.”

First-Hand Knowledge of Organizational Leadership

As a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership graduate, Madison can confidently speak about the UC Online program curriculum. She knows which courses pair well together and is well-versed in the requirements for the final capstone project, where students choose a leadership practicum. Madison knows the value of this degree. “Our program gives students practical skills they can apply to the job they do today or a new role they’re seeking,” she says.

The leadership program attracts primarily students from other UC programs and some from other universities. Currently, students’ ages range from the early 20s to mid-50s. The diverse mix of students — their backgrounds, locations, industries, and work experience — creates an enriching environment where students flourish.

“Online students can get graduation tickets for family and friends, just as a traditional UC student does.”
– Madison Jones, Student Success Coordinator for the Organizational Leadership bachelor’s program

After initial introductions to the program, Madison helps students establish goals and check-in times to get the most from the 100%-virtual experience. While not every student keeps in contact with Madison throughout their time with UC Online, many consider her a lifeline and keep in regular contact. Regardless of student preference, Madison checks in by mid-term during the first semester and emails and sends periodic reminders about key deadlines and university news. Additionally, she and the other SSCs are available Monday through Friday for students.

When it’s time for graduation, all online students are invited to attend the commencement ceremony and graduation and may choose to participate in person. Madison sends email reminders of key dates, times, and a graduation checklist. “Online students can get graduation tickets for family and friends, just as a traditional UC student does,” she says.

Madison Jones is a Student Success Coordinator for the University of Cincinnati Online. Her experience as a UC graduate and the skills she learned from her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership set her up for success in her current role. 

UC Online is Designed for Your Success

If you’re looking for quality, affordable education, and unparalleled support, you’ve come to the right place; here’s why:

• University of Cincinnati Online is regularly named one of the best online colleges by U.S News & World Report, Forbes, and The Best Schools.
• Our nationally renowned faculty members, Enrollment Services Advisors, and supportive SSCs, including Madison, are committed to your success.
• The “study when and where you want” asynchronous, online learning format is engineered to support your lifestyle.
• Our programs are for adult students juggling other work-life responsibilities, including jobs and families.
• More than 20 years of experience in online education helped us create the best programs and support systems for thousands of students across Ohio and across the nation and from around the world.

We hope you enjoyed learning about Madison and how she supports you in the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership program. One last thing to know, the curriculum applies to almost any organization, from small businesses to large corporations to nonprofits to education. Being a better leader at work (and among your family and friends) makes you more effective. These skills help you understand different perspectives and be seen as an empathetic and trusted leader.

If you’re interested in learning more about UC Online’s bachelor’s degree program designed for today’s leaders and those who want to lead tomorrow, we encourage you to reach out to an Enrollment Services Advisor today.