Harlem Globetrotter Kevin “Special K” Daley was one of the 2,818 online graduates from Ashford University in May. Ashford University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa campus.

Daley’s determination and devotion helped earn his undergraduate degree in sociology. He also made the Dean’s list and graduated with a 3.6 GPA.

Daley’s higher education accomplishment fulfilled a promise he made to his father and to himself. In 2000, he left Azusa Pacific University to pursue a career in professional basketball, but told his dad he would finish college someday. Over time, Daley’s attitude towards education changed and he realized he needed to earn his degree, “I can’t preach education to my own daughter if I had the opportunity and didn’t do it.”

More than 98 percent of Ashford University’s students attend classes online, and represent the face of non-traditional learners like working parents, single moms, military veterans, and career changers.

Daley said the online classwork was more difficult that he imagined. He hopes that despite whatever obstacles people may face, that they go after their goals. He did - and earned his degree 10 years after leaving college!

Read the full story here.