BULL’S-EYE COMEBACK
// By Adam Bartels (LA’04)
For as long as he can remember, Josh Vandergriff’s career goal has been to learn more about and work in health sciences.
It’s a determination that helped lead Vandergriff (PG’21, MS PG’22) to Purdue Global—Purdue’s online university for working adults—where he has excelled in the classroom. Vandergriff’s dedication and hard work was recently rewarded, as he was one of only two people to receive the 2023 American Council on Education (ACE) Student of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually to individuals who have benefited academically or professionally from the use of ACE credit recommendations for workforce or military training.
“I was definitely surprised when I got the call,” Vandergriff says. “It provided a great boost of confidence. It certainly gives me that extra certification, that accomplishment you can build on—and add to your resume to appeal to employers.”
After high school, Vandergriff started college at a traditional institution. The birth of his first child led him to reshape his priorities and put a pause on his status as a full-time student.
“I had to put my education on hold to help provide a better life for my kids,” Vandergriff says.
Vandergriff worked for about a decade before he began exploring a return to college through an online institution, hoping to earn a degree and advance his career. He wanted the flexibility of an online degree so that he could still work and help raise his kids. Purdue Global was the perfect fit for launching his comeback.
Through Purdue Global, Vandergriff earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and a master’s degree in public health. He earned a 4.0 GPA and graduated summa cum laude in both instances.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping other people with their health and wellness.”
Soon after Vandergriff completed his first two degrees, Purdue Global added a doctor of health science program to its curriculum. Vandergriff wasted no time enrolling, and he is now on pace to graduate in May 2025.
“My academic advisor was very helpful,” Vandergriff says. “She just went the extra mile to help me get adjusted and make sure I was familiar with how Purdue Global worked. And here I am now, working on my third degree. I figured since I’ve gone this far, I might as well go all the way for the doctorate.”
For Vandergriff, winning the ACE Student of the Year Award affirms that his hard work has been worth it. In addition to the recognition, he received a $1,000 scholarship to help fund his continuing education.
“It’s a confidence boost, for sure,” Vandergriff says. “It makes you set your goals higher in terms of what you can achieve.”
Vandergriff currently serves as a nutrition educator for the Tennessee Department of Health, working to help communities understand nutritional deficiencies, health inequalities, and mental health. As he looks ahead toward completing his doctorate, he hopes to continue working at the state or federal level to address community health needs.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping other people with their health and wellness,” Vandergriff says. “A more recent passion of mine is to help those struggling with mental health. The mind is so complex, and people face so many issues on a daily basis that other people wouldn’t even recognize. I want to help as many people as I can.”
Josh Vandergriff receives his master of public health degree from Chancellor Frank Dooley at Purdue Global’s 2023 commencement ceremony in Anaheim, California
Josh Vandergriff receives his master of public health degree from Chancellor Frank Dooley at Purdue Global’s 2023 commencement ceremony in Anaheim, California
Josh Vandergriff receives his master of public health degree from Chancellor Frank Dooley at Purdue Global’s 2023 commencement ceremony in Anaheim, California
Josh Vandergriff receives his master of public health degree from Chancellor Frank Dooley at Purdue Global’s 2023 commencement ceremony in Anaheim, California
Soon after Vandergriff completed his first two degrees, Purdue Global added a doctor of health science program to its curriculum. Vandergriff wasted no time enrolling, and he is now on pace to graduate in May 2025.
“My academic advisor was very helpful,” Vandergriff says. “She just went the extra mile to help me get adjusted and make sure I was familiar with how Purdue Global worked. And here I am now, working on my third degree. I figured since I’ve gone this far, I might as well go all the way for the doctorate.”
For Vandergriff, winning the ACE Student of the Year Award affirms that his hard work has been worth it. In addition to the recognition, he received a $1,000 scholarship to help fund his continuing education.
“It’s a confidence boost, for sure,” Vandergriff says. “It makes you set your goals higher in terms of what you can achieve.”
Vandergriff currently serves as a nutrition educator for the Tennessee Department of Health, working to help communities understand nutritional deficiencies, health inequalities, and mental health. As he looks ahead toward completing his doctorate, he hopes to continue working at the state or federal level to address community health needs.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping other people with their health and wellness,” Vandergriff says. “A more recent passion of mine is to help those struggling with mental health. The mind is so complex, and people face so many issues on a daily basis that other people wouldn’t even recognize. I want to help as many people as I can.”
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