After Completing Her Accelerated Degree, Christine Compton ’25 Got Promoted
Compton, who spoke at the 2025 commencement ceremony on behalf of the School of Continuing Studies, is now a manager of information services and technology at Lehigh Valley Health Network.By: Ash Miller Monday, August 18, 2025 07:00 AM
Christine Compton ’25 speaks at the 2025 commencement for the School of Continuing Studies. Photo by Kristi Morris/Littlewing PhotographyWhen Christine Compton ‘25 took the stage to address the Class of 2025 at Muhlenberg’s commencement ceremony, she knew graduation was more than a milestone for her — it was just the beginning.
After more than two decades in healthcare, Compton knew what she was capable of, but she needed the credentials to unlock the next level of her career. “I had 20 years of healthcare experience without the bachelor's degree, and it actually inhibited me,” she says. “I was almost in a setback state of mind knowing that I didn't have what was required to advance because of the degree, so when I enrolled in Muhlenberg I took it as an opportunity for growth, and that growth mindset led me to all of my achievements moving forward.”
“I had 20 years of healthcare experience without the bachelor's degree, and it actually inhibited me. I was almost in a setback state of mind knowing that I didn't have what was required to advance because of the degree, so when I enrolled in Muhlenberg I took it as an opportunity for growth, and that growth mindset led me to all of my achievements moving forward.”
Enrolling in the accelerated degree program through Muhlenberg's School of Continuing Studies gave her the flexibility she needed to pursue her education while raising a family and working full-time at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). Compton has recently been promoted from her position as supervisor of pre-certification at LVHN to manager of Information Services and Technology (IS&T), a position she would not have been able to apply for without the degree.
Compton’s community at Muhlenberg supported her academically and emotionally, and after seeing her commencement address, many peers and colleagues reached out asking about her journey and accomplishments.
“Of course, I said Muhlenberg is the way to go. Life's challenging, but you can still get it accomplished,” she says. “And this program specifically was so helpful as I worked, raised my kids, and did [the classes].”
“People ask me, ‘Why go?’ And I’m like, ‘Why stop?’ That’s the better question to ask. … If I’m given the perfect opportunity to grow and succeed, why would I stop? Why not continue with Muhlenberg and the benefits of this program?”
With one goal behind her, Compton found herself asking the question that now defines her journey: “Why stop?”
In addition to her new role at LVHN, Compton will begin pursuing a master's in organizational leadership from Muhlenberg’s School of Graduate Studies this fall.
“People ask me … ‘Why go?’ And I’m like, ‘Why stop?’ That’s the better question to ask,” she says. “My momentum is there. I am eager, I am willing, and I have this great supportive team … If I’m given the perfect opportunity to grow and succeed, why would I stop? Why not continue with Muhlenberg and the benefits of this program?”
As the manager of IS&T, she’s looking forward to leading her team of 40 direct reports, finding new opportunities to learn, and integrating her academic journey with her professional growth. “I’m excited to do this adventure alongside my graduate program and see how I can implement all the things I’m learning into this new manager role. I’m excited for a new pathway,” she says.
More than anything, her motivation is personal. “I find that there’s nothing better than an education and learning in an environment where you feel like you’re growing,” she says. “I can only think of showing my children as their main role model that continuing an education pathway in a school that supports you … I can’t think of anything better than that.”
