Joe Williams
Master’s of Organizational Mgmt. 2000
 
From “living to work” to “working to live”
 
“I dreamed of completing a master’s degree, but I always made excuses. I lacked the self-confidence to step out and take a risk.
 
“I took the advice of friends and looked into Trevecca’s Master of Organizational Management Program. That program allowed me to attend class at night, and it incorporated the team concept, allowing a group of students to attend all classes together.
 
“When I began the program, I was a floor supervisor at a manufacturing facility, and work controlled my life. I worked too many hours, had very little free time, and didn’t make time for the truly important things in life. I was missing out, not enjoying life.
 
“Through my studies and the influence of a lifetime friend (whom I met in the program), I realized that I was focused on the wrong things in life. Even though I was working hard and saving money, my family and I were not enjoying life. My question was ‘How do I change my life?’
 
“Receiving my master’s degree provided new opportunities for me. I made the leap to a position on a high performing team, a more creative and interesting job and one that reduced my stress. Trevecca provided the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence that gave me the courage to seize new opportunities. I eventually relocated to Ohio, where I am the controller for several departments.
 
“Trevecca taught me that nothing good in life comes without risk. To be successful, persons must be willing to make those leaps of faith, but more important, persons must prepare and be ready when opportunities come their way.  
 
“I am now in control of my life. My wife and I take time to enjoy life together. We now ‘work to live.’” 
 
Joe has worked for Bridgestone Firestone for 17 years and is the controller for the Departments of Pension, Benefits and Payroll, and Legal. Joe and his wife, Ellen, live in Massillon, Ohio, where they enjoy snow skiing in the winter and golf in the summer.

Empowering Students to Make the Leap

Trevecca is committed to empowering students to make the leap. Those leaps are as unique as the persons who make them, but all leaps involve growth or change in the life of a student. Some of those leap stories are presented here, and more stories will be added.
Do you have a "leap" story? If you do, Trevecca wants to have your story. Please send your story to myleap@trevecca.edu.