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Returning to college was more than a professional goal for Travis Maday – it was a personal promise, shaped by family, perseverance and unfinished business. A native of Ashland, Wisconsin, Maday is completing his degree in management at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, more than a decade after first stepping away from higher education.
As a full-time professional and father of two, flexibility was essential when choosing where to finish his degree. UW-Superior’s fully online business program provided the structure and accessibility he needed to balance coursework with work and family life. But the university also carried a deeper personal meaning.
Maday’s cousin, Sam Maday, attended UW-Superior and later worked at the university before his passing. The two had many conversations about the importance of completing a degree, and Sam often spoke fondly of his experiences at UW-Superior. Those conversations stayed with Maday – and ultimately guided his decision to enroll.
Relearning How to Be a Student
When Maday returned to the classroom, he did so with humility and an open mind. It had been more than 10 years since he last took a college-level course, and he knew the transition would require patience.
“I understood I would need to relearn how to be a student,” he said.
That mindset proved essential. Over time, he regained confidence and developed routines that allowed him to manage academic responsibilities alongside his professional and personal commitments.
Structured for Success
Maday describes his academic experience as both diverse and rewarding. Each instructor brought a distinct teaching style and set of expectations, adding depth and variety to his coursework. He especially appreciated the thoughtful structure of the online program.
Having access to detailed course outlines, calendars, readings, and assignments at the start of each term helped him plan ahead and manage his time effectively – an important factor while working full time.
Among his favorite classes was managerial accounting, which appealed to his analytical, numbers-driven mindset. He also found film and culture unexpectedly engaging, noting that the course challenged him to think critically in ways that extended beyond a traditional business curriculum.
Building Connection in an Online Community
Living about an hour from campus, Maday completed his degree entirely online, interacting with classmates and instructors primarily through discussion posts. He found it fascinating to engage with students from around the world, though communicating exclusively through written text came with challenges.
Interpreting tone, meaning and cultural context without face-to-face interaction required extra care. In the process, Maday believes he strengthened his communication skills and became a more thoughtful professional.
Throughout his academic journey, he continued working full time – a role he has held for 16 years – while raising two children with his wife. Together, their family stays busy with youth sports, school activities, and community involvement.
Achievement and What Comes Next
As graduation approaches, Maday reflects proudly on the milestones along the way. Earning an A in statistics stands out as a significant achievement, along with receiving recognition from the School of Business and Economics for outstanding academic performance.
Professionally, Maday has built extensive expertise through years of experience. Completing his bachelor’s degree expanded his understanding of how organizations function – not only internally, but within a broader societal context.
“I’ve gained a lot of specialized knowledge in my current role,” he said. “My UW-Superior education helped me think more broadly about how different functions within an organization work together, and how organizations operate within society as a whole. That high-level perspective has prepared me to move into a managerial role in the future.”
While he values his current position, earning his degree opens doors to advancement and new possibilities. For Maday, finishing what he started is both a long-awaited milestone and a foundation for what comes next.
And as he proudly says: Go Yellowjackets.