Doctoral Student Spotlight | Mitchel Jackson

My journey began in the Philippines, where I grew up with a strong appreciation for education, perseverance and hard work. Serving in the United States Army became a defining chapter of my life, shaping my values of discipline, resilience, leadership and service to others. 

Today, I work as a senior manager in food safety and quality assurance within the corporate food manufacturing industry. Throughout my professional career, I have always believed that learning should never stop, regardless of one’s accomplishments or stage in life. This passion for continuous growth inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree in organizational leadership at Hood College.

As someone working toward becoming the first in my family to earn a doctorate, this journey represents not only a personal milestone, but also an opportunity to create a legacy of education and perseverance. Ultimately, I hope my story encourages others, especially veterans and nontraditional students, to recognize that it is never too late to pursue their dreams.

Receiving the RTX Patriot Scholarship through Student Veterans of America (SVA) is an incredible honor and a meaningful recognition of my journey as a student veteran. What makes this scholarship particularly special is its connection to the manufacturing industry, a field in which I have built my professional career through food safety, quality assurance and leadership. Balancing the responsibilities of being a full-time doctoral student, a full-time employee and an active community leader requires commitment, sacrifice and perseverance.

This scholarship not only provides valuable financial assistance, but also reinforces my belief that veterans can continue making significant contributions beyond their military service. I hope this recognition inspires my fellow student veterans at Hood College and other universities to explore the many scholarships, educational benefits and professional opportunities available to them.

Initially, Hood College attracted me because of its convenient location in Frederick, Maryland, where I live, and the opportunity to participate in face-to-face classes. As a working professional, having a doctoral program close to home made pursuing advanced education more manageable while balancing my other responsibilities.

However, what truly distinguishes Hood College is the personal interaction, collaborative learning environment and meaningful relationships that develop through in-person engagement. The Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership has exceeded my expectations, particularly because of the dedication, encouragement and accessibility of its faculty.

My classmates have also become an important source of motivation and support as we navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones of doctoral study together. What began as a practical decision based on location and learning preferences has evolved into something much more meaningful: a community that genuinely feels like family.

My inspiration to serve as president of the Hood College Student Veterans Club grew from my involvement with Student Veterans of America and my firsthand experience of the organization’s impact on veterans pursuing higher education. Through this involvement, I discovered how important it is for student veterans to have access to supportive networks, professional development opportunities, scholarships and resources that can help them succeed.

As president, I want to help bridge that gap by creating a welcoming environment where student veterans can connect, share experiences, exchange knowledge and support one another. I believe the club should be more than a student organization. It should serve as a community where veterans feel valued, empowered and encouraged to become actively involved in campus life. One of my priorities is to strengthen our connections with Student Veterans of America, Hood College and external organizations so our members can benefit from a broader network of resources and opportunities.

I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from the Hood College community, and I genuinely believe that every professor I have encountered has contributed something meaningful to my academic development. In particular, I would like to recognize Professors Manikoth, Cuddapah, and Jose, whose guidance, encouragement and commitment to academic excellence have helped shape my growth as a doctoral student and emerging scholar. 

Beyond the classroom, Dean April Boulton has been a strong supporter of the Hood College Student Veterans Club. I am equally grateful to Tanith Fowler-Corsi, my club adviser, whose dedication and guidance have been instrumental in supporting our organization’s initiatives. I also want to thank Sonia Amir and Cohort 9 for their support.

What makes Hood College special is that this support extends beyond the classroom. It reflects a broader campus culture in which students are encouraged to succeed personally, academically and professionally.

My advice to fellow student veterans is simple: never stop learning, take advantage of opportunities and do not underestimate what you are capable of achieving. Transitioning from military service into higher education, especially at the graduate or doctoral level, can be challenging, but the skills we developed through service, including discipline, adaptability, resilience and leadership, provide a strong foundation for success. 

I encourage veterans to step outside their comfort zones, become involved with their communities, connect with faculty and fellow students, and actively expand their personal and professional networks. Organizations such as Student Veterans of America and campus veterans clubs can provide valuable connections and a sense of belonging throughout that journey. Most importantly, remember that military service may be one important chapter of your story, but it does not define the limits of what you can accomplish next.

Inspired by Mitchel’s story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College's graduate programs, including Organizational Leadership.