Profiles In Success: Jonathan Douglas | Trident University International

There's no stopping someone who is curious, hungry for knowledge, and determined to succeed. Among graduates through the University's nearly 21-year history, Jonathan occupies a unique place unmatched by any other alum - he holds four masters degrees from Trident.

It wasn't just a love of learning that drove Jonathan, it was a mix of timing and his desire to set his family up for success. "Since I retired from the military a month too early, I wasn't able to transfer my GI Bill to my children," says Jonathan. "I decided to invest in myself and improve my professional position so I hit the books and didn't stop."

Trident: What is your current professional position?

Jonathan Douglas: I am the Head of Requirements Analysis Branch, The Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).

Trident: Who are some of the professors that left a positive impression on you?

JD: Dr. Mary Lind, while working on my Master of Science in Information Technology Management.

My thought was I need to be the best I can be to help support both my daughters' college dreams

Jonathan Douglas

Trident: You've earned an impressive four masters degrees - what made you continue your studies that far?

JD: Interesting story, I almost missed the window to finish my Master of Business Administration (MBA) and completed it just before I retired. Upon retiring I had no plans to go back to school then the DoD created the Yellow Ribbon program, allowing you to transfer your GI Bill to your children. Again, I retired a month too early. Since I couldn’t transfer my GI Bill to my kids figured I better invest in myself and improve my professional position so I hit the books and didn't stop. My thought was I need to be the best I can be to help support both my daughters' college dreams.

Trident: How has your time at Trident contributed to your career success?

JD: Trident's variety of programs allowed me to expand my knowledge as well as validate my professional experience to further my career. I was able to share my success with a veteran and friend who took my advice to join Trident as alumni who completed his first masters and is working on his second.

Jonathan Douglas is a military veteran and is a graduate of Trident's Master of Arts in Education ('14), Master of Science in Information Technology Management ('12), Master of Science in Health Sciences ('11), and Master of Business Administration ('06) programs.

Trident cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The experience of this alumnus may not be representative of all students.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.