United States Air Force Veteran Kaylon Centers ’25 discovered St. Joseph’s University, New York Online through the University’s partnership with Air University (AU-ABC), allowing him to complete his degree from Jacksonville, AR.
Prior to SJNY Online, Centers served as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force with the 424th Air Base Squadron’s Fire Department, assigned to commands in the United Kingdom and Belgium. In this role, his responsibilities included mitigating emergency incidents, structural emergencies, HAZMAT responses and medical emergencies.
While in the Air Force, Centers completed college credits through the DSST and CLEP testing programs, credit-by-exam programs that allow students to earn college credit for knowledge gained outside of traditional classroom settings. He also studied at Kilgore College in Kilgore, TX and Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX.
Even from a distance, he maintains a strong of connection with St. Joseph’s, specifically with the university’s veteran community. Through a well-rounded curriculum, St. Joseph’s has helped Centers develop essential communication skills, refine his writing, enhance his research skills and strengthen his critical thinking in an ever-changing world.
“What you get out of your time at St. Joseph’s University, New York Online will depend on what you’re willing to put into it,” Centers said.
“The professors encourage students to apply concepts learned through real-world, scenario-based questions, discussions and research assignments. I feel confident and capable of facing future academic and professional endeavors because of what I learned at SJNY Online,” he added.
After he graduates with a B.S. in Organizational Management this month, Centers will begin studying for the LSAT and applying to law schools with a goal of earning a Juris Doctor degree.
This story is part of OnCampus’ “Class of 2025 – Meet the Grads” series, focusing on the Class of 2025 at St. Joseph’s University, New York. To read more from this series, click here.
