Building a Future Together: How the Lewis Couple Earned Their Degrees Side by Side

Earning a graduate degree is already a major accomplishment, but doing it alongside your spouse makes the journey even more special. Contara and Keith Lewis, a married couple who both pursued their degrees through LSU Online, show how anything is possible with determination, teamwork, and the right support system.

Contara, who earned the online Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Administration, and Keith, who completed the online Flores MBA, took advantage of LSU Online's flexibility to balance school, careers, and even their wedding. Their story reinforces the fact that online education can fit into—and enhance—life's biggest moments.

Meet Contara & Keith Lewis

What inspired each of you to pursue your respective degrees?

• Contara: My mentor and other higher education professionals I encountered during my undergraduate studies inspired me to pursue my degree. They were all so helpful and accommodating.
  
  Keith: I began my career as an entry-level leasing agent and grew significantly under my mentor. As I advanced in the property management industry, I discovered the value of an MBA and decided to take the next step in enhancing my hard skills at LSU.

What was it like pursuing your degrees online together?

• Pursuing our graduate degrees together online was very convenient. We were able to work, travel, and move at our own pace.

How did you support each other during challenging moments?

• It was easy to understand what each other was going through. We were able to empathize and use each other's strengths when needed.

How did the flexibility of LSU Online help you achieve your goals as a married couple?

• We were able to plan and have our wedding on Monday, April 22, 2024, and enjoy our honeymoon. I (Contara) was even able to work on my comprehensive exam while on our honeymoon in a different country.

What advice would you give to other couples considering pursuing online degrees together?

• Be patient with each other, communicate often—whether it's about assignments or things you're learning in courses—and know that you are in control of your timeline.

What are your future goals now that you've both graduated?

• Keith has already enrolled and completed classes towards his Doctorate in Business Administration. He received a corporate promotion two months after earning his MBA. Contara is looking to pursue a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in the next couple of years and continue moving up within Higher Education.

What was your favorite part of your journey?

• Receiving confirmation that we were both graduating at the same time and receiving our degrees in the mail.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

• We absolutely loved both of our Student Success Coaches, Ben and Gabriella. They were lifesavers, and we would not have gotten through our programs without them.

Achieve Your Goals Without Pausing Your Life

Contara and Keith's story proves that pursuing higher education doesn't have to mean putting life on hold. Whether you're looking to advance in business, education, or another field, LSU Online provides access to the flexibility, support, and high-quality education to help you reach your goals.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, explore the online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, online Flores MBA, or all online programs today!