UVA Education Benefits Support Transformational Result

Right out of high school, native Virginian Missy Brads began working as a payment processor with State Farm Insurance. Fueled by innate curiosity and ambition, Missy rose to more senior roles over her ten years there by taking advantage of every professional development and learning opportunity that came her way.  

When State Farm consolidated offices, Brads took it as a chance to forge a new path. Understanding how much she enjoyed learning, Brads decided to pursue her associate degree through Piedmont Virginia Community College. “Balancing a full-time job with college courses was tough, but it was also incredibly rewarding,” she recalled. “The confidence and sense of accomplishment I gained from that journey gave me the courage to apply for a position at UVA.” 

In May 2000, Brads accepted an administrative role at the University. With her manager’s support, Brads grew her understanding of the University by participating in cross-department projects that aligned with her experience and area of interest. As she neared the completion of her associate degree, Brads’ supervisor suggested she explore the bachelor’s completion program at UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, knowing the ways earning a degree could shape her future career and that benefits-eligible UVA employees can use their education benefits to help them earn a degree.  

“I was nervous at first about returning to school as an adult, but the supportive and diverse group in my SCPS classes quickly put me at ease.” 

Missy Brads, UVA double Hoo and executive director of finance, budget and planning, President's office

While she loved the mix of students whose diversity of life experiences and careers made class discussions engaging, she admits balancing work, school and personal obligations wasn’t always easy. “It meant spending nearly all my free time on studies, which was tough, but the experience, knowledge, and friendships I gained made it worth it,” she explained.  

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“With so much support and guidance behind me, I completed my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree in fall 2006 and proudly walked the Lawn in 2007 — a moment I’ll never forget,” Brads shared. “Completing my bachelor’s degree left me energized and confident. The range of classes…gave me practical knowledge and skills I use every day at work and in life. I gained the confidence to improve things at work and earned a promotion, making the whole experience personally rewarding,” she added. 

Brads’ career at UVA continued to evolve, leading her to the Miller Center and on to the Provost and President’s offices, where she advanced in roles for over 14 years. Today, Brads is the executive director of finance, budget and planning for the President’s office and enjoys the many opportunities she is afforded to connect with academic and administrative units and schools across the University.   

Brads claims that if she’s ever bored, she turns to education to challenge herself. She put her UVA education benefits to use while in the President’s office, earning a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the School of Education and Human Development in 2021.  

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Cognizant of having turned to higher education later in life, Brads admits questioning her belonging when she walked into a classroom full of younger students. “But those moments turned into some of my most memorable experiences, as their energy and perspectives inspired me to push through my doubts,” she explained. While Brads appreciated the direct connection between her learning to her daily work, she credits her ability to complete the program to the unwavering encouragement and support from her colleagues. 

“Lifelong learning keeps me inspired,” she explained. “Just last year, I earned a certificate in digital photography from Cornell University, and now I’m diving into a Business Analytics course through UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.” 

And while she continues to look to the future, Brads is mindful of her perseverance. “Being a first-generation college graduate, achieving two degrees and serving in the President’s office is deeply meaningful—it’s not just a career milestone, but a celebration of persistence and possibility,” she remarked.