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Soldier Scholar Award

Master Sgt. Levester Charles receives Brandman University 2013 Soldier Scholar Award

Master Sgt. Levester Charles pictured here receiving an award from Mary Ann Bardoni-Barbe, the Brandman University campus director for JBLM during a ceremony at Stone Education Center on JBLM. Courtesy Brandman University

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Thursday, Nov. 21, Master Sgt. Levester Charles, Sr. was awarded the Brandman University 2013 Soldier Scholar Award in recognition of his achievements both in the classroom and in the military.

"I would always go and talk with them and get extra attention, so they knew me in the office," joked Charles when asked why he was chosen for the award. "I just figure that I'm in the school and I might as well do my best."

Soldier Scholars are selected based on the recommendation of their academic advisor, who considers their grade point average, attitude and professionalism, and approval is required from the university's campus director.

"He stands out in his commitment and his focus," said Mary Ann Bardoni-Barbe, Brandman University campus director at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "I think he knows he is getting started later than other students and so he really values the classes and what this can do for him outside of the military."

Charles has served in the Army for more than 25 years, on both active-duty and in the Reserves. He was recalled to active-duty from 2009-2012 and then again in May 2013. When he is not working in uniform with the 1st Joint Mobilization Brigade, the Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound employs him as a warehouse supervisor.

The catalyst for Charles's return to school occurred when he wasn't given a new job due to his lack of a college degree even though he had the required experience. So he began to look into a Society for Human Resource Management certification and he went to Stone Education Center on JBLM to learn more.

"I was speaking with Mary Ann, who recommended that I complete my education before taking the test," he explained.

At first Charles, who is raising three daughters who are also in school, protested because he didn't think it was feasible. However, Bardoni-Barbe talked him into trying at least one class ... and then that turned into two and, before he knew it, he was working on his Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational leadership.

Brandman University, which is part of the Chapman University System, caters to adult education and the average age of undergraduate students is 32. Brandman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers more than 50 undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs across its schools of arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and health.

"It was definitely hard at first but the school fit for me and the blended classes are exactly why Brandman works for me," Charles stated.

Brandman University specializes in blended classes, combining both in-seat classes, which meet typically one night a week, and online work through the Blackboard platform the remainder of the week. The system works particularly well for adults who are also working while going to school, like those on active-duty.

"You are never going to get a better opportunity to work on your education than through the military, so why not take advantage of that?" asked Bardoni-Barbe.

Indeed, Charles is taking advantage of this. He has nine classes left before completing his degree next fall and from there he wants to jump right into a Masters program.

"He can be an example of how education is important and can make a difference in an adult's life. There is no age bias," said Bardoni-Barbe. "He is taking control of his future."

For more information on what Brandman University has to offer, go to www.Brandman.edu

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