From Soldier to Scholar: National Guard Captain Earns Online PhD

He honored his military commitments while pursuing an advanced degree 

Balancing the demands of duty and ambition, Army National Guard Captain Curtis Rookard embarked on a remarkable journey to earn his PhD in Industrial Engineering online. Motivated by being the first in his immediate family to obtain a graduate degree, Curtis was determined to achieve that goal, but needed to do so while serving his country. Choosing the flexibility of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Vols Online program allowed him to honor his military commitments while pursuing the advanced education needed to open doors within and beyond the military.

Growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Curtis’s biggest inspiration was his father, who served in the military for 35 years, including in the Navy, the Air Force National Guard, and the Army Reserve. Curtis fondly remembers hearing his dad’s stories about the people and places he encountered, as well as the training he underwent.

He followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard two days after turning 17. In a career spanning over 10 years, he has served domestically in California, Texas, Georgia, and Maryland, as well as overseas in Bulgaria and Romania. Enriched by the travel required during his military service, he loves learning more about different societies and cultures, as well as their extensive histories.

While exploring the world, Curtis was determined to earn his undergraduate degree. He wanted to take the next step, but enrolling in an on-campus program would be very difficult with his frequent travel. Curtis earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics online and subsequently earned his master’s degree in biostatistics while working as a statistical programmer. After seeing the advantages his new colleagues had access to with a PhD, he decided to earn his through the Vols Online Industrial Engineering doctorate program.

“I would tell any prospective student to go for it! A PhD is a challenge in and of itself, but I believe that the faculty and support that I’ve had surrounding my process at UTK made my goal a reality.”

– Curtis Rookard, PhD, Industrial Engineering graduate

Growing up in East Tennessee, Curtis was familiar with UT, but the main reason he chose Vols Online was the flexibility it offered his schedule. He was able to watch recorded lectures on his own time, and his professors always made him feel just as included in discussions and activities as if he were an on-campus student. He was especially grateful for his advisor, Dr. Anahita Khojandi. Through weekly meetings on Zoom and providing remote workstations, Dr. Khojandi was a constant support that helped Curtis work wherever he was.

Even while spending two weeks in Romania and moving back to Knoxville during his enrollment, Curtis was able to conduct his research and stay engaged with his coursework from anywhere and at any time. After graduating with his PhD in December 2024, Curtis accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Indian River State College, teaching courses in cybersecurity and information technology.

After 10 years of dedication, Curtis has advanced through the ranks to become a captain and earned his doctorate. He’s a perfect blend of taking inspiration from those around you, blazing your trail, and working hard at whatever opportunities you’re given.