Local Mom Balances School and Full-Time Work with Tuition Discount

Katie Pinion is earning her public health degree from Athens State University while working full-time, thanks to a tuition discount from her husband's employer.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:57pm

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A blurred, dreamlike photograph in soft, warm colors showing the silhouette of a mother and child in an intimate, everyday moment, conveying the emotional experience of balancing work, school, and family life.A new mom's journey to earn her public health degree while working full-time is made possible by a tuition discount program.Athens Today

Katie Pinion, a new mom from East Limestone, Alabama, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health from Athens State University while working full-time as the administrative assistant and office manager of the Calhoun Community College Dental Hygiene Program. A key factor in her ability to balance school and work is a tuition discount offered through her husband's employer, Mazda-Toyota, as part of Athens State's Learning Partners program.

Why it matters

Katie's story highlights the challenges many working adults face in trying to further their education, as well as the importance of tuition assistance programs in making higher education more accessible. Her decision to pursue a degree in public health also speaks to the need for improved healthcare access, especially in rural areas.

The details

After having to leave college unexpectedly, Katie found her way into dental assisting, earning an associate degree in 2024. She then discovered Calhoun Community College's transfer program with Athens State University, which qualified her for scholarships. Inspired by her work in the dental hygiene program, Katie decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in public health from Athens State. When her husband's employer, Mazda-Toyota, sent a newsletter about Athens State's Learning Partners tuition discount program, Katie applied and was accepted, allowing her to take more classes and graduate sooner.

  • Katie earned her associate degree from Calhoun Community College in 2024.
  • Katie discovered Calhoun's transfer program with Athens State University in 2024.
  • Katie's husband's employer, Mazda-Toyota, sent a newsletter about the Athens State Learning Partners tuition discount program in 2026.

The players

Katie Pinion

A new mom from East Limestone, Alabama, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health from Athens State University while working full-time as the administrative assistant and office manager of the Calhoun Community College Dental Hygiene Program.

Athens State University

A university that offers a bachelor's degree program in public health and has a tuition discount program called Learning Partners for employees and their family members of certain companies.

Mazda-Toyota

Katie's husband's employer, which offers a tuition discount through Athens State University's Learning Partners program.

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What they’re saying

“I've noticed through working with the dental hygiene program that we have quite a need for dentistry services in Athens and surrounding counties, especially in rural areas. That inspired me to go back to school to earn my degree in public health.”

— Katie Pinion, Student

“I'm paying all of my schooling out of pocket. So any little thing helps, and it's become quite a big thing, actually. The Learning Partners Program has really been a blessing, because I'm able to take more classes and graduate a lot sooner.”

— Katie Pinion, Student

What’s next

Katie plans to continue her studies at Athens State University and earn her bachelor's degree in public health, with the goal of helping improve healthcare access in rural areas.

The takeaway

Katie's story demonstrates the value of tuition assistance programs like Athens State's Learning Partners, which can make higher education more accessible for working adults and parents, ultimately benefiting both individuals and their communities.