Greenville University's Katie Bailey Journey of Perseverance, Purpose, and Possibility
Published: May 04, 2026
Author: Liz Dowell
For Katherine “Katie” Bailey ’26, pursuing a master’s degree was never just about advancing her career. It was about proving that perseverance can rewrite a story.
As a single mom, educator, coach, caregiver, and mentor, Bailey’s life is full. Her days are shaped by her daughter’s activities, teaching responsibilities, and the countless commitments that come with caring for family while building a future.
Yet, amid an already full life, she chose to resume her education. This time as an online graduate student in Greenville University’s Master’s in Education program, with a concentration in coaching.
“When I graduated from high school in 2009, I was originally going to come to Greenville to play soccer, but unfortunately, I decided to stay closer to home,” Bailey said.
She is from Binghamton, New York. She ultimately chose a college closer to home in New York, but the idea of Greenville never fully left her mind.
“When I was researching master’s degrees in coaching, Greenville University popped up again,” she said. “I knew I had to go for it for real this time.”
Flexibility was essential.
Between raising her 11-year-old daughter, caring for her parents, teaching, coaching multiple sports, and working additional jobs, Bailey needed an academic environment that could adapt to her responsibilities.
“If this program didn’t have the flexibility, it does, I absolutely would not have been able to complete it,” she shared.
Her graduate journey unfolded during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. Just before beginning the program, in 2021, Bailey lost her father after a long battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
She navigated personal health challenges, multiple diagnoses, career transitions, and the demands of supporting her family—all while continuing her coursework.
“There were many times I almost gave up,” she admitted. “(But) when I finally completed the first part of my thesis. When I finally did, I could see the finish line with only one class left.”
Yet through each obstacle, Bailey experienced consistent encouragement from Greenville University faculty and staff. Professors and advisors provided more than academic instruction—they offered mentorship, prayer, and grace.
“They truly see you as a person first and a student second,” Bailey said. “That meant the world to me.”
“Growing up, especially as I went into middle school and high school, I really struggled academically,” Bailey said. “I went to a small private Christian school where resources were severely lacking, the standard of learning was consistently higher than average, and little to no help was offered to students who struggled.”
“Back then, learning disabilities were not talked about much, and if you had one, my school couldn’t help you,” she added.
Faculty support helped her rediscover confidence and clarity in her calling as both a teacher and coach.
Bailey names Professor Doug Faulkner and Professor Tammy Nolan in the education department as two educators at GU who have helped her succeed in her master’s program.
Through the program, Bailey gained tools not only for professional growth but also for living out her faith within the environments where she teaches and leads.
"Katie is very personable and easy to work with,” said Nolan. “She sets high goals and works to achieve those goals; it is a pleasure to have her in class."
Along the way, her daughter became part of the journey. One evening, as Bailey worked at the kitchen table, her daughter sat beside her with her own laptop. To Bailey, this was an unspoken reminder that perseverance shapes more than personal success; it shapes legacy.
“I realized I was showing her the importance of putting in the work and making the time,” Bailey reflected.
She also mentioned that during her master's program, she was supported by others outside Greenville, such as her athletes. Who were very supportive through her loss of her father as she went through school and single parenting.
“I’ve been super blessed to have such encouraging and motivating students and athletes. They were there when I was trying to navigate life after losing my dad. I had one soccer player who lost her mom days before I lost my dad,” Bailey said.
“Some of these players come from single-parent families, and they opened and shared what they really struggled with, what they wish their parents did or didn’t do, and that helped me become a better parent for Kylie,” she added.
Upon completing her degree, Bailey will be eligible to teach higher-credit college courses, creating new opportunities to better support her family while investing more deeply in her students.
More importantly, her journey has strengthened her voice as a mentor.
“I want my students and athletes to see that failure is part of growth,” she said. “It is possible to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward.”
Bailey’s story is a reminder that education is not always a straight path—but with perseverance, faith, and support, the path forward becomes possible.
