"Our program is designed to allow students who already have earned college credits to complete their dream of earning a prestigious Auburn University degree.”                                                   — Jennifer Mueller-Phillips, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Harbert College

The Harbert College is committed to providing a superior student experience that produces highly
sought-after graduates and cultivates lifelong engagement.

Andy Welborn made a promise to his late father and drew inspiration from his daughter. Thirty years after putting the brakes on a college education, he earned a business degree from Auburn.

“I remember calling my father long ago and he said, ‘Son, if you quit, you’ll never go back,” said Welborn. “I got married, had children and working full-time. But I made a promise to him that I would go back. I was going to get that done.”

Welborn’s daughter, Francis Grace, began attending Auburn in 2016, and he relished the opportunity to complete his college education, and make good on his promise, three years later.

“She was having a great experience,” he said. “I wanted to create a culture and a legacy for my other children. I wanted them to realize how important it was to get a college degree.”

Welborn, who owns Riverside Auto Group in Rome, Georgia, and Francis Grace Welborn graduated together last August. Andy earned a BSBA via Harbert College’s Completer Program, while Francis Grace earned a degree in Marketing.

Harbert College’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Completer program offers students the opportunity to finish their business education – 100 percent online – with 22 courses that cover 60 credit hours. The degree is especially designed for students who have already earned credits toward undergraduate degrees, and can help maximize professional opportunities by developing proficiencies in a variety of business disciplines. 

“Our program is designed to allow students who have earned college credits to complete their dream of earning a prestigious Auburn University degree,” said Jennifer Mueller-Phillips, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Harbert College.

“The program is delivered 100 percent online by Harbert College’s world-class faculty, so that it fits within students’ busy lifestyles.”

Welborn wanted to keep a promise and create a legacy. But the BSBA gave him more.

“It was a very well-rounded program,” he said. “It took me into areas that I am not necessarily involved in on a day-to-day basis. I’m in the supply and demand business, but not always the supply chain or logistical business, or the manufacturing side. I learned a lot about that and found it quite intriguing to get a better understanding of that side of the business world.

“You’re never too old to learn or listen to someone else’s perspective. There were so many technical things that I learned, either through marketing, finance, or supply chain classes -- tools that I apply today. I’m able to look at things differently, whether it’s a marketing concept or business strategy.”

Welborn resumed his college education at Harbert in the Spring of 2019 and managed to balance school, work and family time to complete his degree in a little more than a year.

“Many people asked me, ‘Why are you doing this? You don’t need it. You’ve been successful’” he added. “But I learned that completing college is much more than just hanging a degree on my wall. This was an education that I gained from Auburn. It was time well spent.”