Hard work pays off for Nicola and Jason

Linda Barclay Isles

Thursday 3 July 2025

Across the University there are several members of staff who juggle work, family and other commitments to study for a degree, some for the very first time. This week all their hard work (July 2) was recognised when they stepped on to the stage to become St Andrews graduates. Amongst those celebrating academic success were Nicola Miller and Jason Isbit. 

Nicola Miller

Nicola, Head of Administration and Communications, and Manager (Extension Courses) at the University’s International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute, said: “I began studying at St Andrews in 2013 through the Evening Degree programme, now known as the Combined Studies MA (General). It was a great way to return to academic study and build confidence in a flexible and supportive environment. I had no intention of continuing further after graduating, in fact, I was quite sure I wouldn’t.  

“Balancing full time work while also being a mother and a carer is demanding, but I found that the time spent in class became a welcome opportunity to focus on something for myself, away from the usual day-to-day pressures.  

“Starting the MSc in International Education was a real step up, and the transition from undergraduate study to a postgraduate course was challenging. Around the same time, I also became a grandmother to Oscar, and then the following year to Layla, so life was certainly busy.”  

She added: “The support from my lecturers, along with the practical and empathetic approach of Deputy Director Lesley Thirkell, who understands the challenges of studying online while working full time, helped me stay on track. I went on to complete the course with distinction, proof that caffeine, deadlines and a bit of sheer stubbornness can go a long way.” 

Jason Isbit

Jason, who is a teaching administrator at the University of St Andrews Business School, completed his PhD, his third degree at St Andrews.  

Alongside working and studying, Jason has also contributed to the University’s musical life, organising and performing in a string quartet at graduation garden parties. 

Jason said: “I arrived in St Andrews in 2012 as an 18-year-old undergraduate studying History. Now, nearly 13 years later, I’m proud to be graduating with a PhD. This wasn’t a path I had mapped out from the start – it’s really the culmination of an unplanned but rewarding adventure. 

“Starting the PhD in 2018 was a huge step. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from St Leonard’s College and fee support from the School of History, without which it wouldn’t have been possible. But even with that help, balancing work and doctoral research was challenging.” 

He added: “Progress was slow at first, but by 2022 I was writing steadily. The final year was intense – especially the last few months – but by that point, everything clicked. I knew exactly what I wanted to say; it was just a matter of writing it all down. I was still making edits right up to submission day, and when I handed it in, it didn’t feel real. It took a few days to sink in that I’d achieved something that had once felt impossible.”