In honor of veterans this November, the McQueary College of Health and Human Services shines a light on two of its veteran students: Andrew Falk and Samuel Durham.
Both have transitioned from military service to academic pursuits. Falk is in the kinesiology graduate program and Durham is pursuing a Master of Public Health.
Find out more about them and their journey.
Where are you originally from?
Falk: I’m from Strafford, Missouri.
Durham: I’m from DeRidder, Louisiana.
When did you start your studies at Missouri State and when will you graduate?
Falk: I began my undergraduate degree in exercise and movement science in August 2019 and graduated in fall 2023. I then started my master’s in kinesiology, focusing on sport and human performance. I’ll graduate in spring 2025.
Durham: I started the public health program in fall 2023 and will graduate in spring 2025.
Why did you choose to study at Missouri State?
Falk: Springfield feels like home, making it a great place to start my academic career. MSU’s support system for veteran students was also a strong attraction.
Durham: I was drawn to MSU while at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). Expanding my education and staying in Springfield were major benefits for my career.
What motivated you to pursue your area of study?
Falk: I’ve always loved health, wellness and exercise. They provide discipline and consistency, which carry into other areas of life.
Durham: While pursuing a nursing degree at OTC in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my perspective. I realized I could better serve by focusing on population health and wanted a career dedicated to protecting public health.
How long have you served in the military and which branch?
Falk: I served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years on active duty and 10 months in the reserves.
Durham: I served in the U.S. Army for four years.
Why did you decide to join the military?
Falk: It was something I always wanted to do. My dad was in the Marines during the Vietnam War, which inspired me to enlist.
Durham: My family has a history of military service and I saw my enlistment as my way of protecting our rights and liberties.
What were your key responsibilities and rank?
Falk: My responsibilities included looking after my Marines’ well-being and ensuring they met all required standards. When I left active duty, I was a platoon sergeant with the billet of squad leader.
Durham: I served as a signal intelligence analyst. My responsibilities included focusing on collecting, analyzing and reporting military intelligence.
What did you find most meaningful or rewarding about the experience?
Falk: Leading Marines and preparing them to one day lead others and give back to the Corps was incredibly rewarding.
Durham: From basic combat training to technical intelligence training, this experience was transformative. I was always learning and growing, which was rewarding to me.
What military skills best help you in your studies?
Falk: Discipline, accountability and attention to detail have been most helpful in my studies.
Durham: My role required solving complex issues, which aids in my studies. The integrity, respect and dedication I developed in the military also help me succeed academically.
What resources at MSU have helped you most as a veteran student?
Falk: The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center has been a great help. While on active duty in Hawaii, they guided me in using my benefits. Working there for over two years also helped me find a supportive community.
Durham: Public health software is costly. But I can use the open-access computer labs at MSU. So, access to software and technology has been invaluable here.
What challenges did you face transitioning to student life and how did you overcome them?
Falk: As a non-traditional student, I initially felt isolated, but reaching out to classmates helped me overcome it.
Durham: Military culture differs greatly from university culture, which encourages exploration and independent thinking. I learned to think outside the box and challenge norms.
What do you enjoy most about being a Missouri State Bear?
Falk: MSU has always been home for me. I get support here like a family member.
Durham: One of the best parts of being an MSU Bear is the professional and personal relationships I’ve built within the community.
What types of things are you involved in on campus?
Falk: I’m an intern strength and conditioning coach with the MSU football team and a graduate assistant in the School of Health Sciences. I instruct labs in KIN-465 (Strength and Conditioning) and KIN-362 (Exercise Physiology).
Durham: While I’m not involved in campus activities currently, I enjoy attending MSU sporting and seasonal events like Homecoming.
What’s your future career aspiration?
Falk: In the next two to five years, I plan to continue coaching football, combat sports and tactical athletes at the college or professional level. I aim to pursue a doctorate in sports psychology or strength and conditioning and eventually teach or conduct research in the field.
Durham: I aspire to work as a public health specialist in epidemiology and research, ideally with a federal agency. My dream job is to serve as a health services officer in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contributing to public health on a larger scale.
What tips or advice can you share with future veteran students?
Falk: Be proactive with your academic goals. You may not know your exact career path, but setting goals can guide you forward. Find like-minded people and a supportive community.
Durham: Military skills like organization, timeliness and pride in one’s work are invaluable in academics. Apply the motivation and dedication that helped you succeed in the military to your studies.
