From Military Service to a New Chapter in Business
James Reeves ‘26 spent 20 years in the United States Navy, serving as a chief petty officer — a level achieved by less than 10 percent of those who enlist in the Navy. The electrician, who was assigned to hovercrafts, followed in the naval footsteps of his father and grandfather.
“I assumed I’d go in for a few years, then get out and go to college,” said Reeves. But he kept rising in the ranks, and with each promotion, he found it harder to leave. “It was an honor to be responsible for my officers — for their safety, their mental health, their careers. I’m a natural caretaker, and I just couldn’t abandon it then.” Soon enough, he realized that he only had a few years left before he completed 20 years of service, which in the Navy entitles officers to a full pension.
“I knew I needed to have a plan for what would come next in my life,” said Reeves. “I ended up giving 20 years of service to the Navy because I felt I was needed, and I was happy to give. But I wanted to do something different with the next phase of my life. I’d always wanted to start my own business, and it was an area I’d never explored.”
Reeves had specific requirements for a degree program. “I wanted a school that offered both a managerial undergraduate degree and an MBA. I needed a school that would work with veterans. And I needed a school that would allow me to attend remotely.” USF ticked each box.
“I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am to have landed at USF,” said Reeves. “The administration worked with me and with the VA to determine exactly what classes I needed based on the credits I’d already earned at community colleges. And learning from professors who are passionate is so inspiring. Every professor I’ve had so far is a master of their craft, and that passion draws me closer to the school and its community.”
When asked what advice he would give to a fellow veteran who spent a career in the military and was wondering how to navigate the world of higher education, Reeves said, “Be honest with yourself and with your advisers. Explain your goals clearly to both the VA and USF, and they will work with you to come up with a personalized program to get you to graduation. Don’t be embarrassed about what you don’t know — USF is as happy to have you as you are to be there.”
Reeves credits the BAM program with filling in gaps in his professional resume. “The way I think has completely changed,” he said. “Being in the military, I was mission-focused. Now, because of this program, I’m taking the leadership style that I already have and translating it to the corporate world. My communication style has completely changed - it’s more academic and professional,”
After receiving an MBA in 2027, Reeves is using what he calls his “second chance” to intern in investment banking. “All my time in the service, all the work it took to get here — it’s all worth it. I have a full pension and so am able to take on internships in any fields that interest me, because I’m not worried about how I’ll pay the bills. I have a whole new chapter in front of me.”
