A DeKalb County man who lost most of the use of his arms and legs in a horrific car crash in Alexandria two years ago was given a chance to pursue his dream of earning a college degree on “The Ricki Lake Show” Monday.
As part of a “Hidden Heroes” series on the show, 20-year-old Kyle Thomas of Alexandria was awarded a full tuition-paid, four-year grant to Colorado Technical University (CTU).
The “Hidden Heroes” series is led by cosmetic dentist and TV personality Dr. Bill Dorfman.
Thomas was almost killed in the 2010 accident that left him without use of his arms and legs, but it was Thomas’ can-do attitude during his recovery that got the attention of Dorfman, who brought together community residents – or “Hidden Heroes” – to help Thomas and his family.
“When I first met Kyle he told me that he wants to help people. I believe he will,” Dorfman said.
The community support, led by writer and producer John Loyd Miller, has included renovations to make the Thomas’ home accessible, and now includes the CTU grant.
“When we heard about Kyle’s journey and the tremendous efforts he has made to rebuild his life, we felt we could support him by assisting him with his college education,” said Jack Koehn, CTU acting president and chief operating officer.
Thomas plans to use the CTU grant to earn his bachelor’s degree through Colorado Technical University’s award-winning virtual campus, which offers flexibility in taking classes online, from anywhere and anytime.
He began attending classes online this month.
“Our team of advisors and faculty members are committed to helping Kyle achieve his dream of higher education and surrounding him with the support he needs to help him be successful in the degree program of his choosing,” Koehn said.
“As a Colorado Technical University online student, Kyle will also be able to use our trademarked personalized learning system, called My Unique Student Experience (M.U.S.E.), which will allow him to study and learn in ways that work best for him,” he stressed.
“I am so grateful to Dr. Dorfman and to CTU for their support and giving me hope to continue my education and help others,” said Thomas, who now has limited use of his arms and serves as a motivational speaker for other young adults.
“I won’t ever give up. I’m going to take on the challenge of earning my college degree just as I took on the challenge of recovering from my accident,” he vowed.
Founded in 1965, CTU provides higher education for today’s career-focused students and offers support, flexibility and resources to help students pursue new opportunities.
CTU’s industry-focused curriculum has courses taught by instructors, many with experience in the fields that they teach.
CTU was named to the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 list of military-friendly schools by G.I. Jobs Magazine, which includes the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.
At CTU, students can collaborate with people from all over the country via the CTU award-winning Virtual Campus, which was recognized as the “Best of the Best” in the Education and Academia category of the 2009 Computerworld Honors program.
Students can also connect on campuses in multiple cities. CTU students can choose from more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. For more information, please visit www.coloradotech.edu.
 CTU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.  CTU is also a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools.
For more information visit www.careered.com.  CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary.  Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.coloradotech.edu/disclosures.
For more information on CTU and its programs, visit www.coloradotech.edu.
To learn more about grants and scholarships available at CTU, visit http://www.coloradotech.edu/Tuition-And-Financial-Aid/Online/Financing-Options-For-Your-Education/Grants-And-Scholarships.