82 G.I. JOBS | AUGUST 2013 | GIJOBS.COM

G.I. EDUCATIONSCHOOL SNAPSHOT

Military students excel at Bryant & Stratton College’s Virginia campuses.BY WARREN DUFFIE

TAKING COLLEGE BY STORM

Two Virginia campuses of Bryant & Stratton College are being taken over by the military. Not to worry, though. This con-quest involves exams and grade point aver-ages rather than weapons and battle plans.

The result of this campaign? Six of the top eight graduating students at Bryant & Stratton’s Virginia Beach and Hampton campuses this spring are veterans or mili-tary spouses. That might not be surprising considering the campuses are in the heart of America’s highest concentration of military personnel. But then again it might, consid-ering all of the negative media about un-substantiated high dropout rates for veterans.

“When these students come to Bryant & Stratton College, they’re mature and mis-sion-oriented,” says Lee E. Hicklin, the col-lege’s director of military education. “Mili-tary students also exhibit strong leadership skills, in the classroom and out. For example, many are very active in our student orga-nizations and student veterans association.”

A LONG HISTORY OF LEARNINGBryant & Stratton College was founded in 1854 to provide a practical education to those who wanted to get ahead in their business careers. Today it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and offers nearly 30 degree pro-

grams to more than 12,000 students on 18 campuses and through its Online Education Division.

SERVING THE MILITARYThe Virginia Beach and Hampton campuses each have about 200 military students and spouses – representing about 25 percent of the total student population.

Bryant & Stratton College has ramped up its veterans services, programs and facili-ties to meet the needs of the military com-munity. For example, all Bryant & Strat-ton College campuses have VA certifying offi cials, and full-time campus employees attend a “Military 101” course to better understand the military culture.

The Virginia Beach campus recently unveiled a new veterans center, says Hick-lin. The facility provides a haven where military students can relax, study and en-joy access to a computer lab. The center is staffed by veterans, spouses and depen-dents who understand the military lifestyle. Other centers will open in Hampton and Richmond soon.

“Veterans also can take advantage of our career center, which offers résumé-writing and job-searching advice,” says Eric Har-rell, the Hampton Roads area marketing and communications coordinator. “Cur-

Location(s): Headquartered in Buff alo, N.Y. The school has 18 additional campuses in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin and an Online Education Division

Website: militaryfriendly.com/school/BSC

Tuition: Tuition at Bryant & Stratton College varies depending on program of choice. However, the school accepts military tuition assistance as full payment and participates in both the Yellow Ribbon Program and Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Degree Programs: Bryant & Stratton off ers nearly 30 degree programs, including criminal justice, human resources management, health care administration, nursing, and business.

WWW.MILITARYFRIENDLY.COM

Lee E. HicklinDirector of Military Education

84 G.I. JOBS | AUGUST 2013 | GIJOBS.COM

TAKING COLLEGE BY STORM

work as a student guidance or career coun-selor for a college or university.

“A lot of students don’t know what they want to do when they enroll in school,” says Arneson, a former Navy chief petty offi cer. “They need someone who can listen and help with their academic needs. This is even true for military students, who sometimes can be intimidated by the cultural differ-ences between academia and the military. I feel I can help since I’ve been in their shoes.”

Arneson served in the Navy from 1982 to 2006. He worked as a car salesman in the Virginia Beach area for a few years after leaving the military and made a good liv-ing. But he always wanted to earn a degree, and he wanted to take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. After much discussion with friends, he decided to pursue a busi-ness degree in 2010.

He considered several schools and select-ed Bryant & Stratton because of its relatively small campus size and the personal attention he received when visiting the school.

Arneson credits his Navy background for his academic success. “In the military, you have a great deal of responsibility at

rently, 81 percent of our graduates college-wide fi nd jobs in their fi elds within 90 days of graduating. That’s impressive in this eco-nomic climate.”

HONORING THE TAXPAYERSOne stellar student is Michael Arneson, who was this year’s valedictorian at the Virginia Beach campus. Arneson gradu-ated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and earned a General Management-Bachelor of Busi-ness Administration. Arneson, 49, hopes to an early age. You’re expected to perform.

I brought that mindset to the classroom. I also had another motivator. The American public invested in me through the GI Bill, and I wanted to give the taxpayers their money’s worth.”

CLASSES FOR HER AND THE KIDSWhen Rachelle Kennedy was searching for a school, family was a big consideration. Her husband was working full time and they had two young kids, so she needed to take day classes. What attracted Kennedy to Bryant & Stratton College was its “children’s college.”

“It’s not a day care but rather a school for kids while their parents are in class,” says Kennedy, a former Navy petty offi cer second class. “The service is very reason-ably priced and encompasses pre-school through sixth grade.”

Kennedy, 29, graduated as valedictorian of Bryant & Stratton’s Hampton campus, earn-ing a General Management-Bachelor of Business Administration. She hopes to build a career in human resources management.

Kennedy served in the Navy and Navy Reserve from 2004 to 2010. She served on USS Harry S. Truman and in Virginia and Oregon.

The former aviation ordnance techni-cian graduated with a 3.9 GPA. Kennedy credits her military experience for provid-ing her with a powerful ability to be fo-cused and disciplined.

“We all have busy lives,” she says. “I have two kids, and they keep me running, but I still had to focus and perform well in my studies. The Navy taught me how to pri-oritize and manage my time well.

“It was a bit of an adjustment being back in a classroom setting, but I love a challenge,” Kennedy says.

WWW.MILITARYFRIENDLY.COM

Michael ArnesonU.S. Navy Veteran

Rachelle KennedyU.S. Navy Veteran

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