Patrick Hilliard

Patrick Hilliard is an online digital marketing graduate student from Texas

Hometown: St. Paul, MN, Current location: Texas

Class of: 2024

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
As a child, my dream was to become a doctor — primarily because I excelled in math and science. Moreover, I found science fascinating. However, when I was 18, life took an unexpected turn, altering my trajectory. On Christmas Day, 1988, my father passed away, leaving my academic future and other aspects of my life in limbo. Without a clear pathway to college, I joined the U.S. Army Reserves to learn a skill and earn money for college. Everything was going according to plan until my unit was activated for Operation Desert Storm. After deploying to Southwest Asia, I returned to the U.S. and resumed my college studies in 1991. Due to my military career, life and family responsibilities, it took me over 31 years to complete my undergraduate degree. Nonetheless, I managed to find my place in the medical field — specifically in pharmacy. Most of my Army career was spent as a pharmacy technician, and although I didn't become a doctor, I found a meaningful path in the medical field.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am in the online Master of Science in digital marketing program. I decided on this course of study because I enjoyed the digital marketing classes I took as an undergrad, and I wanted to pivot away from the medical field.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Everyone I have encountered has been super friendly.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Most connections were established through course discussion boards and group projects. There are some real rock stars in the program.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I volunteered for a working group designed to identify barriers students face within the school. We discussed a wide range of topics, from accessing online forms to virtual events.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I have relied on my professors and counselors for support.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
It is impossible to narrow it down to just one. Each has been instrumental to my success at NIU.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I am an online student, so I haven't experienced the in-person classroom environment. However, I frequently used my professors' virtual office hours to learn more about upcoming assignments, ask marketing questions and learn about upcoming events.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I did extensive research prior to applying to NIU, so I would recommend they do the same. However, it is unlikely you'll find another institution that will check all the boxes like NIU did for me.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important for several reasons. First, it enables you to expand your mind to concepts you normally would not be exposed to. Next, it provides a mechanism for individuals to walk through doors and have a seat at the table. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to become the director of a training facility, but I was unable to fulfill the role due to the absence of a degree. Finally, it allows one to cultivate a network of peers and professionals that has lifelong potential for enrichment.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
It is always best to start assignments early in the week and assess the amount of time needed for the completion of your classwork. Then, I would plan backwards from the assignment due date. I may find that I cannot hang out as much during weeks when I have a lot of assignments, but everything usually works out.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
The NIU website offers a lot of information about events and services on campus. Also, the program director sends out updates on events that may interest students.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Gardening helps take my mind off the challenges at hand for a bit. Additionally, I like to BBQ.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I retired from the U.S. Army in 2014, so I currently do not have a job. However, I like bowling, gardening, p3 (pour painting pots) and learning new things.

What has your experience as an online student at NIU been like?
My experience attending NIU online has been excellent. I've been able to balance my course load with my family and other responsibilities, thanks to the ease and flexibility of having access to course materials anytime, anywhere. In fact, in March 2024, I was able to complete my coursework on website design while on vacation in Mexico.

What advantages have you found in completing your courses entirely online?
There are several advantages to completing the master’s in digital marketing program entirely online, such as flexibility, accessibility and connectivity. The flexibility I have to do assignments and projects when it is convenient for me is priceless. At an institution I considered before becoming a Huskie, it was "highly encouraged" to attend many of the lecture periods in real time. That just wasn't practical for me with the way things are set up right now. It has been a huge plus to have access to all of my professors throughout the program. In fact, they all can attest that I met with them nearly on a weekly basis. These meetings served two purposes: I was able to get any questions answered about upcoming projects or assignments, and they created and reinforced the connection between me and NIU.

What is your number one tip for students thinking about online education?
Definitely get the “buy-in” from your family and plug in to the online learning experience.