SNHU Celebrates Fathers Balancing Family, Careers and Education for Father’s Day

Published for SNHU on 6/17/2026 - Alyssa Taranto

This Father’s Day, Southern New Hampshire University is recognizing fathers who have pursued higher education while balancing careers, family life and long-standing personal goals. Their experiences reflect how learning can become a shared family effort and a milestone that extends beyond the individual student. 

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Michael France

For Michael France, earning a degree became a family journey years in the making. After putting his college plans on hold to raise a family, Michael later returned to school at SNHU and encouraged his wife and son to join him.

What began as one student’s return to higher education became a shared academic path for three family members. The France family worked toward their degrees together online and celebrated at SNHU’s Spring 2026 commencement alongside his son Justin's service dog, Skadi.

Michael, a first-generation college graduate and a three-time SNHU alum, earned a master’s in cybersecurity after previously building a career in paramedicine. His son, Justin, graduated summa cum laude with a BS in cybersecurity, while his wife, Tammy, earned her BS in operations management while working as a vice president at Bank of America.

“I was always told that college was for lawyers and doctors and engineers,” Michael said. “I came out of school and went into paramedicine, and I spent 20 years being a paramedic in the 911 system. So, I’ve done both now. I’ve done the tech side and now I’ve done the college route.”

Michael said completing their programs together reflected years of shared effort and persistence across the household, with each family member supporting the others through coursework and daily responsibilities.

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Nate Dillard

For Nate Dillard, a licensed mortgage loan originator and father of three, returning to college meant balancing a career with family responsibilities.

He enrolled at SNHU in 2023 after receiving tuition support that made it possible for him to pursue his degree. Nate said the opportunity allowed him to fully commit to finishing what he started.

“It was … like a supercharge,” Nate said. “I felt ready to get going and complete this degree for myself and my family.” 

Nate said SNHU’s online format helped him stay consistent while balancing work and parenting responsibilities. 

“I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the workflow,” he said. “I could still change diapers, be a dad, and take my kids to the park.”

He is now completing his degree while continuing to operate a commission-based mortgage business.

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Dennis Mims

Also among SNHU’s graduating fathers is Dennis Mims, who has spent more than 30 years working in energy and safety while raising a family of fourteen with his wife. As he pursued a master’s degree in project management and operations, Dennis focused on strengthening his leadership and strategic decision-making skills.

His wife, Necia, is also an SNHU student, and the couple is preparing to celebrate their academic milestones together as graduates.

Together, these fathers illustrate how higher education can be woven into demanding careers and family life. Their experiences highlight how structure, flexibility and persistence allow students to pursue long-term goals without stepping away from their responsibilities at home.

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SNHU Celebrates Father's and Their Achievements

This Father’s Day, SNHU recognizes fathers like Michael France, Nate Dillard and Dennis Mims, whose paths show that education can evolve alongside family life, often becoming a shared achievement across generations.

Do you or someone you know have a unique student story to share? Share a story with us.