PROFILES IN SUCCESS: JONATHAN DOUGLAS
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.”
Learn more about Jonathan’s educational and professional journey below.
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.
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.
