Age is just a number: Scott Adner redefines success with a BGSU Online degree

After a successful career and raising a family, 57-year-old Scott Adner returned to college to complete his bachelor's degree online

By Branden Ferguson

Despite a career and a lifetime of achievements, 57-year-old Scott Adner found himself facing an unexpected hurdle when trying to launch a second career — the lack of a bachelor's degree was proving to be a disadvantage. Adner's journey led him to pursue a degree through Bowling Green State University and BGSU Online.

After high school, Adner earned an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology and went on to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

"I was working all day and going to school at night," recalled Adner. "Online courses didn't exist at that time, so I would drive into the city after work, sometimes through rush-hour traffic to take my classes."

While pursuing his bachelor's degree, Adner started a new job at John Crane, a global engineering technology company, and got married.

"I was a little more than one semester away from earning my bachelor's degree when my wife and I had twin girls," Adner said. "They were very premature, so I took time off from school to help. Things were going well at my job, so I never made it back to finish college."

Over the next 27 years, Adner would become the global manager for six engineering groups at John Crane, running customer tests, working on new product development, conducting forensic analysis and reviewing materials.

After raising their children, Adner and his wife semi-retired, moved to Alabama and bought a restaurant. While they enjoyed the change of pace, Adner soon realized the value of a four-year degree in the competitive job market.

"One day, my wife and I would like to part ways with the restaurant and move closer to our kids," Adner said. "I started looking for jobs, but quickly realized a four-year degree really does matter. I wasn't getting interviews for jobs that I was perfectly aligned for because I didn't have a bachelor's degree."

Adner decided to give it one more try and go back to school to earn a bachelor's degree.

"I began researching colleges, looking to avoid schools that were strictly online," Adner said. "I wanted a university that offered the same resources found on campus."

Living in Alabama, the BGSU Online quality systems program was the perfect fit — 100% online, ABET-accredited and taught by the same professors found in on-campus classrooms. Adner was even able to transfer many credits from his previous coursework.

Committed to meeting working professionals where they are in their lives, BGSU Online provides flexibility for family and work-life balance, offering unmatched support to students through Life Design, the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections, and dedicated faculty members. BGSU is one of only a few of universities nationwide to earn Quality Matters Online Learner Support Certification for all online programs.

"I'm really glad I decided to go back and finish my degree," said Adner. "I'm only 57, so I still have time for another career. With a degree in quality systems and my work experience, I am confident in my abilities to find a job wherever we decide to move."

Adner is set to graduate in August and is proud to announce that he is on pace to finish with a higher GPA than both of his kids.