Student Spotlight: Online MS in Human Resources and Organization Development

Meet Daniel O’Dell! Daniel is a veteran and a graduate of the University of Louisville’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning program, in addition to being a current student in the online Master of Science in Human Resources and Organization Development program. We caught up with Daniel to learn more about his experiences with UofL Online – read what he had to say below!  

1. Please share your full name, age, where you’re from and your current occupation. 

My name is Daniel Allen O’Dell. I am 39 years old and originally from Bloomington, Illinois, but I currently live in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. I am the founder and CEO of MotiveFate LLC and its primary program, "MFV Resources", a nationwide platform that connects service members, veterans, caregivers and military families with trusted resources and services. 

2. What inspired you to pursue your education? Was there a moment or conversation that helped you believe, “I can do this”? 

After leaving the military, I struggled to find meaningful employment and was unsure about what direction to take next. I eventually visited my local career center, where someone encouraged me to use my military education benefits and connected me with a local college. 

When I arrived at the college, one staff member took the time to welcome me, explain the process and make everything feel less overwhelming. More than anything, they made me feel like I belonged there and that I was capable of succeeding. That support gave me the confidence to enroll, take the first step and begin seeing education as something I could truly accomplish. 

3. Why did you pursue an online program? 

I returned to college as a nontraditional student in my late thirties. As a military veteran, husband, father, business owner and active community member, I needed a program that could fit around the responsibilities already present in my life. 

An online program gave me the flexibility to continue pursuing my education without neglecting my family, professional work or community commitments. I could complete coursework around my schedule while still receiving the structure, instruction and support of a respected university. Without that flexibility, continuing my education would have been much more difficult. 

4. What attracted you to UofL’s online BSOLL and MSHROD programs? 

The BSOLL program attracted me because it recognized the value of the leadership, professional, and life experience that nontraditional students bring into the classroom. The coursework connected well with my military experience, community involvement, and professional goals. 

Also, after completing the bachelor’s program at UofL, transitioning into the online Master of Science in Human Resources and Organization Development program felt like a natural next step. I was attracted to the flexibility, the manageable course structure and the ability to complete the program at a pace that works for my life. The subjects also directly support the work I am doing as a founder and CEO, particularly in leadership, organizational development, workforce strategy and building an organization that can grow successfully. 

5. What has your experience been like so far? What are your biggest challenges and successes? 

My experience at the University of Louisville has been extremely positive, although it has not been without challenges. One of my greatest successes has been learning how to use the support systems available to students. UofL offers tutoring, mentorship, student organizations, faculty support and many other resources that help students move forward when they encounter difficulties. 

As a disabled veteran, one of my challenges has been learning how to adapt academically while managing physical limitations and other responsibilities. Time management, organizing my thoughts and balancing multiple commitments were difficult at first. Once I began using available resources and developing better systems for planning and brainstorming, I became much more confident and effective. 

Another challenge has been identifying internships and community partners that fit the timelines and requirements of certain course projects. However, those experiences have also helped me strengthen my communication, networking and problem-solving skills. Overall, my greatest success has been proving to myself that I can continue growing academically while also being present for my family, building a business and serving my community. 

6. When you look back on your time as a UofL student, what do you think you’ll remember most? 

I think I will remember the collaboration and teamwork involved in many of the major course projects. Some assignments were simple, while others were much more detailed and required us to work closely with classmates, community partners, internship sites and professionals from different backgrounds. Learning how to bring together different personalities, experiences and ideas to accomplish one shared goal was one of the most valuable parts of my education. Those projects taught me how important communication, flexibility and teamwork are when trying to create something meaningful. 

7. Who are the people who have impacted you the most, including family, friends, faculty or staff? 

My family has had the greatest impact on me because they have supported me throughout every stage of this journey. They have made sacrifices, encouraged me during difficult times and continued to believe in what I am working toward. 

Another person who has had a major impact on me is Saundra Kimberlain. Before I even applied to the University of Louisville, she sat down with me and listened as I explained my professional goals and what I hoped to accomplish with my education. Because she had completed the same human resources and organization development program at UofL, she understood exactly what it could offer. She told me that she believed it was the right program for me, and she has supported me every step of the way since then. 

I am also extremely thankful for the faculty members who have made themselves available to answer questions, respond to emails and help students work through challenges. Their willingness to support students has made a real difference in my experience. 

8. What is your five-year plan? How will your degrees help you reach it? 

Within the next five years, I hope to be serving as the president or CEO of a major organization, corporation or growing national business. I also have a strong interest in using my experience to help create meaningful change at both the local and national levels, potentially through advocacy or public service in Washington, D.C. 

My degrees are helping me develop a deeper understanding of leadership, human resources, organizational development, workforce strategy and how successful organizations are built and sustained. These skills will help me lead people more effectively, strengthen organizations and create changes that have a lasting impact. Whether I am growing my own company, leading another organization or working to improve policies and systems, I believe this education will help prepare me for that responsibility. 

9. What would you tell others who are on the fence about pursuing their education? 

I would tell them to take the first step and do it. College can feel intimidating, especially if you have been away from school for a long time or have other responsibilities, but you do not have to figure everything out alone. There are tutoring programs, student organizations, mentors, faculty members, advisers and many other resources available to help you through almost any challenge you may face. 

The biggest lesson I learned is that you have to be willing to use those resources. Asking for help does not mean you are failing. It can make your college experience easier, more enjoyable and much more successful. You may be more capable than you realize, but you will never know until you give yourself the opportunity to try. 

10. How did you feel walking across the graduation stage with your BSOLL? What do you think you’ll feel after completing your MSHROD? 

Walking across the graduation stage for my bachelor’s degree was something I once never believed was possible. I was a first-generation college student who had earned a GED, served in the military and later became a disabled veteran. For a long time, I did not see myself as someone who could earn a college degree. Completing the program with a 4.0 GPA and receiving multiple academic honors made the moment even more meaningful. When I walked across that stage, I felt an incredible sense of pride not only because of the degree, but because of the hard work, sacrifice and determination it took to get there. It showed me that the challenges I faced did not have to determine what I could accomplish! 

When I complete my master’s degree, I believe I will feel an even greater sense of accomplishment. Throughout the program, I have had the opportunity to connect with community organizations, professionals and other students through projects and practical experiences. That type of work is what I truly enjoy. Earning the degree will represent more than another academic achievement. It will give me additional knowledge and experience that I can use to lead, serve others, and encourage people who may not yet believe that higher education is possible for them. 

11. How did your military background shape your educational background? 

My military background gave me a strong foundation for pursuing my education. The Army values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage continued to guide me long after I left the military. I approached college much like I would approach a mission.... Once I committed, I was determined to complete it. 

The military also taught me to assess the situation, develop a plan, use the resources available to me and address one challenge at a time. In college, those challenges sometimes involved difficult writing assignments, unfamiliar material, or balancing multiple responsibilities. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by everything at once, I learned to focus on the next task in front of me. Just as service members rely on their team and available resources to accomplish a mission, I learned to use tutoring, faculty guidance, mentorship and other academic support. My military experience taught me discipline and perseverance, but it also taught me that success does not mean doing everything alone. 

12. What are some of the challenges and benefits of being a military-connected student? 

One of the greatest benefits of being a military-connected student is bringing real-world experience, discipline, leadership skills, and a strong sense of purpose into the classroom. UofL’s online programs also provide the flexibility military-connected students often need because our careers, families, health needs, and other responsibilities may not fit within a traditional classroom schedule. 

The eight-week courses can be challenging because a significant amount of material is covered in a condensed period. Students have to remain organized and keep up with the coursework. However, that structure can also be a benefit because it allows students to concentrate on fewer subjects at one time and continue progressing toward their degrees. 

The flexibility of the program has been especially valuable to me. Whether someone is serving, transitioning from the military, raising a family, working or managing other responsibilities, they can create a pace that works for their circumstances. The courses require commitment, but the program makes earning a degree achievable. 

13. What would you tell military-connected prospective students who are considering pursuing their education? 

I would encourage military-connected prospective students to take advantage of the opportunity and begin as soon as their circumstances allow. Education can help them advance professionally while serving and prepare them for opportunities after they leave the military. They have earned access to valuable education benefits and using those benefits can be one of the best investments they make in their future. An online program provides the flexibility to continue serving while making progress toward a degree. Students may choose a slower pace when military responsibilities are demanding or take more courses when their schedule allows. The important thing is to start, remain consistent and ask for support when needed. 

I would also encourage military leaders to support the educational goals of the people serving under them. Helping service members pursue education strengthens them personally, benefits the military and better prepares them for whatever comes next. 

14. What is most helpful to you as a military-connected student? 

What has been most helpful is having access to organizations, services and people who understand the military-connected experience. Being surrounded by other veterans and military-connected students creates a sense of community because they often understand the transition, responsibilities and challenges that can come with military service. 

Academic resources have also been extremely valuable, including assistance with writing, tutoring, mentorship, and guidance from faculty and staff. Beyond the classroom, military-connected events, student organizations and extracurricular activities give students opportunities to build relationships, learn new skills and take a break from the demands of coursework. The combination of a flexible online program and a supportive military-connected community has made a major difference in my experience. It has helped me feel connected to the university even though I complete most of my coursework online. 

15. Are there any other thoughts you would like to share that we may not have addressed? 

I believe education can change much more than a person’s career. It can change how someone sees themselves and what they believe is possible for their life. When I first began this journey, I was simply looking for a better direction after leaving the military. I did not imagine that I would eventually graduate with a 4.0 GPA, receive academic honors, pursue a master’s degree, build a national business and use my experiences to help others. My time at the University of Louisville has taught me that our starting point does not determine how far we can go. Students may arrive with a GED, years away from the classroom, family responsibilities, disabilities, or uncertainty about whether they belong. None of those circumstances mean they are incapable of succeeding. 

Sometimes people only need an opportunity, the right resources, and someone willing to believe in them until they learn to believe in themselves. I hope my story encourages another veteran, adult learner, or first-generation student to take that first step because you do not have to have your entire future figured out before beginning, but you do simply have to be willing to start. 

Thank you again to Daniel for taking the time to answer our questions! You can learn more about our online Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning here, or you can learn more about our online Master’s in Human Resources and Organization Development here. You can also learn more about the University of Louisville’s Center for Military Connected Students.