The MSU Alumni Spotlight is a feature of the IMPACT that allows NCBC members across the nation to get to know graduates of the MSU Judicial Administration Program. If you would like to be featured in a future MSU Alumni Spotlight, please contact Heather Burse or Cathy White. In this issue, we talk to MSU Alum Haley Poindexter.
Name: Haley Poindexter
Title: Financial Specialist
Court: Illinois Northern Bankruptcy Court
MSU Program: Judicial Administration Non‐Credit Certificate
Graduation Date: April 06, 2009
How has your participation in the MSU program impacted your career?
The MSU program has allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge I learned about the court processes to my daily work tasks. I was promoted from a Case Administrator to a Team Trainer and I am currently transitioning from Operations to Administration as a Financial Specialist. The MSU program was very beneficial in my career growth.
What other benefits has the program brought into your life?
Having a better understanding of how the court operates as a whole is a huge benefit of the MSU program. By learning about all aspects of the court I have a greater respect for other departments in our agency. Through the MSU program, I was able to make a life change from one component of the court to another. I now understand the history of the court. I can say I stand by our court vision to be a leader in court excellence, ensuring the highest standard of service to the community thereby inspiring public confidence in the court.
What was the time commitment for your program? How did you integrate that into your lifestyle?
The MSU non-credit bearing program consists of completing 10 courses with the flexibility of taking the courses online with an instructor, at the NCBC conference in-person, or as an on-site class at your Court. I was able to take some courses online. I would set aside time each week to work on my assignments and communicate with fellow students or the instructor. I would attend the NCBC conferences for the other classes.
Learning is one of my top strengths; therefore, it was easy for me to integrate the courses into my daily lifestyle. Whenever an opportunity presents itself to increase my education - I'm there! I excel at learning therefore my lifestyle had minimal changes.
What format (or formats) did you use to complete your program? What did you like best about each one?
As part of the first MSU class, I utilized all resources available to me at that time. I used both online courses and attended in-person classes at the NCBC conferences. I completed the class within a timely matter. I enjoyed attending the NCBC conferences because that experience was more personable. My learning style is more hands-on. I enjoyed the flexibility of having the opportunity to complete the classes online when I’m not able to attend the NCBC conference. The online class was more detailed and required additional time to complete.
What tips or ideas can you share about finding a work/life balance that is conducive to achieving success in this program?
This program is designed for any lifestyle. At that time, I was part of numerous committees and attending college. Use all resources available to you and talk with other alumni of the MSU Program. As I stated earlier, I was part of the first MSU class. I communicated with other classmate within my class as well as the instructor. If you can apply the tools learned from the MSU program to your current job or future position within the judicial system, do so.
Are there any last thoughts or maybe a piece of advice you'd like to share with us?
There’s nothing like that feeling of knowing you’ve accomplished a goal and seeing the fruit of your labor played out when you receive that beautiful plaque at the graduation ceremony – it makes it worthwhile!
Name: Haley Poindexter
Title: Financial Specialist
Court: Illinois Northern Bankruptcy Court
MSU Program: Judicial Administration Non‐Credit Certificate
Graduation Date: April 06, 2009
How has your participation in the MSU program impacted your career?
The MSU program has allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge I learned about the court processes to my daily work tasks. I was promoted from a Case Administrator to a Team Trainer and I am currently transitioning from Operations to Administration as a Financial Specialist. The MSU program was very beneficial in my career growth.
What other benefits has the program brought into your life?
Having a better understanding of how the court operates as a whole is a huge benefit of the MSU program. By learning about all aspects of the court I have a greater respect for other departments in our agency. Through the MSU program, I was able to make a life change from one component of the court to another. I now understand the history of the court. I can say I stand by our court vision to be a leader in court excellence, ensuring the highest standard of service to the community thereby inspiring public confidence in the court.
What was the time commitment for your program? How did you integrate that into your lifestyle?
The MSU non-credit bearing program consists of completing 10 courses with the flexibility of taking the courses online with an instructor, at the NCBC conference in-person, or as an on-site class at your Court. I was able to take some courses online. I would set aside time each week to work on my assignments and communicate with fellow students or the instructor. I would attend the NCBC conferences for the other classes.
Learning is one of my top strengths; therefore, it was easy for me to integrate the courses into my daily lifestyle. Whenever an opportunity presents itself to increase my education - I'm there! I excel at learning therefore my lifestyle had minimal changes.
What format (or formats) did you use to complete your program? What did you like best about each one?
As part of the first MSU class, I utilized all resources available to me at that time. I used both online courses and attended in-person classes at the NCBC conferences. I completed the class within a timely matter. I enjoyed attending the NCBC conferences because that experience was more personable. My learning style is more hands-on. I enjoyed the flexibility of having the opportunity to complete the classes online when I’m not able to attend the NCBC conference. The online class was more detailed and required additional time to complete.
What tips or ideas can you share about finding a work/life balance that is conducive to achieving success in this program?
This program is designed for any lifestyle. At that time, I was part of numerous committees and attending college. Use all resources available to you and talk with other alumni of the MSU Program. As I stated earlier, I was part of the first MSU class. I communicated with other classmate within my class as well as the instructor. If you can apply the tools learned from the MSU program to your current job or future position within the judicial system, do so.
Are there any last thoughts or maybe a piece of advice you'd like to share with us?
There’s nothing like that feeling of knowing you’ve accomplished a goal and seeing the fruit of your labor played out when you receive that beautiful plaque at the graduation ceremony – it makes it worthwhile!