Student Spotlight: Jessica Deutel Passes the Value of Education from One Generation to the Next

In many families, prioritizing education and embracing a love of learning is passed down from generation to generation. That’s true for Jessica Deutel, a graduate of the class of 2026 of Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS).

Jessica looked back one generation for her inspiration and hopes the long journey to a degree inspires the next generation of her family.

When she was nine-years-old, Jessica saw her mother graduate from college. Seeing a single mother work towards this goal and celebrate the achievement of a bachelor’s degree stuck in her mind for years to come. 

Later, when Jessica’s son was about the same age, they stepped on campus at Villanova University for the first time. Her son was attending a camp for young students, learning about computers and technology. Jessica thought this was a key step for a family that values education but did not have ties to the traditional undergraduate pathway.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to at least expose him while he's young to a college, to see the dorms and see the campus and so on,” she said, “so when he’s older he’s not intimidated by it.”

While it was intended to help her son, Jessica herself would not forget her experience that day at Villanova. She’d later start and stop her own education several times, at multiple learning institutions. The memory of her mother’s determination for a degree inspired Jessica to keep striving toward her degree. 

Eventually, persistence paid off and Jessica earned her associate degree from Delaware County Community College. She considered other options for her next stop, but with that vision of campus from her visit, Villanova was top of mind. 

Thanks to the partnership agreement between Delaware County Community College and CPS, Jessica was able to enroll at Villanova and transfer up to 90 credits toward her bachelor’s degree. She began her studies at CPS, working towards a degree in organizational development and management.

At first, Jessica was wary about fitting in at Villanova. 

“I learned in class to step out of my comfort zone”, she said. “I'm normally shy and a very introverted person.” 

Jessica knew that stepping out of her comfort zone to achieve her dreams could create a lasting impression for her son and two step-children. 

“I've always wanted to be like somebody that my kids can look up to and for them to know nothing is ever too late in life. You could always do better, be better and learn something new. I’m hoping my kids see that through hard work, you really can succeed if you allow yourself the chance.”

There’s no question that Jessica has allowed herself to be successful. Her GPA at CPS was higher than it was when earning her associate degree, even in courses that stretched her limits and exceeded her comfort zone. In her career, Jessica not only has found success, but she brings positive impact to the lives of others, working as a research coordinator with OB-GYN patients at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. With a degree in hand from Villanova University, and several credits already earned toward graduate learning, Jessica knows her education will continue. 

“I'll probably go back (to school) because I can't stop learning,” she said. “I'm always learning, at work or in life, like I'm, you know, always trying to find something new.”