Senior Juleeun Jacobs shared that it was the promise of ‘fresh perspectives and invigorating academic pursuits’ that first inspired him to enroll at Keiser University’s West Palm Beach campus back in 2020. Now just months before earning his Bachelor of Science degree, he recalled his first impression of the new season of learning which served as a catalyst to further pursue his dreams.

“Keiser stood out to me with its welcoming community, diverse opportunities, and a focus on individualized learning that seemed perfectly aligned with what I was looking for in a university experience,” said Jacobs who is majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Transportation and Logistics.

After serving as a United States Army active-duty Corporal, Jacobs also recognized the need for Veterans’ assistance and was thankful that Keiser University is committed to ensuring its campuses are Veteran-friendly. “They have acknowledged and respected my unique experiences and challenges and their Veteran services are outstanding, offering tailored counseling and support groups that understand specific needs. Additionally, their flexible class schedules are crucial in balancing studies with other responsibilities.,” said Jacobs who now serves as the campus’ Student Veterans of America (SVA) President.

Already a budding entrepreneur, Jacob’s combined experiences serve as a solid foundation as he continues to serve, study and fine-tune his business plan. “After graduation, my goal is to leverage my degree in Business Management with a focus on Transportation and Logistics to drive Jacobs Transportation and Logistics forward as a thriving enterprise. A key part of my vision is to create opportunities for veterans, offering them a chance to contribute their skills and experience in a dynamic business environment,” he said while adding that the challenges he’s faced while pursuing his degree have served to strengthen him.

“Working towards my degree amid the pandemic, alongside facing personal health challenges, has been a formidable experience. The sudden shift to online learning during the pandemic required quick adaptation, and maintaining focus was a challenge amidst such global uncertainty. Additionally, undergoing surgery presented its own set of hurdles, both physically and mentally. However, despite these obstacles, I remained steadfast in my academic pursuits. Balancing recovery and studies, I learned the true meaning of resilience and determination,” he added.

When asked what he’d recommend to others who are working to ensure their visions come to life, Jacobs offers these steps:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you. Break down your dreams into achievable, specific goals.
2. Embrace Learning:  Continuously seek knowledge and skills related to your dream. Education can be formal or informal, but it’s always crucial.
3. Persistence and Resilience: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Learn from failures and keep moving forward.
4. Network and Seek Mentorship:  Connect with people who share similar dreams or have achieved that for which you’re aiming. Their guidance can be invaluable.
5. Balance and Self-Care: Pursuing dreams can be demanding. Remember to take care of your physical and mental health.
6. Be Adaptable: Be open to change and ready to pivot if needed. Flexibility can open new pathways to success.
7. Stay Motivated: Keep reminding yourself why your dream matters to you. Passion is a powerful driver. Remember, the path to realizing dreams is unique for everyone. What works for one may not work for another, so it’s important to find what resonates with you.

Student Veterans of America is the premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for Veterans in higher education. With the vision of empowering student Veterans to lead their best lives, its mission is to act as a catalyst for student Veteran success by providing resources, network support, and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education. To learn more about Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Student Veterans of America group and how you can become involved, please contact Gary Chapman Legal Studies Program Director and SVA Faculty Advisor at [email protected] or [email protected].

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Business focuses on a basic understanding of business skills needed for entry-level business professionals. The program introduces students to the functional areas of business, and the business environment including ethical business practices, and technical and communication skills needed in today’s business environment.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph., and Evelyn Keiser, the university now offers over 100 degree programs, ranging from associate to doctoral levels. As a designated Hispanic-serving institution, Keiser University is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. In 2024, it was ranked 21st in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report.

Keiser University West Palm Beach Campus Student Veterans Association President Juleeun Jacobs