Karl McCormack , Lecturer SBS

This is a Proud to be Staffs Story Here at Staffordshire University Students' Union, our vision is that every student will be Proud to be Staffs. Our stories are examples of the wonderful people and groups in our community and how they make us proud.  Why not tell us what makes you proud? Click here to tell us your Story!

Proud to be Staffs Story: Karl McCormack

Lecturer, Staffordshire Business School

Occasionaly, the people we work and study with can have a profound impact on our lives. Through kindness and by sharing his story, Karl inspired a student to make changes in their life, ultimately bringing them to University and building their confidence. For this kindness and supportiveness, we're proud of Karl. Thank you Karl, for making us Proud to be Staffs.

Karl McCormack 's Story

"As a Retail Store Manager, I was contemplating what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I was in a job which was extremely well paid but one which I had lost passion for. I enquired about the Accounting and Finance course at Staffs, initially speaking to Karl on the phone. After a lengthy chat about the course and my situation, Karl offered me an unconditional place on the Accelerated course should I want it. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. Karl explained that several years ago he was in the exact same position as I found myself. A retail Store Manager with a lack of passion for his job. Karl quit his job and re-entered education taking the exact same course that I was now enquiring about. Karl's story really tipped the balance for me. He gave me the confidence to take that leap of faith and change my life. Now I am coming to the end of my first year obtaining high marks in all my modules so far. I feel so much more positive about my future. This has been down to hard work but also the support that I have received from Karl has been amazing. He is always available and has time for every student. His influence on my life has been extremely important. I often think if I had not spoken to Karl that day on the phone, where would I be now. He gave me the confidence to say to myself, It can be done but it's up to me to do it. "