Alexus Chipps Earns Accounting and Finance Degree with Perfect GPA

With graduation just days away, Alexus Chipps is preparing to cross the stage with a perfect 4.0 GPA in CFCC’s Accounting and Finance program while completing most of her coursework online. As a mother, full-time employee, and full-time student, Alexus has done more than juggle multiple roles; she has excelled.

“I’m originally from Pocatello, Idaho,” she shared. “I had been serving tables for the last few years and navigating life as a mom. I had tried college on multiple occasions, but due to personal challenges, I could never finish.”

A Personality Test That Changed Everything

That changed with a simple personality test. “It told me a career in finance would align with my personality, and something about that just clicked. I looked up finance programs near me, and CFCC had one.”

“I decided to meet with an academic advisor, and he was incredible,” Alexus said. “I had three days to get everything I needed to enroll.”

“I wasn’t sure it was possible, but he looked at me and said, ‘You can do it, if you want it.’ That moment has stuck with me.”

Finding Confidence Through Coursework

Inspired and motivated, Alexus enrolled and quickly found her stride. Shortly after beginning classes, she landed an internship at Eijkelkamp North America, where she could apply what she was learning in real time.

“The most valuable skill I’ve gained at CFCC is confidence, not just in myself, but in my ability to navigate real-world financial situations and offer meaningful insight,” she said.

“My classes and internship have helped me think critically, analyze effectively, communicate clearly, and trust in those abilities.”

Learning That Built Like a Puzzle

Every course, she said, had a purpose.

“The classes intertwined and built off each other. It was like a giant puzzle,” she said. “My business math professor, Greg Files, was amazing. He ensured I understood the material and even showed me tips and tricks that helped in other classes.”

Balancing work, school, and parenting hasn’t been easy, but Alexus embraced the challenge.

“One of the most challenging parts of this program is understanding how everything connects. It’s not just numbers and formulas. It’s understanding the system and how each part impacts the others. I overcame this by treating it like a puzzle, breaking it down into smaller steps, and leaning on my instructors for support. Time management and research were also key, especially with constantly changing tax laws and regulations.”

Earning Recognition and Career Success

Upon graduation, Alexus will earn a degree, diploma, and certificate in Accounting and Finance while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

She was also recognized with a Certificate of Achievement at CFCC’s 2025 Annual Student Recognition Ceremony.

What began as an internship with Eijkelkamp North America quickly evolved into a full-time accounting position, an opportunity she earned through her hard work, sharp insight, and confidence.

As she looks ahead to earning her bachelor’s degree in finance, Alexus reflects on the journey that brought her here and the people who helped make it possible.

“I wish I had known how supportive the teachers and staff at CFCC would be, how easy it would be to ask for help, and how willing they would be to give it. Everyone was very encouraging, and their support made a huge difference. Their understanding and flexibility allowed me to balance my roles as a student, employee, and a mom.”