A remarkable journey through the Commonwealth University Early College Program

For many high school students, college feels like a distant milestone - but for Nathan "Nate" Wales, it has been a reality since ninth grade. A homeschool student from Athens, Wales took advantage of the Commonwealth University Early College Program to begin earning college credits early. Now, as a high school senior, he is on track to graduate with an astonishing 72 college credits - making him both a high school senior and a college junior at the same time.

Through the Early College Program, high school students can enroll in college courses at a reduced tuition rate, providing an affordable and accessible head start on their higher education. For Wales, this opportunity allowed him to explore his academic interests and commit to a major early on. He is now pursuing a degree in business administration with a marketing concentration.

"It has been a great opportunity for me," Wales said. "It's a lot of hard work, but the online courses are very convenient because I can work around the other activities in my schedule. I've looked at it as a way to invest in myself and my future."

Beyond academics, Wales has a wide range of personal interests. He is an accomplished athlete in the Spartan DEKA event, qualifying to compete in the World Championships in 2023. He is also an avid comic book enthusiast and a creative Lego artist and collector. His studies in marketing have given him a fresh perspective on the world around him.

"Since taking courses in marketing, I am starting to notice things around me and what strategies are effective and which ones are not," he said. "I look forward to applying what I'm learning in the real world soon."

Wales comes from a proud Mansfield University legacy. His father, Dr. Andrew Wales (EdD), graduated in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in art education. As an educator, he recognizes the value of programs like Early College in shaping motivated students' futures.

"The Early College program is a fantastic opportunity for self-motivated students," Dr. Wales said. "Nate has had access to a huge resource of courses offered online through all the Commonwealth campuses."

Recently, Wales attended the Career Connections Expo at CU-Mansfield, an event designed to connect students with potential employers from government, non-profit and social and environmental services. Hosted by the Office of Alumni and Professional Engagement, this was the second of three Career Connections Expos at Mansfield, providing valuable networking opportunities and insights into future career paths.

For Wales, the expo was another step in preparing for life beyond college, allowing him to explore real-world applications of his marketing studies and engage with industry professionals.

This fall, Wales plans to continue his studies at Commonwealth University-Mansfield, taking courses on campus as he moves closer to completing his degree. His story is a testament to the power of early academic ambition, the flexibility of modern education and the opportunities available through the Early College Program.