Christopher King has a phrase for finishing what he starts: landing the plane. After more than two decades in uniform, a full-time career at Boeing and the demands of raising a family, landing was something he had to earn. When he chose Arkansas State University to complete his online MBA in Marketing, he wasn’t just looking for a degree. He was looking for a school that understands what it means to serve.
“A-State has been a perfect platform for me,” Christopher said. “It worked for my schedule, my goals and everything I needed to balance in my career, family and life in general.”
From Uniform to Online Classroom: A Veteran’s Decision
Christopher had started an MBA once before but had to step away when life intervened. When the time was finally right, he was deliberate about where he returned, filtering programs on three criteria: flexibility, quality and cost. A-State cleared all three.
“I needed something structured but still manageable, and at the same time, it wasn’t watered down,” Christopher said. “It was practical and directly applicable to real-world situations. The flexibility, the quality and the cost value—it was a no-brainer for me.”
For Christopher, the GI Bill® covered everything, removing a significant financial barrier and letting him focus on learning rather than logistics. The fully online format handled the rest. “The fully online format gave me the flexibility to get on when I needed to, on my own schedule,” he said. “I never felt like I was waiting around.”
A Veterans Support Program That Actually Shows Up
What Christopher didn’t expect was how thoroughly A-State would show up. The veterans support program didn’t wait for him to come looking for help; it reached out first. “It actually started with the support team reaching out to me,” he recalled. “I had no idea they had that kind of program or that they catered to students the way they do.”
For someone 20-plus years removed from a traditional classroom, that outreach mattered. The office helped him navigate paperwork, technology and transitions, and he earned a scholarship through the program in his first year. “Of all the schools and programs I’ve been part of, I haven’t experienced one as supportive as A-State’s veterans’ program. It’s been phenomenal,” he said.
His student retention specialist, Jasmine, was a consistent presence throughout, always available and never dismissive. “No question was ever overlooked or made to feel trivial,” Christopher said. “She was always willing to listen and work through whatever I brought up.”
Mission Mindset: Balancing Service, Career and Graduate School
When military obligations intensified, Christopher applied the same discipline that carried him through two decades in uniform.
“There were definitely times when things got demanding on the military side,” he said. “In those moments, I relied on discipline and treated school like another mission. I stayed organized, stayed focused and kept moving forward.”
That approach, mission-driven and methodical, was made possible by A-State’s infrastructure, which kept pace with him. Responsive instructors, accessible advisors and a flexible online format meant Christopher could engage within his terms without falling behind. “I didn’t feel like I was just another online student,” he said. “Communication was consistent, expectations were clear, and whenever I needed help, someone was there.” His classmates reinforced that sense of support as well, echoing the unit cohesion military culture builds.
The MBA as a Force Multiplier
Military service gave Christopher discipline, leadership and accountability. The MBA gave him the strategic framework to channel all three. Courses in business analytics and strategic management shifted how he thinks about planning, risk and decision-making, not just at Boeing but across every dimension of his professional life.
“A lot of what I developed in the military carried right over,” he said. “The discipline, leadership and accountability were already there. The MBA really helped sharpen those, especially when it comes to strategic thinking and decision-making.”
He sees the degree as a foundation, not a finish line. It has broadened his confidence in his civilian role and opened the door to a longer educational runway, with a PhD as a possibility down the line. “I feel like I now have all the tools in the toolbox I need to keep moving forward, whether that’s educationally or career-wise.”
Advice for Military Students on the Fence
His advice to service members still on the fence is direct:
“Don’t wait for the perfect time, because it probably won’t ever come. If you’re disciplined and committed, you can make it work. Don’t be your own worst critic. Give yourself some grace, because no one knows everything and there’s always something new to learn. As long as you bring that attitude, you can accomplish any program you set your mind to.”
He also speaks to the broader value of the experience: “The value you get goes beyond just a degree. It’s the relationships you build, the experiences you have and being part of something bigger than yourself, much like the military was.” For Christopher King, landing the plane took discipline, patience and a university willing to meet him where he was. A-State earned the approach.
About A-State’s MBA Programs and Military Benefits
The AACSB-accredited online MBA programs at A-State are designed for working professionals who need a rigorous, career-relevant graduate education without sacrificing flexibility. The fully online format supports students balancing demanding careers, family obligations and, for military-affiliated students, the unpredictable rhythms of service life.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Military students at A-State have access to:
- A dedicated veterans support office with staff who proactively connect with military students
- Scholarship opportunities specifically available to veteran and military-affiliated students
- VA and military benefits compatibility, including GI Bill coverage
- Military Friendly® School designation with gold classification (VIQTORY, 2025–2026)
- The MBA curriculum that builds practical marketing and business strategy skills applicable immediately in the workplace.
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Learn more about benefits for military-affiliated students and online MBA programs at A-State.