At just 18 years old, Karson Oakley, while he was still a senior at Alabama Christian Academy (ACA), achieved a remarkable feat: earning an Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from Faulkner University before graduating high school in May 2025.
Oakley’s journey into dual enrollment began when ACA offered opportunities in subjects like English and science. Around the same time, his father, Kasey Oakley, joined Faulkner University’s Computer Science and Engineering Department. This connection drew Karson’s attention to the CIS courses, which aligned with his academic and career goals. Oakley plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and his CIS degree has provided a jump-start, offering similar coursework that will benefit his future studies.
Professor Mike Herridge, one of Oakley’s instructors in the computer science department, highlighted the advantages of dual enrollment. “The cost is minimal, and leaving high school with college credit gives you options. Even if you don’t pursue a university education, taking college-level courses in high school prepares you for the highest level of learning when you enter the workforce,” he said.
Dual enrollment allows students like Oakley to get ahead academically, shortening the time it takes to earn a four-year degree. With much of his first-year college coursework already completed, Oakley is well-positioned to finish his bachelor’s degree in half the time.
“I’ll be able to knock out a bunch of the first-year courses I would have had to take in college,” he said. Unlike high school classes, which run year-round, college courses typically span one semester, but they count for the entire school year.”
Oakley appreciates the focused nature of college classes, noting that they’re more specialized and less burdened by the “busy work” common in high school. The flexibility to finish assignments at his own pace was another key reason Oakley chose dual enrollment. His father recalls how Oakley took on 18 credits in one semester while still managing his high school coursework and playing soccer.
Although managing a full courseload, Oakley felt supported by the faculty at Faulkner. “They always encouraged me,” he said. At his college graduation, he recalled the moment when he shook Dr. Rampersad’s hand and received his diploma. “It was amazing to see my two years of hard work pay off,” Oakley said.
Herridge also expressed his excitement over Oakley’s achievement. “It was fantastic to see Karson receive his associate degree,” he said. Kasey Oakley, reflecting on his son’s accomplishment, called it “one of the proudest moments of my life. He worked tremendously hard, and I know he has the capability to achieve great things. This is just the first step in that journey.”
Oakley encourages other high school students to consider dual enrollment. “It’s a really great opportunity, and a great way to get ahead in college,” he said.