For Chris Dearman, the pursuit of higher education has been a huge milestone, and a turning point in his life.
Born and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Chris is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, a husband of 34 years, and a father of three. Before returning to school, he spent years working in the call center collections industry, where he successfully built his career without a college degree. However, after being laid off, he had realized how important a degree was in today’s job market.
“I knew I needed education,” Chris shared. “I didn’t have the credentials to move into another opportunity.”
Chris first applied to the PACS program in 2012 and was accepted, but at the time, life circumstances prevented him from pursuing college. Years later, after graduating from Tulsa Community College with his associate degree in 2019, he was finally ready to take the next step.
Education had always carried special meaning in his family. Chris recalled that his uncles were passionate University of Oklahoma fans, yet no one in his family had ever graduated from OU. When he discovered PACS again, the opportunity felt life changing.
“Getting accepted into PACS was a huge milestone for me,” he said. “It truly changed my life.”
One of the aspects Chris valued most about the program was its flexibility and affordability. The ability to work at his own pace allowed him to balance school, work, and family responsibilities successfully. Through PACS, Chris earned both his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership in 2021 and his master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2023. He credits the program not only with helping him advance professionally, but also with creating lifelong learning and meaningful relationships with classmates and mentors.
“The connections I made with peers throughout the program will stay with me forever,” he said.
Chris also spoke highly of the professors who impacted his educational journey, especially Dr. Stauffer and Dr. Kimmel. Their mentorship and encouragement played a major role in his success.
“I was fortunate to have professors who truly made a difference in my journey,” Chris said. “They set me up for success, and I genuinely enjoyed my experience throughout the program.”
Today, Chris works with a company Provalus, focused on bringing outsourcing opportunities and technology careers to rural communities across America. Looking ahead, he plans to continue expanding his education even further. Chris is currently pursuing a Doctor of Strategic Leadership at Oral Roberts University, with an anticipated graduation year of 2028.
From overcoming setbacks to becoming a lifelong learner and leader, Chris Dearman’s story is a testament to perseverance, determination, and the transformative power of education.
