Student & Alumni Spotlight | Belmont University

Our Belmont Stories

Learn About Veteran Students and Alumni Just Like You

Brad Beardsley, U.S. Army
Brad Beardsley served on active duty for 12 years in the U.S. Army. Brad deployed to multiple countries during his service in the infantry and later in psychological operations. He is earning his MBA at Belmont.
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Tell us about your time in the Army
I served on active duty for twelve years starting in the infantry and then made it into Psychological Operations. I was stationed in Germany for my first five years and spent the rest of my time based out of Fort Bragg. I have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and East Africa on regular missions and working with the State Department.

Why did you choose Belmont?
I liked the atmosphere that the school has, all of the ways it reaches out to veteran students and that my GI Bill with the Yellow Ribbon program means I go to school for free.

What are your post-graduation plans & aspirations?
I plan to finish Belmont and work in the International NGO (Nongovernmental Organization) sector here in Nashville.

Brian Bergheger, U.S. Army
Brian Bergheger was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and worked as an infantryman, including two deployments to Afghanistan. Brian is also president of Bruin Vets, Belmont's chapter of the Student Veterans of America. He is earning a BBA in Business Administration.
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Branch of service and rank: Sergeant, United States Army

Work you did: I was an infantry squad leader with 2 deployments to Afghanistan. My first deployment was with the 3rd Infantry Division in the Kandahar region and included presence patrols, foot and mounted patrols, quick reaction force, and key leader engagements. My second deployment was with the 101st in the heart of the Afghan capital city of Kabul, in which we escorted international advisors on their missions for political reform, training of Afghans, and infrastructure building.

Major: Business

Anticipated graduation date: Winter 2021

Why did you choose Belmont? I chose Belmont because of its esteemed business school and because of their unlimited/unlimited undergraduate Yellow Ribbon program. This is a huge advantage for veterans who are seeking the greatest value education while also minimizing costs.

What is it like to be a student veteran at Belmont: The culture is like a family. With the ability to lounge, eat, watch TV, study, print for free, and talk and joke with other veterans in a warm, home-like setting, it really helps create the vibe we think most veterans would want.

Favorite class at Belmont: My favorite class was my entrepreneurship class due to the discussions.

Your greatest accomplishment: The thing I am most proud of is my time spent as a leader in the military, second only to marrying my wife.

Terry "Scott" Freeman, U.S. Army
Terry "Scott" Freeman served as a sergeant in the U.S.. Army, working as a a squad leader in the troop commanders Personal Security Detail (PSD) in Afghanistan and on other missions. He is vice-president of Bruin Vets, Belmont's chapter of the Student Veterans of America. He is earning a BBA in Economics.
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Branch, Rank: Army, Sergeant

Work you did: In Afghanistan, I was a squad leader in the troop commanders Personal Security Detail (PSD) and miscellaneous missions like Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and convoy security through the Regional Command South. I was in the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment attached to the 25 Infantry Division out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Before that I was a part of the 11th Brigade Air Defense Artillery Regiment out of Fort Bliss, Texas and I deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Major: Economics

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2020

Why did you choose Belmont? Small personal classes and great veteran program

What is it like to be a student veteran at Belmont? The culture for veterans at Belmont is one of the best in the country in my opinion. I have heard many transfer veterans say how amazing it is here and, "way better than the college they came from." We have a veterans lounge and kitchen where there is always coffee and snacks if your hungry, a big TV to watch movies or shows on, computers and a printer if you need to do homework, or if you just want to come relax and talk to other vets.

Favorite class: Intro to Sociology with Ken Spring or Foundation in Entrepreneurship

Greatest Accomplishment: The professional and educational transformation that Belmont has helped me complete assisted me greatly in obtaining the job that I wanted most.

Wesley Guthrie, U.S. Navy
Wesley Guthrie served as a Master at Arms or MP forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan for 3 years. He did police work, patrol with traffic enforcement, and gate access and control. Wesley is earning a B.S. in Psychology.
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Branch of service and rank: U.S. Navy-E4

Work you did: I was a Master at Arms or MP forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan for 3 years. I did police work, patrol with traffic enforcement, and gate access and control.

Major: Psychology

Anticipated graduation date: May 2021

Why did you choose Belmont? After much prayer and consideration I chose Belmont because it was in Tennessee, my home state. I also like the fact that Belmont is a private Christian university and the staff takes very good care of their veterans.

What is it like to be a student veteran at Belmont? I want veterans to know that this is the absolute best university for veterans. The atmosphere is relaxed and positive. I feel very at home in the veterans lounge on campus. The Veteran Success team goes out of their way daily to make sure the veterans are taken care of. You always can always talk to the staff about anything that is going on and they will gladly help you.

Favorite Class at Belmont: Sports Medicine

Your greatest accomplishment: Serving in the Navy was my greatest accomplishment. Living overseas in Japan for 3 years is something I never thought I would do, but did, and I wouldn't ever take back that experience.

Carlos McDay, U.S. Navy
Carlos McDay served 8 years in the U.S. Navy as a Navy Corpsman, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He is earning a B.S in Biology.
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Branch of service and rank: U.S. Navy HM3 E - 4

Your Work: Navy Corpsman

Where did you serve? My first duty station was Camp Lejeune, NC with 2/8. While there I was deployed to Afghanistan. I was then stationed at Naval Hospital Yokosuka. I ended my 8 years of service at MCRD Parris Island.

Major at Belmont: Biology

Anticipated graduation date: Spring, May 2021

Why did you choose Belmont: I chose Belmont because of the small class sizes.

What is it like to be a student veteran at Belmont? I feel as though all of the veteran students are treated with a great deal of respect. I would like future students to know that if they are looking for a friendly atmosphere with other diverse individuals, they should look no further than Belmont. The professors are also great. Many of them are available to help guide veteran students while they adjust to the college life. And the Bruin Vet Center staff is the best support system I have seen while attending Belmont. They ensure that the Vet Lounge always feels like home. And there is never a situation they can't help out with.

Favorite Class at Belmont: Anatomy and Physiology

Your greatest accomplishment: Serving my country as a Navy Corpsman, serving the community of Savannah Georgia as a Police Officer and then serving the Nashville community as a Postal Mail Carrier.

Career goals: I plan to attend medical school and work in sports medicine.

Amber Petoletti, U.S. Navy
Amber Petoletti served in the U.S. Navy and worked on MH-60R helicopters as an Avionics Technician and a Plane Captain. She worked on avionics components inside the helicopter including radar systems, communication systems, navigation systems, and anti-submarine warfare systems. She is earning her B.S. in Biology, with a chemistry minor.
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Branch of service and rank: Navy E4

Work you did: I worked on MH-60R helicopters. I was an Avionics Technician and Plane Captain, and I worked on the avionics components inside the helicopter including radar systems, communication systems, navigation systems, and anti-submarine warfare systems.

Where did you serve: I was deployed for 8 months on the USS Mobile Bay which is a cruiser. We deployed to 7th fleet and spent time in Guam, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and also visited Hawaii while we were out to sea.

Major at Belmont: Biology major, Chemistry minor

Anticipated graduation date: December 2020

Why did you choose Belmont? The science program is very intimate and I like that faculty teach all classes rather than grad students. I was also attracted to the beautiful campus and the friendliness of everyone I encountered on my tour.

What is it like to be a student veteran at Belmont? The veteran community at Belmont is very welcoming and friendly. I recently discovered the BVC and already feel right at home. I like that there is a place for vets to hang out, share stories and discover commonalities amongst each other.

Favorite Class at Belmont: Anatomy and Physiology because we got to experience the human cadaver lab and learn about the body in a way that most people in undergrad, outside of Belmont, do not get to experience.

Your greatest accomplishment: Finishing out my deployment strong. Deployment was one if the hardest experiences I’ve lived through, especially when a port call would get canceled and we spent over 4 weeks out to sea without seeing land. After experiencing and getting through those 8 months, I can see the lighter/brighter side of life in most situations and praise those who experienced an even harder, more challenging deployment than I did.

Career goals: I plan to get into research after graduation. I am currently interning at a research lab to gain experience and to really find out if research is what I want to pursue. I love working/looking at cells and learning how they function. Cytology would be my overarching topic of interest, but cellular research varies greatly so I am not sure what type of research I am interested in. I am currently working with antibiotic resistant bacteria and I enjoy it so far!

Stephanie Sullivan, U.S. Navy
Stephanie Sullivan served as an E-6, Information Systems Technician and provided secure and reliable telecommunications to commands, bases, and teams which she supported. She is earning a BBA in Business Systems and Analytics.
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Branch of service and rank: U.S. Navy, E-6, Information Systems Technician

What was your job? My job was to provide secure and reliable telecommunications to commands, bases, and teams which I supported. I served at the Office of Naval Intelligence (Suitland, MD), Underwater Construction Team Two (Ventura, CA), Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (Sicily, Italy), and Naval Information Operation Command (San Diego, CA).

Deployments: South Korea, Guam, Japan, Diego Garcia, Philippines and Hawaii

Major: BBA– Business Systems and Analytics

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2020

Why Did You Choose Belmont? Belmont has given back to the Veteran community by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program which has allowed me to attend this beautiful campus 100% free. I am truly grateful for every tax-payer and organization that contributes to my education.

What is it like to be a student veteran at Belmont? The Veteran Success Team staff members have been nothing but helpful. I have never had an issue with signing up for the G.I. Bill benefits and I have been taken care of from day one. The staff truly care about veterans and put forth an amazing effort to provide us with resources and a space to network and find support with fellow veterans.

Favorite Class at Belmont: Principals of Management with Paula Roberts

Your Greatest Accomplishment: Serving in the military for 8 years, traveling to over 15 countries, and taking the steps to be the first college graduate in my immediate family.