Brittany Toth wanted to be a Cavalier since the second grade. After working five years as a full-time nurse while completing an Associate of Science in Business Administration at Piedmont Virginia Community College, she understood how important completing her bachelor’s degree would be in a competitive job market.
Toth was interested in the University of Virginia, but she knew that a traditional four-year undergraduate program wouldn’t fit her life. After researching different programs, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, which allowed her to transfer 60 credit hours and continue her education while managing personal and professional demands.
Toth knew she wanted a curriculum that would help her dive into topics related to her career and boost skills that would help her in the workplace while also diversifying her studies, and she’s grateful to have found that blend in UVA's online program.
“From Dr. May's courses, I have been able to learn fields of study that I never would have learned about otherwise, like architecture, and Pacific Rim art. Through Dr. Matthews’ writing courses, I discovered that I am deeply passionate about writing, which has allowed me to channel my creative energy into a cathartic and productive hobby,” Toth shared.
She pointed to classes covering everything from nationalism to the environment that have opened her eyes to new ways of seeing things, broadened her understanding of the world and our history, and even prompted her to reconsider her career. Toth appreciates all of her education experiences, explaining, “It’s impossible to choose a favorite course, project or professor, because they each contribute in unique ways. Each professor has shown dedication to their field and passion for teaching. They truly care about the quality of education we receive and our aspirations.”
Toth, who enjoys spending time with her husband and a wide range of activities from archery to gaming to chess, has thrown herself into all that’s offered to her at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. She currently serves as a peer mentor, student council representative, an honor committee representative, and she has joined one of the University societies. This spring, Toth will have two works of prose published in the student literary journal, Mosaic. “I love that I have equal opportunities to be involved with campus activities as traditional students," Toth shared. "I also felt recognized for my efforts when I was inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda.”
Her drive may partially be explained by her sincere appreciation for the opportunity to continue her education, which she credits to having received scholarship support from the School.
“Without this scholarship, it would have been impossible for me to complete my degree. Realizing that total strangers believe in my capabilities motivated me to put forth my best efforts."
Brittany Toth, UVA BIS student
The impact of scholarships is considerable for School of Continuing and Professional Studies students as they are often managing more responsibilities than a “traditional” student is.
“Scholarships at our school allow our students to pursue their education while providing for themselves and others, allowing them to advance their future and impact the community around them.”
Melissa M. Lubin, Dean, UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Scholarship support has relieved Toth of the need to choose between paying for school or paying for other personal financial responsibilities, and scholarship support has enabled her to complete her degree faster than she would have without the assistance. She’s eagerly awaiting walking the UVA Lawn during Final Exercises this May, and hopes to pursue a master’s degree at UVA in order to move into her dream career in the intelligence community.
If you are interested in partnering with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to make high-quality education more accessible to those who seek it, explore our giving page and consider making a financial donation which will directly increase the amount of scholarships offered to students. For other opportunities, please reach out to SCPS Director of Development, Jessica Robertson at jrobertson@virginia.edu.