KagHS alumna earns masters degree

Sara Kapileo Techur poses with sons Caden, left, and Keagan at her graduation held in Tusculum College in Greenville Tennessee. (Contributed Photo)

Sara Kapileo Techur, a product of Kagman High School, grew up to be a woman of substance as seen in her pursuit of finishing her master’s degree in education and human resources development with honors.

Techur acquired her post-graduate degree from Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee with 4.0 GPA. Her pre-master’s degree was Psychology-Behavioral Health.

“I’m a guidance type of person and I like helping others by giving advice, teaching, and listening to all types of problems. I say problems because problems can be solved and to do that accordingly, is to set by example,” she said.

“A master’s degree is often necessary to secure a profession and advance within some fields. To me, a master’s degree is a permission to lead others the right direction. My master’s degree is the framework for helping people develop their personal and organizational skills, knowledge, and abilities,” she said.

As determined as she is with her studies, the same can be said about her being a single mother. Techur has two boys, 12 and 9 years old. and has worked full-time while studying for her master’s degree.

“My main audience would be single parents, but of course my message can be delivered in general. I would tell a single mother or father to take a challenge and further their education because education gives an opportunity to build a foundation and stepping stones for their children to follow,” she said.

“Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. In some cases, out here in the states a bachelor’s degree isn’t enough anymore, so a master’s degree is often necessary to secure a profession and advance within some fields,” she added.


Tusculum College instructor Dr. Jeff Burleson said that in an online accelerated Masters Degree program, discipline, motivation, and self-direction are required characteristics of students who wish to succeed.

“Ms. Sara Techur is an excellent example of a student with these characteristics. Her attention to detail and critical thinking skills were significant to her successful completion of the Master Degree in Talent Development at Tusculum College,” she said.

“It is an absolute pleasure working with students who are as dedicated, hardworking, and reliable as Ms. Techur,” he added.

Dr. Raymond Hatfield
from the same college shares Burleson’s experience with Techur.

“I can say that it has been a pleasure to work with her through a long and arduous program. Not only has Sara been an exceptional student, I predict a bright and successful career for her after completing this program of study at Tusculum University,” he said.

Techur plans to go back to the CNMI in the future and share the experience and knowledge that she has acquired over the years.

“If time permits I do plan to continue my higher education and retrieve a Ph.D. in education. I plan to gain and expand my experiences out here in the states first to better equip myself as an educator to others,” she said.

“Of course, going home to Saipan would be an option in the near future, but as for now, I am still building to be a resource for others,” she added.