Choosing Ball State University was the easiest decision Jagga Rent ever made because of his love for the university. With a family and a demanding job, Jagga needed a program that allowed him the flexibility to manage his education around his busy schedule. “I chose Ball State, because it’s the best school in the world,” Jagga says, but he has some pretty compelling reasons for this assertion. “I appreciate the care given from the educators I’ve encountered,” he explains. This is important to him as an educator himself. He also recognizes the reputable programming from the Teacher’s College. He remembers that he felt a connection with the University the very first time he visited the campus when he was a high schooler himself.
“I chose Ball State because it’s the best school in the world.”
Making the Most of An Online Education
Jagga considers his time at Ball State a positive experience, recognizing that his willingness to invest in his own education is one factor in his success. He says that he made concerted efforts to participate in opportunities offered outside of classes, making sure that he was a part of the broader community within the program and university.
Some students may be hesitant to pursue online education because of a fear that it isn’t as personal, but Jagga has advice for counteracting those concerns. “Take advantage of one-on-one time with your professors,” he suggests. “Just because you’re not on campus physically does not mean you can’t have personal relationships with the staff at Ball State.”
When asked how he balanced his work-school-home life, Jagga replies, “It’s a decision. There would be plenty of reasons to not balance these aspects well, and just let one dominate your time, but you have to decide to do it all well.” Why? “It’s a focus on the future,” he says, “and not being a prisoner of the moment. If you want future success in those areas, you have to manage them well now.”
Rigorous Academics Make the Program More Rewarding
Jagga’s favorite class in the program was also his most challenging: EDAD 750 – Qualitative Reasoning. This course, taught by Dr. Salloum, challenges the students, but Jagga says he could feel his knowledge expanding as the semester went on. He pushed himself in that class more than he ever had before and felt that his growing understanding of the concepts demonstrated just how much he was learning each week.
Perhaps this is why Jagga also considers Dr. Salloum to be one of his favorite professors in the program. She honored him by hooding him at his EdS graduation in May 2025. He also loved working with two other professors: Dr. Shaffer, who was a great resource and educator, and Dr. Caddell, who made learning interesting.
Struggles and Successes in the EdD and EdS Programs
Over the course of Jagga’s time in the Master of Arts in Education (MAE), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Specialist in Education (EdS) programs, he experienced several struggles he had to overcome. He felt that one of the biggest struggles was to learn self-discipline and ensuring that enough time is set aside to work. An online program has to be built into your schedule, with dedication and consistency. “Life has a way of dominating your time,” he explains, “but carving out time weekly to invest in yourself and your future is a must.” The summer semester, especially, can be tricky, particularly when vacations and travel are involved, and Jagga said he always set time aside to avoid having to pull all-nighters. “That may not work for some, but that’s my preference. You have to get into your own rhythm.”
On the flipside, what Jagga considers to be his greatest achievement is also an example of successful time balancing. He proudly passed his comps exam in the Spring 2025 semester while also taking two classes and working full time. The process, he said, was rigorous but rewarding. “I have other moments of pride, personally and professionally, but that academic achievement meant a lot,” he says.
Future Career Goals Following Graduation from the EdD and EdS Programs
Jagga loves that Ball State prepares its students to be “doers” in their fields, and he looks forward to the work ahead. His goals include traveling to help schools all over the world.
Throughout the course of his education, he credits much of his success to the supportiveness of his family who gave him a reason to pursue his important work. He wants to make sure to offer a special “thank you” to his wife, Finae who is an administrator and his 3 kids, Jaelynne (12), Journie (11) and Jagga Jr. (8).
Overall, Jagga is happy with his education. “I’m just proud to be a Cardinal,” he says. “This place has contributed to my development as a man, as a professional, and as a community member. I love my school!”