Brendyn Melugin

Then an accident derailed his plan and Melugin was medically discharged from the Army. He searched for a new dream and found the Army Research Institute hires civilians. But Melugin needed a degree.

He enrolled at the University of North Georgia (UNG), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology in December 2019. Once he stepped foot on UNG's Dahlonega Campus in 2016, Melugin worked with determination as a leader on campus.

His work in and out of the classroom along with extracurricular activities resulted in a national award. He was named the 2018 American Council on Education Student of the Year, which is presented annually to an adult learner who has benefited from the use of ACE credit recommendations to earn a college degree or advance a career.

"It was really surprising to me," Melugin said. "I applied for it as a shot in dark. I didn't think I would be a finalist, let alone win it."

This is the first ACE award a UNG student has received. Melugin hopes it won't be the last.

"I think my award will show the rest of the veterans that we can win scholarships," he said.

Melugin plans to use the $1,000 scholarship toward graduate school, which will help him reach his goal to work at the Army Research Institute and serve his country once again.

"Anything that helps for my education will be great," he said.

Melugin became eligible for the ACE award after utilizing its Military Evaluations program to earn credits for some of his military training.

"Their program helped me receive between 12 and 16 college credits based on my military experience and training," Melugin said. The credits counted toward his elective courses. "This saved me at least a semester of time."

With those credits secured, Melugin focused on other academic pursuits. He participated in undergraduate research projects such as Faculty Undergraduate Summer Engagement (FUSE).

"Because I received a FUSE grant and one-on-one mentorship with a faculty member, I decided to pursue graduate school," Melugin said. "It helped me find a new passion."

His passion has led to other research opportunities. He conducted independent research for UNG's Psychological Science department. He also presented research with UNG student Faith Rankin at the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference in November 2018 on UNG's Gainesville Campus. Their poster presentation was titled "Who Should Lead: How Cognitive Ability and Personality Predict Leadership."

Melugin did not limit himself to the field of psychological science. He connected with his fellow veterans by serving in a leadership role with the Student Veterans of America.

Melugin also worked for the BB&T Center for Ethical Leadership in the Mike Cottrell College of Business.

"I gained experience and income while I've been a student," he said.