Bossier City, LA — When John Iglehart-Fernandez started his journey with Cinemark five years ago, he never imagined that one day he’d be earning his bachelor’s degree while managing a busy movie theater. Thanks to the partnership between Cinemark and the University of North Texas (UNT), John recently celebrated completing his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.), proving that educational goals can fit alongside career and life responsibilities.

“I’d always wanted to go back to school,” said John, a Cinemark manager in Shreveport, Louisiana. “When I saw information about our company’s college assistance program with UNT, I decided to take the first step. Cinemark’s support and UNT’s flexibility made it possible.”

The B.A.A.S. at UNT is a degree-completion program designed for working adults who bring prior college credit, military experience, or on-the-job learning. Offered fully online, the program builds on students’ existing knowledge and skills, helping them advance their careers or shift into new fields. The program’s flexibility allows students to move at their own pace, with eight-week course options and multiple start dates throughout the year.

For John, this flexibility was key. After initially taking two courses at a time, he adjusted his schedule to find a balance that worked. “I loved that I could slow down or speed up depending on what was going on at work or in life,” he said. “I found my rhythm and stuck with it.”

John didn’t stop at academics. He became a B.A.A.S. ambassador and even served in student government — experiences that connected him with other students and deepened his engagement. “Getting involved kept me motivated. It showed me I wasn’t alone — other people were balancing work, school, and life just like I was.”

His coursework had an immediate impact at Cinemark. “Classes in leadership, organizational behavior, and HR helped me every day as a manager,” he said. “What I learned applied directly to how I lead my team.”

Today, John is continuing his educational journey in UNT’s MBA program, inspired by his experience as a B.A.A.S. student. He’s also mentoring colleagues considering the program. “Don’t doubt yourself,” he advises other working adults. “Your experience is a strength. Just take that first step — UNT and Cinemark will help you the rest of the way.”

UNT’s corporate partnerships help employers like Cinemark support employees’ growth while strengthening their workforce. To explore partnership opportunities, visit https://digitalstrategy.unt.edu/dsi-enterprise/corporate-partnerships/index.html.