After serving in the Air Force, Leah Cochran ‘26 found herself in a season of uncertainty. As a single mom of three, she was hesitant to step into something new, unsure of what God had for her. Still, wanting to take advantage of her veteran benefits, she knew she wanted a degree with real-world applications, whether that meant working directly in her field, running her own business, or supporting others around the world through remote coaching.

Leah reached out to her friend Hannah George, director of Geneva’s Online Degree Programs (ODP), who recognized Leah’s fear of the unknown and encouraged her to simply begin the process by applying and completing the FAFSA. Four years later, Leah is graduating from Geneva with a double major in human resources and organizational leadership, along with double minors in psychology and management.

While taking that step of faith was daunting, Leah was no stranger to what it took to complete her education. Both of her parents earned their master’s degrees at Geneva, and Leah remembered their dedication and the long days she had witnessed growing up.

Pursuing her degree as an ODP student also brought structure and consistency. “I wouldn’t say it was the easiest thing to do, because it wasn’t,” Leah shares, “but it was simple and, out of everything in my life, it was the least chaotic.” Beyond providing structure, Leah found meaningful support in professors and the ODP staff. Through multiple surgeries, personal loss, and spiritual challenges, she had a steady support system who walked alongside her throughout each season of life. “It’s almost like having a family,” she says. “They will answer and respond. Not all colleges do that.” This consistent support became a foundation that allowed Leah to keep moving forward.

That same sense of community extended beyond the classroom. Leah built strong connections with her classmates by openly sharing her experiences as a single mother and relating them to course concepts. She intentionally continued those conversations outside of class, reaching out to encourage and support others, and her classmates did the same for her.

Leah’s commitment to her faith and her family was the driving force in her life as she juggled the hectic day-to-day responsibilities of raising a family and completing online learning. Her studies in HR and organizational leadership equipped her to walk alongside others, using her own life experiences to share wisdom. With a calling to encourage others in their next steps, she grounds her guidance in Scripture. “That’s the only place that you can find out who you are,” she says.

Her leadership style reflects this conviction. Leah strives to lead by example as she follows Christ. This is especially evident as she raises her three children, never asking something of them that she would not do herself. She thinks back to her kids even in moments when they are not together, desiring for her actions to align with her words.

Leah crossed the stage as a college graduate this spring, carrying with her more than a degree. She holds the support of the Geneva community, the confidence gained through perseverance, and a deep commitment to her faith and family. What began as a step into the unknown has become a steady foundation for what lies ahead. Wherever God leads, Leah is prepared to follow, continuing to invest in others while creating a life of stability and purpose for her children.