I'm a college student!

I've taken the plunge and become a college student. I'm enrolled in Excelsior College in upstate New York. I'm in the Phoenix, Arizona area, but nowadays this isn't a problem. I'm really excited about this!

They're currently evaluating my previous college, military training and industry training with intent toward a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology. I'm using the EPCE program through my company, Arizona Public Service. That stands for Energy Providers Coalition for Education and is in response to the dearth of trained people to work in the energy business in the coming years. Just in nuclear power alone there will be a need for tens of thousands of new workers over the next few years.

Having been in the nuclear power business since I was 18 years old, I recognize the value of the degree. A degree requirement is on nearly every job posting in the nuclear business. And I don't have one. Yet.

Update: I got the degree.  It took nearly 4 years, but in August 2011 I graduated with a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology.  Woot!