One of the benefits of an online education is the flexibility it offers. It makes it possible to integrate your career and coursework with your personal life. Having this flexibility helps you pursue your education while still making an effort to attend important events and spend time with family and friends.
Travis Daugherty family’s journey at WVU is a shared one; his daughter is also enrolled and will begin her own educational journey in the Fall 2026 semester to study Neuroscience. Travis was kind enough to share his experience with online learning, how his and his daughter’s educations will shape their family’s future, and his advice for those looking to return to school.
Photo: Travis and family at a bicycle race event.
I was looking for a university that would allow me to pursue my degree entirely online while still maintaining a healthy balance between work, school, and family life. With a busy professional schedule and family responsibilities, flexibility was essential. WVU Online stood out because it offers high-quality education in a format that fits my lifestyle, allowing me to stay engaged academically without sacrificing my personal or professional commitments.
Why did you decide on the B.S. in IMC as your program of choice?
I initially began my studies in the Regents Bachelor of Arts program, where I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed the marketing and communications courses. As I progressed, I realized I wanted a degree with more structure and a clearer focus, something that aligned better with both my interests and my personality. The bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications provided that structure while allowing me to build on the skills I was already enjoying, making it a natural fit for my academic and professional goals.
What led your daughter to pursue neuroscience, and how did she make that decision?
For the past several years, my daughter has known she wants to become a doctor. As she explored different academic paths, she looked for a program that would challenge her while supporting her long-term goals. Neuroscience stood out because it offers a rigorous curriculum that aligns closely with her goal of becoming a pediatric emergency room doctor. The program provides a strong scientific foundation while preparing her for a demanding and rewarding career. After visiting several colleges together, she chose WVU because it is close to home and offers incredible academic and professional opportunities.
What do you personally hope to gain from completing your degree?
I plan to continue working in my current government career, and future advancement will require the completion of my degree. Earning my IMC degree will allow me to strengthen my skills while positioning myself for continued growth and new opportunities within my field. Because the program is fully online, it gives me the flexibility to balance work, family, and school, allowing me to prioritize what matters most each week while still making steady progress toward my long-term goals.
Pursing college at the same time as your daughter is such a rare experience. Can you share what that's been like?
I have been attending WVU each semester since 2017, taking one class at a time. I am currently a junior, non-traditional student completing my degree fully online, and I have never stepped foot on the WVU campus for any of my classes. My daughter, on the other hand, will be an incoming freshman in the Fall 2026 semester. Because our degree paths are very different, I expect we will each have our own unique experiences, but both paths will be equally successful in their own ways.
How did this opportunity come about? Did you work with a specific advisor, staff, or faculty member? Was there a moment that helped set it in motion?
My advisor, Aaron Hawley, and I have been working together for several years. He has been an incredible source of support throughout my time at WVU and has helped me better understand WVU Online and the many resources available to students. Through those conversations, I was able to share valuable information and insights with my daughter, which ultimately played a role in her decision to attend WVU in person.
How have you managed to balance life, school, and fatherhood all at once?
Balancing work, school, and fatherhood has been a unique journey, but one that has been incredibly rewarding. I typically take one class at a time, which allows me to focus fully on my studies while still meeting the demands of my job and family life. My family has been supportive, and we have routines that make it possible for me to dedicate time to school without sacrificing quality moments with my daughter.
I also stay actively involved in her life outside of academics, participating on her mountain bike team and attending races, which has been a special way to share experiences and create lasting memories together. The most rewarding class I have taken so far has been English 101. It has strengthened my writing skills, helping me communicate more clearly both personally and professionally.
What challenges have you faced along the way? Do you have any advice or tips for other parents who may be considering going to school?
Pursuing this degree has come with challenges, particularly managing time and staying motivated during busy weeks. It has also brought unexpected benefits! I have grown personally, gained confidence, and set an example for my daughter as she begins her own academic path. For parents considering returning to school, I would say it is never too late to pursue your dreams. The experience is greatly rewarding.
How has sharing this education journey with your daughter influenced your relationship as a family?Sharing this education journey with my daughter has already brought our family closer in ways I never anticipated. We have developed a deeper understanding of each other’s challenges and have learned to celebrate both big and small achievements together. Whether discussing my coursework, sharing study strategies, or supporting each other through busy weeks, this experience has strengthened our communication and mutual respect. Participating in her mountain bike races and being involved in her life outside of academics has added another layer of connection, allowing us to balance serious learning with shared fun and memorable experiences.
"We have developed a deeper understanding of each other’s challenges and have learned to celebrate both big and small achievements together." Travis Daugherty
Looking ahead, how do you think earning your degrees together will shape your family's future?
Looking ahead, my daughter will begin her college journey in Fall 2026, and earning our degrees together will have a lasting impact on our family. Professionally, it opens doors for both of us while reinforcing the value of education and hard work. Personally, it sets an example of dedication, perseverance, and lifelong learning that I hope inspires her and others in our family. This shared journey has shown us that challenges can be tackled together, and the lessons I’ve learned will continue to shape our relationship, strengthen our family bond, and guide our future ambitions.
Learn More
Thank you again to Travis for taking the time to talk with us! In addition to the online bachelor’s degree in IMC, WVU offers a fully online master’s degree in IMC designed for working professionals. Learn more about our online communications programs.