Alum Now Pursuing Dual Bachelor’s Degrees Thanks to Rio’s Online Classes
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
When circumstances require flexibility, determination, and a clear sense of purpose, Rio Salado College can become more than just a place to take classes.
For alum Carrie Lee Graves, Rio became a turning point that transformed uncertainty into direction and opened the door to a future that bridges technology, psychology, and ethical innovation.
After nearly 20 years away from school, Graves returned with a practical goal: to support her family financially.
In 2021, her husband, who worked overseas in the government sector, found his position was defunded. The months that followed were filled with unanswered applications and unsuccessful interviews. As options narrowed, Graves had to take an honest look at what was realistically available to her.
“I started researching everything,” Graves said. “Online programs, bootcamps, certificates, and even colleges my son was considering. I was open to almost anything if it was affordable, flexible, and could be completed efficiently.”
Eventually, Graves took a chance and sent her college transcript to Rio Salado College for evaluation. When she realized she could apply her previous coursework toward an Associate in Science (AS) degree, the path forward suddenly felt possible.
“Once I saw that I could commit to finishing an AS degree, the decision became much clearer,” Graves said. “Rio’s structure made it easy. Courses could begin on any Monday, and everything was online. That meant I didn’t have to wait for a traditional semester start date. I could begin as soon as my transcript was evaluated.”
Just as important, Rio’s accreditation meant her future options stayed open. “If transferring to a university became part of my plan, I knew Rio would support that,” she said.
That flexibility was not just convenient. It was essential.
“Earning a degree didn’t naturally fit into the life I was living at the time,” Graves said. “The only reason it was possible was because I could complete coursework remotely. Being able to learn privately, at my own pace, made a huge difference.”
In December 2023, Graves completed her AS degree with an emphasis in computer science from Rio Salado. She also earned a Certificate of Completion in Database Development from Mesa Community College.
In Spring 2024, Graves transferred to the University of Florida (UF), where she is pursuing dual online bachelor’s degrees in computer science and psychology.
“While many community college students plan to transfer in-state, there are other paths that may align better with individual goals and values, and Rio provided me with the academic foundation and support to pursue that option successfully,” Graves said.
Graves plans to graduate from UF in the Spring of 2027, and is actively applying for gradate school. Looking back, she credits her Rio instructors and her academic advisor for assisting with the transfer process.
“Course equivalencies are not always one-to-one,” Graves said. “I had to compile multiple Rio course syllabi to demonstrate that I met UF’s learning objectives. My instructors were very helpful, as was my advisor, Sherri Moore.”
“Having someone who was willing to listen, problem-solve, and advocate made a meaningful difference during a very challenging period of my life,” she said. “Sherri treated me as an individual with complex circumstances and long-term goals, not just a checklist of requirements.”
Today, Graves’s long-term vision extends beyond degrees and job titles. She hopes to work at the intersection of technology, human behavior, and ethics, studying how digital systems influence cognition, attention, and decision-making.
“I want to help design technology more responsibly,” Graves said. “My goal is to contribute to research and work that supports human well-being and informs both industry practices and public policy.”
For students learning online, Graves encourages reflection and intention.
“Give yourself permission to think about the bigger picture,” she said. “Take time to identify your values and write them down. When your choices align with your values, it becomes easier to see how your education fits into your future.”
That mindset mirrors her own journey, one shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep moving forward even in uncertain circumstances.
When asked why she would recommend Rio Salado College to future students, Graves’s answer reflects both gratitude and confidence.
“Rio truly offers the whole package,” she said. “A wide variety of programs, flexibility, knowledgeable faculty and staff, and a real commitment to honoring each student as an individual. Rio didn’t just help me earn a degree. It helped me believe in what was possible.”