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Meet Our Students
At American Military University, we teach driven working adult students to soar higher in their fields. The students on this page all come from different walks of life and have their own reasons for continuing their educational journey. View their stories and you'll see how, at AMU, we are as committed to your success as you are.
Max Aulakh - B.S. Information Systems Security
Max is a veteran who always wanted to be an entrepreneur. He founded Mafazo Digital Solutions after leaving the service. He credits much of his success to his education at AMU. "I wouldn't be an expert in the cybersecurity field today without the knowledge I gained from my courses. The military teaches you practical, but they don't teach you theoretical concepts that are timeless.”
Chanda Chann - B.A. Management/ MBA
Chanda is a Khmer Rouge survivor, which taught her early on how to adapt quickly and find her inner strength, confidence, and courage. Today, Chanda is a successful property manager with a commercial real estate company. “I was the first in my family to get a college degree. As a military spouse, I needed a school that would allow me to connect and finish my program regardless of where I was. I finished my schooling on the road.”
Earl Day - B.S. Fire Science Management
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Earl explains that getting his degree in Fire Science was the best way he could be competitive in the job market as a firefighter. Earl has a deeply rooted passion to help others. In the military, he served his country, and now he's serving his community as a firefighter and EMT. "The calling of being a firefighter provides a sense of satisfaction from helping people on a daily basis."
Tyler Drennan - B.S. Information Technology
Tyler is a U.S. Air Force veteran who started at AMU as a Criminal Justice major, and then switched to IT because of his interest in technology. "I have always been interested in all things technical and enjoyed creating websites and fixing computers. Finding the joy in a subject area can set you up for success in your studies," said Tyler. After graduation, he was accepted into a prestigious "Veterans for IT" program at USAA insurance, and works there today as a full stack developer.
Joseph Gray - B.A. Military History
Veteran Joseph Gray explains how cancer gave him a whole new perspective on life, and how that lead him to pursue a degree in military history. Joseph says that the flexibility and the military-friendly environment at AMU helped him to achieve his academic goals. “The professors knew what we go through when we're deployed in combat, and that was really important to me.” With the battlefield of Afghanistan in the past, today Joseph is a Civil War interpreter at national battlefields.
Kent Harraid - B.A. Military History
Despite his disability, Kent was able to reach one of his lifelong dreams. His passion for aviation along with his AMU degree helped to open the right doors for Kent, and today he works in his dream job at the Frontiers of Flight museum. "I have faced diversity and overcome obstacles, but whatever your circumstances, keep going. I always had a dream to get my degree, and through this university that dream has come to fruition."
Linwood Harrison - B.A. Intelligence Studies
U.S. Army veteran Linwood Harrison, recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, earned his bachelor's in Intelligence Studies in 2013. He knew that military-friendly AMU understood the challenges he faced and the personal investment he made while balancing his demanding life. “The AMU professors supported me through several significant events in my life: while I was deployed, during a permanent change of station move (PCS), and through a cancer diagnosis. My professors not only encouraged me to study, but also to live”.
Al Hopper - M.B.A.
While working on his MBA, Al discovered that going to school online set him up for success in today's workplace. "I believe going to school online gives you a better skill set for today's new way of working. AMU makes it easy to be a successful student. I got to know my fellow students and scheduling classes together with them really helped me finish my degree." Al co-founded SocialPath Solutions in San Antonio, TX, and has been recognized for his leadership in social media customer service and engagement.
Gregory Proctor - B.S. Fire Science Management
When he was 5 years old, Gregory Proctor learned that his father had died during active duty in the Marine Corps. From that day, he decided wanted to help people and followed his passion to a career in the military and then public sector as an EMT. "I always had a natural gift to be my best at someone’s worst medical moment. AMU embraced that ability and paired it with the right education to ensure my patients have the best chance for survival," said Gregory.
Wes O'Donnell - M.B.A.
A veteran and entrepreneur, Wes explains how he had all the tools he needed from his AMU courses to start his own business. "What drives me is to be in the position to help other individuals achieve greatness and be successful.” The author of "Rise. The Veteran's Field Manual for Starting Your Own Business and Conquering the Online Economy,” Wes also contributes articles to university blogs and media partners.
Gabrielle Newsam - B.S. Sports & Health Sciences
With an interest in sports medicine, Dr. Gabrielle Newsam decided to garner another bachelor's degree on top of her medical degree. "AMU had the program that I was looking for and it was very convenient," said Dr. Newsam. Currently serving as the physician for the Military Entrance Processing Station in Raleigh, NC, she says, "My AMU experience has helped me become a better clinician.”
Latasha McWright - M.A. Management
Latasha tried four different universities for her master’s degree, and quit all four. It wasn't until she started attending AMU and transferred her previous credits earned that she realized how close to her goal she actually was. Latasha earned her M.A. in Management and went from sitting at the front desk to sitting in board meetings discussing strategy with the CEO. "Graduating has changed my life tremendously."
Amanda Metzger - M.A. Public Health
Amanda Metzger's goal has always been to change people's lives for the better. As a military spouse, she knew she needed to find a solution that could help her "be a good military wife and good parent while finishing my degree. APU helped me excel in all three of those areas." Amanda went on to earn her bachelor's degree and master's degree in public health. Today, her job as Director of Community Health allows her to focus on her passion and make a difference everyday.
Yesli Vega - B.A. Criminal Justice
A passion for justice and helping people motivated Yesli Vega to join the police force and to pursue a B.A. in Criminal Justice. "Taking online courses is sometimes perceived as easy, but it's the opposite!" Yesli says being a working mom and a student means juggling your family, career and your schoolwork. "The flexibility of AMU allowed me to get everything done. My courses also enhanced the way I think. Now, I’m more aware and respectful of people’s different points of view. My degree helps me better communicate with the people I serve.”