From Boardroom to Battlefield: Veteran MBA Graduate Tim H. Nelson Serves Nation with Excellence

A member of the U.S. military speaks at a podium in their dress uniform.

With a successful career spanning three decades serving in the U.S. military, working as a real estate agent, and owning a brokerage firm, Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Tim H. Nelson is a living testament to investing in oneself and continuing to learn and grow.

In the Fall of 2022, Tim decided to follow his ambition and began his academic journey at A&M-Commerce by enrolling in the MBA for Veterans program in the College of Business.

Initially, Tim was seeking information about various programs at several educational institutions when one of them recommended the newly launched MBA for Veterans program at A&M-Commerce. Dr. Robert Rankin, assistant professor of Accounting, met personally with Tim to discuss the program and the opportunities it provides to see how best it aligns with his goals.

“I am grateful for Dr. Rankin taking the time to know me and my goals before providing me with the exact information I needed to move forward in making my decision to pursue my MBA,” Nelson said. “The personalized attention I received from him and the entirety of the faculty and staff during my time of study was reassuring to me that the university is there to fully support me in achieving my future career goals.”

Reflecting on his time at A&M-Commerce, Nelson expressed his newfound appreciation for lifelong learning.

“Obtaining my MBA has reminded me that lifelong learning is essential. The College of Business helped reassure me that through dedication and perseverance, one is still capable of pursuing their goals despite my reluctance that stemmed from having a lower GPA during my undergraduate studies.”

He encourages prospective students to discuss the various programs and career options available to students with the professors. Commending the wealth of real-world experience possessed by the college’s professors, Nelson urges students to tap into their wisdom and guidance, saying: “Remain open-minded about subjects that may not be part of your core competencies, acknowledging the value of understanding different areas of expertise and the availability of subject-matter experts to consult with.”