First KU Edwards Campus Degree in 3 student graduates


Finding the right fit with the Degree in 3 program and finishing his degree in two and one-half years, Eric Fecteau is now heading into the next chapter of his career.

Eric Fecteau - Degree in 3 grad

As the first KU Edwards Campus graduate from the Degree in 3 program, determination, drive and the flexibility of the program helped Eric Fecteau rocket through his college degree in nearly half the time as most of his peers. With two older brothers, Fecteau saw the cost and time commitment that came with moving away for the traditional college experience. Fecteau graduated in December with a Bachelor of Business Administration in just two and one-half years. This is an even more impressive feat knowing that he worked 40 to 60-plus-hour weeks running and building his own full-service lawncare and landscaping business at the same time. After six years at the helm of Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape, he sold the company on Aug. 1, 2019, as he moves on to the next chapter of his career. 

The Degree in 3 program enables students from participating high schools and vocational schools to earn a bachelor’s degree in only three years. Fecteau was able to accelerate the program even further by taking concurrent Johnson County Community College courses during his senior year in high school.  

Learn more about Fecteau and his thoughts on why the Degree in 3 program was the right choice for him in this graduate Q&A.

Q: Why did you choose KUEC and the Degree in 3 program?

A: My primary motive was the availability and flexibility of the courses that were offered at the Edwards Campus and the structure of the Degree in 3 program from start to finish.

Q: What was a typical day in your life like as you completed your degree?

A: I typically worked from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. six to seven days a week. On days I had class, I would attend class from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on days I did not have class, I spent the evenings doing homework. The schedule was challenging at first but I learned how to manage my time well and hammer down on priorities.

Q: What motivates you?

A: Being focused on my specific goals. I have them written down and know what I want to achieve and what it is going to take for me to achieve those goals. On orientation day, I remember someone mentioning that we need to know our ‘Why.’ We were instructed to write that down and save it to keep it in the front of your mind.

Q: How has your degree prepared you for the future?

A: It isn’t always about the material on the test, but the people you are meeting through the program and learning a personal process of managing all of your classes and outside activities. Focusing on the bigger picture was important.

Q: What was the most difficult part of earning your college degree and how did you overcome it?

A: Adapting to the different structure of the program and not going the traditional route. The Degree in 3 program added extra value with flexibility.

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?

A: Going through an accelerated program was not something I imagined doing. Being able to go through the program in 2.5 years was even bigger for me. I was able to run my business at the same time and balance my time, which was difficult but rewarding to see everything come together.

Q: What is your favorite memory of your time at KUEC?

A: Traveling abroad through the Supply Chain Management group to Panama was a lifelong memory that I would recommend for everyone. The program was eye opening and we had a great group of people.

Q: What are your long-term career goals?

A: I will be accepting a sales executive role for Neon Logistics in Scottsdale, Arizona, starting in February. I couldn't be happier to not only be offered a wonderful opportunity with Neon Logistics but also to show how the KU Degree in 3 program placed me in a full-time job right after graduation. 

Q: What advice would you give others who are thinking of signing up for Degree in 3?

A: Go for it! This is a program that can work for anyone. It is a great opportunity to take advantage of the financial and time benefits.


Top photo: Eric Fecteau is the first to graduate from KUEC's Degree in 3 program. He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration in only 2.5 years, all while running his own full-service lawncare and landscaping business. He sold the company in August 2019 as he heads to Arizona for the next chapter of his career. Photo by Steve Puppe. 


Learn more about the Degree in 3 program and Bachelor of Business Administration program at the KU Edwards Campus.


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