Our Stories | Villanova College of Professional Studies

Tracey Barnes

Against All Odds


Tracey Barnes '24 CPS is a living testament to the power of human resilience and the transformative impact of education.

J. Martin Molinos

From Ranch to Recognition

J. Martin Molinos '24 CPS knew from a young age that a college education was a part of his future. Purpose, passion and hard work were at the root of his success at Villanova.

Shelby Meyers

Called to Care

Shelby Meyers '23 CPS followed a passion for healthcare advocacy, earning her degree and finding a new career path.

Madison DeWispelaere

Learning to Lead

Madison DeWispelaere '22 CPS looked for the next challenge in her career. Her school work took her to new heights and around the world.

Alice Ford

Inspiring Success

Alice Ford '23 CPS finds a way to be a Dean's list student and a pillar in her community, while working the night shift.

Robert Brickhouse

Persistence is Instrumental

Robert Brickhouse '22 CPS took a long journey to his Villanova degree, which will fuel his passion as a music director.

Michael DiMaio

Continuing to Serve

Michael DiMaio '23 CPS uses the lessons he's learned in the military and at Villanova to help fellow veterans in need.

The Duffy Family

Matching Graduation Caps

The Duffy Family celebrated Commencement Weekend in a special way, with three members of the family earning degrees together.

Ryan Oakley

Fishing For Success

Ryan Oakley '21 CPS has shown an entrepreneurial spirit that is driving his tech start-up and charitable foundation.

Maalik Wayns

Scoring Beyond Basketball

Maalik Wayns' Villanova career led him to the NBA. Now, as he coaches the next generation of basketball stars, he's pursing his degree.

Ronell Smith

The Value of Education

Ronell Smith '21 CPS showed years of hard work, sacrifice, and care in earning her degree, with the goal of passing that knowledge on to others.

Chad Allen and members of the VU Staff

Life After Service

When Chad Allen was preparing for his transition from the Marine Corps, he saw a recurring theme among job listings: degree needed. He found a home in CPS.

Joyce Harden

Q&A: Joyce Harden '21 CPS

Last month, Joyce Harden graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership with Asian Studies and Japanese minors and a 3.4 GPA. She embodies the spirit of CPS in all that she does.

Corey Stephens

Building Skills That Matter

For Philadelphia native Corey Stephens, a desire to motivate and inspire people was the driving force behind his decision to enroll at CPS.

John Weinberger

When Opportunity Knocks...

Through a “miraculous set of circumstances,” John Weinberger enrolled in the College of Professional Studies to pursue his next career move.

Daniel Duffy and niece

Motivated for More

Daniel Duffy '22 CPS came to Villanova determined to make the most of his education and found a new side of himself.

Brittni Jones

Striving for Excellence

Brittni Jones came to CPS looking to juggle school and life as a mother. She did so, earning a degree and the Medallion of Academic Excellence.

William Kelleher

Veteran's Next Step

William Keller describes his experience returning to school at the Villanova College of Professional Studies after serving in the military.

Erica Howard receives a medal

Taking the Next Steps

Erica Howard '21 CPS describes her goals for advancing her career, after taking time off to raise her family, and how CPS helped her pave the path toward success.