From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Maria's Journey with Veridian Christian University

By Dr. Tia Murry, Co-Founder, Veridian Christian University

When Maria first felt the nudge to pursue her Master’s degree, she was torn. As a full-time nurse, a mother of three, and a volunteer leader at her church, her days were already stretched thin.

But deep down, she knew God was calling her to something greater—something that would equip her to serve her family, community, and faith on a deeper level.?

Maria hesitated for months, questioning if it was even possible.?

How could she balance work, family, ministry, and a demanding academic program?

Would she be able to handle it all without losing sight of her faith??

That’s when she discovered Veridian Christian University.?

Finding the Right Fit?

Maria was drawn to Veridian’s mission of integrating faith with education and the flexibility of its 100% online programs.

The courses were designed for people just like her—busy professionals with significant responsibilities who still wanted to grow academically and spiritually.?

She enrolled in the Master’s in Leadership program with a mixture of excitement and fear.

Could she really make this work??

?The First Few Weeks?

The early weeks were challenging.

Maria juggled her kids’ soccer practices, late-night hospital shifts, and a growing stack of assignments. But what stood out to her was how Veridian supported her every step of the way.?

The professors weren’t just educators—they were mentors who prayed with her during virtual office hours and encouraged her to align her studies with her faith.

Her classmates, spread across the globe, became a second family. They’d exchange Scripture in discussion forums and share tips on balancing life’s demands.?

“I realized I wasn’t alone in this journey,” Maria recalls. “Everyone at Veridian, from the staff to the students, understood what it meant to balance life, faith, and education. That sense of community kept me going.”?

The Breakthrough Moment?

One evening, after a long day at work, Maria sat at her kitchen table reviewing coursework for a leadership module.

The topic was about servant leadership—leading with humility and faith. As she reflected, something clicked.?

“God reminded me why I started this journey,” Maria says. “It wasn’t just about earning a degree. It was about becoming the leader He created me to be—in my family, church, and workplace.”?

With that renewed sense of purpose, Maria found ways to balance her commitments.

She created a realistic schedule, leaned on her husband and church family for support, and even included her kids in her study sessions.?

?The Transformation?

By the time Maria graduated, she was a different person.

Not only had she gained knowledge and skills in leadership, but she also felt spiritually empowered.

Her professors and peers had poured into her faith, and now she was ready to pour into others.?

Maria’s story doesn’t end with her diploma.

Today, she leads a community outreach program at her church, mentors young women in their faith journeys, and thrives in her career.

“Veridian didn’t just give me a degree,” she says. “It gave me the tools to live out my calling with confidence, balance, and faith.”?

?Your Journey Starts Here?

Maria’s story is just one of many.

At Veridian Christian University, we understand the challenges of balancing work, family, and spiritual growth.

That’s why our programs are designed for people like you—those who refuse to choose between their responsibilities and their dreams.?

If Maria’s journey resonates with you, we invite you to take the first step toward your own transformation.

Explore our 100% online programs and discover how you can grow academically, personally, and spiritually—on your terms.?

Learn more at https://www.veridianchristianuniversity.com?

The C-Suite for Christ movement is proud to partner with Veridian Christian University, and we thank them for boldly and unapologetically keeping Christ at the center of higher education.

We pray you'll support them, as well.