Jan. 13, 2015
For Immediate Release
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| Jennifer Bland of Campbellsville works on Megan Coyle’s hair at the Cosmetology Salon of Campbell- sville University. Bland is the first student to have been all of her clinical, theory and clock hours at CU. Coyle is from Marion County. (Campbellsville University Photo by Samantha Clark)
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By Samantha Clark, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — At 24 years old, Jennifer Bland is the first graduate of Campbellsville University’s School of Cosmetology who began and ended the program at Campbellsville University.
Her last day, and the culmination of 1,800 hours of clinical, theory and clock hours, was Thursday, Jan. 8. An announcement was made at the salon on Nancy Cox Drive, and the other students gave her hugs and well wishes.
“Jennifer is a very talented, hardworking young woman, and we are very proud of her accomplishment,” April Higdon, cosmetology program coordinator, said.
“She takes great pride in her work and is a prime example of motivation and determination.Jennifer will undoubtedly be an asset to any salon,” Higdon said.
Growing up in Campbellsville, Bland did not always want to be in cosmetology, but it had always been an interest of hers. “I always enjoyed going to hair salons when I was a kid, it was so interesting,” Bland said. When she decided to pursue a career in cosmetology, she said, “I felt like God was calling me to do it, so I just took a leap.”
She has a job lined up at a salon in Lebanon, Ky. She will start as soon as she receives the results of her Boards in early February.
One of Bland’s favorite experiences at Campbellsville University has been “just being around the girls.”
She said, “It’s fun learning everyone’s different talents. When you aren’t as good at one specific style as someone else, they are there to help you and make you better and vice versa.”
Being at Campbellsville University has had a huge impact on Bland’s life. She loves being able to stay close to home with parents David and Lori England, who is employed with the physical plant at CU, and younger brother, Josh England. She also loved how April Higdon, cosmetology program coordinator, who “makes a point to do devotions with us every morning. She makes time, if we ever need her she’s there.”
Bland is excited to purse her career in cosmetology and see what it has to offer.
“It hasn’t hit yet. It feels good because I stayed here long enough and tried not to miss. It’s exciting to start this new journey.”
There are 46 students enrolled in Campbellsville University’s cosmetology program. The next class will begin Feb. 2, and applications are still being accepted and interviews conducted.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.