How this local new mom is balancing school + full time work [TUITION DISCOUNT]

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East Limestone native Katie Pinion’s story is an excellent example of finding opportunities in life’s unexpected turns, believing in oneself and finding a strong support system of family and friends. 

After having to leave college unexpectedly, she found her way into dental assisting, earned an associate degree in 2024 and today is a new mom pursuing her bachelors degree in public health from Athens State University while working full time.

While it’s a lot to balance, a huge catalyst has been Athens State University’s Learning Partners tuition discount through her husband’s employer. 

Learn more about Katie’s story and how you might be eligible for this tuition discount, too.

Meet Katie Pinion

In addition to being a mom, wife and student, Katie is the administrative assistant and office manager of the Calhoun Community College Dental Hygiene Program, a role she landed after moving back to her hometown. It was there that her coworkers encouraged her to get her associates degree.

This unexpected role at Calhoun not only brought her a new career trajectory, but a husband as she married a fellow Calhoun Warhawk ambassador.

Katie then discovered Calhoun’s transfer program with Athens State University, which qualified her for scholarships. She reached out to Athens State’s Adult Learning Services Office, where she learned about ATSU’s public health program.

“I’ve noticed through working with the dental hygiene program that we have quite a need for dentistry services in Athens and surrounding counties, especially in rural areas. That inspired me to go back to school to earn my degree in public health.

Katie

How a tuition discount expedited her education journey in public health

Katie manages the Dental Hygiene Program office at Calhoun. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

When her husband’s employer, Mazda-Toyota, sent a newsletter about ATSU tuition discounts for employees and their family, Katie filled out the minutes-long application and was accepted for tuition support.

“I’m paying all of my schooling out of pocket. So any little thing helps, and it’s become quite a big thing, actually. The Learning Partners Program has really been a blessing, because I’m able to take more classes and graduate a lot sooner.”

Katie

Learning Partner benefits typically include:

• 10% tuition discount on all classes
• A complimentary evaluation of transfer eligibility of previously-earned educational credits + training/professional certifications
• Complimentary access to lab tutors/specialists in statistics, math + writing labs

Ready for your next step? Apply to Athens State today for FREE!

1,000+ employers qualify

If you’ve been considering going back to school, you could have tuition money waiting on the table!

Employees + their family members qualify at these businesses + more:

• Athens, Blount County, Cullman County + Morgan County Schools
• City of Huntsville
• Huntsville Hospital Health System
• Huntsville Utilities
• Maximum Technology Corporation
• Mazda-Toyota
• Members of local chambers of commerce from Athens + Decatur to Guntersville + Fort Payne
• View the full list

Athens State always has FREE applications and transcript evaluations—apply today!

A university built for every major milestone

Katie’s engagement (2016) and maternity pictures (2024) were taken on Athens State’s campus. (Katie Pinion / Michelle Vallese + Kayla Vaughn Estes)

Katie has found support in her peers and advisors—their belief in her has been a huge motivator, she shared.

Athens State sees students in every stage of life from fresh grads to adults going back to school, spouses or parents and more:

“Going back to school has no age limit. You can be 19 or 99, as long as you’re doing it for you.

Had I pursued a degree 14 years ago, I may not have been where I am today with Athens State and Calhoun and even helping my community get better care for their teeth.”

Katie

🎓 Ready to make a bigger impact? Apply now to Athens State FOR FREE!

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