SNU’s Bridget Goodknight
Current varsity cheer coach and ENG I, Pre-AP ENG I and ENG II teacher at Chouteau High School, Bridget Goodknight received her master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University and is using it to advance her career and serve her students.
“A master’s degree opens up so many doors for me. I have many years of leadership experience from my time serving in the U.S. Air Force as an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). However, a degree in leadership solidifies my qualifications for a strong future,” said Goodknight. “I spent 12 years in the Air Force and prior to teacher, I spent 20 years in the health information world. A master’s degree in educational leadership opens doors in the DoD (Department of Defense) world, medical field as well as teaching. My future looks much brighter with this degree.”
The decision to attend classes with SNU was an easy one for Goodknight and there were several things about the program she enjoyed.
“The decision was made out of convenience. The classes are set up to ensure success for the busy educator. We are a busy profession in general, add the additional duties plus being an athletic coach, time is so valuable. The schedule, pace and convenience of the cohort made SNU an easy choice,” said Goodknight. “I loved the comradery of our group. We connected quickly. This allowed us to support each other both academically and on a personal level. Our group had so many life events take place; two weddings, a birth of a child and grandchild, a guardianship battle won, deaths, sicknesses, awards, the whole gambit. We celebrated together, cried and prayed with each other. This was instrumental in getting through the program!”
Goodknight said anyone looking to further their careers should consider SNU.
“Take the plunge! It is very much worth the one night a week for 18 months. The experience alone is worth it but consider the long-term benefits you gain by having this degree,” Goodknight said.
In her free time, you can usually find Goodknight spending time with family.
“My free time is spent being a Gram. This is by far my favorite role in life. We have five grandchildren ranging in age from almost 11 to 6 weeks. We currently have guardianship of two of our grandsons and they keep us busy and moving all the time. I also love to play guitar. I have been a member of a praise and worship team five of the last nine years,” Goodknight said.
