For James Lowrie, learning was something he understood early on, through example. “My mom actually went back to school at 65 to get her high school degree. That was an inspiration for me.” It stayed with him. He started thinking about going back to university himself.
- Program
- Master of Business Administration
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Current Location
- Orangeville, ON
- Graduation Year
- 2023
Choosing to keep going
By the time James considered his MBA, he had already built a long career in business. “I’ve been in business now for about 25 plus years. But I felt that I was missing something.”
It wasn’t a lack of experience. It was internal motivation. “When you look around at people that have MBAs or higher degrees, there’s an envy there that they’re getting ahead or that they’ve got something more than you might have.”
At the time, his children were reaching a stage in their own lives where education was becoming more real. His daughter was already in university. His son was not far behind.
There was a sense that this decision might carry meaning beyond his own career. “I wanted to be that inspiration for them as well.”
He decided to apply to the MBA in Global Leadership at the University of Fredericton. “I can't say enough good things about UFred being online.” An in-person residency wasn’t realistic, and he needed something that could fit into his life as it already was.
Learning in motion
James was traveling all over North America as part of his career. The flexibility of an online program made it possible to continue learning without stepping away from his responsibilities. “I had a very extensive travel schedule for my work. It gave me the opportunity to do my schooling at night. There’s a lot of flexibility in it.”
What he gained from the experience was immediate and practical. “It helped me understand a lot more business acumen, how to read financial statements and even just communicate better with customers.”
But there was also a shift that went deeper than knowledge. “Mental strength, if you will. It’s kind of like going to the gym and building up those muscles. It is truly a life changing moment.”
“UFred sparked not just a thirst for knowledge. It also helped me hopefully turn this into an opportunity to take my life experiences and help others on their educational journey.”
Finding his spark
What began as a way for James to deepen his business knowledge became something bigger. “Doing the MBA really got me back into the mode of learning. It sparked an interest in me. It actually gave me the confidence to continue my education.”
James went on to earn his Doctorate in Education, which he hopes to use by teaching online himself.
“UFred sparked not just a thirst for knowledge. It also helped me hopefully turn this into an opportunity to take my life experiences and help others on their educational journey.”
Connection where it wasn’t expected
One of the biggest surprises for James came from the people around him. “The most surprising thing for me was the sense of community online. It was actually very much a shock.”
There was a shared understanding among students. A sense that they were all balancing something alongside their studies. “We all sort of banded together because we needed that support group. We worked really well together.”
Those connections didn’t end with the program. “I still have some friends that I’m still in touch with even now.”
Beyond his own journey
Learning has always been rooted in curiosity for James. “Lifelong learning is just about being inquisitive. Always wanting to know more, learn more, and also just having that respect for education.”
UFred helped shape his own path. It led him to further education. It opened doors he hadn’t expected. And it extended beyond him.
Since completing his MBA, he has encouraged others to pursue higher education. Several have gone on to advanced degrees. Among them, his daughter, who is now beginning her own graduate journey.
The influence of his education wasn’t measured in a single moment. It revealed itself over time.
