Active Duty, Military Spouse Honored as Ashworth College Outstanding Graduate

Distance Education Leader and Distance Education and Training Council Recognize Ervisa Ritt's Accomplishments

NORCROSS, Ga., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College announced today that Ashworth alumnus Ervisa Ritt has been named Outstanding Graduate and presented with a certificate of recognition from the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The DETC annually recognizes graduates who have excelled as distance education students. Ritt is among 45 graduates from 37 accredited DETC member institutions to be recognized this year.

Ritt, who recently received her Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, has the distinction of being both active duty and a military spouse. She and her husband are currently stationed at Ft. Stewart Army Base in Georgia.

"Since earning my Associate Degree, I've gone on to enroll in Ashworth's Bachelor's Degree program," she said. "My education in criminal justice will benefit me when I finally transition to civilian life. My ultimate goal is to become a police officer and I will have Ashworth to thank for that."

Ritt indicated that the flexibility of Ashworth's courses have allowed her to continue her education online whether she's at home with her 3 1/2-year-old daughter, on base or stationed in the field.

"Ervisa is a great example of how online education can easily become part of everyday life and successfully balance family, career and studies," said Gary M. Keisling, Ashworth College Chairman and CEO. "She is clearly a role model and we're proud to have her as an Ashworth alumna."

Ashworth College and DETC also recognized Didiayer Snyder, two-time Ashworth College graduate and currently a team designer on the Emmy Award-winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Snyder was among a select few graduates who have achieved a degree of celebrity within their career field and continue to make positive contributions to the community.

"The most gratifying aspect of our work is reading about the success of the graduates of our accredited colleges," said Michael P. Lambert, DETC Executive Director.

"Our success is best viewed through the lens of what has happened to our graduates -- how they put their knowledge and skills to work to make a better life…how they achieve their goals."

About Ashworth College

Ashworth College, a leader in distance education, offers students worldwide more than 100 career-focused online high school and career diploma programs; undergraduate and graduate online certificate programs; and online Associate degree, Bachelor's degree and Master's degree programs that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth also offers specialized programs to corporate partners, active duty military personnel, military spouses, and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a division of the US Department of Education. Ashworth High School is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). For more information visit AshworthCollege.edu.

About DETC

The DETC is a voluntary, non-governmental, educational organization that operates a nationally recognized accrediting association, the DETC Accrediting Commission. Since its inception, DETC has worked to promote sound educational standards and ethical business practices within the distance education field. The U.S. Department of Education supports DETC as the "nationally recognized accrediting agency" under terms of Public Law.

SOURCE Ashworth College