When Joshua Collins, ’10, returned to Kent State, he was on a mission. A combat veteran, husband and new father, he was no longer approaching college as a vague next step in his life. He was focused on finishing what he started.
A Rootstown native, Josh initially attended college with plans to study criminal justice. After transferring to Kent State from Baldwin Wallace University, the events of 9/11 reshaped his perspective. He stopped playing sports and felt disconnected from the teamwork that had defined much of his life.
“I lost the camaraderie of working together toward a common goal,” he said. Watching the nightly news coverage of the war weighed on him and moved him to enlist.
Josh served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2008 as an infantry mortarman. He deployed in April 2007 and returned in June 2008, during some of the most difficult periods of the conflict. When he returned, his son Jackson was only a few months old. After completing his service, he returned home with his wife, Tracie, wanting to be closer to family and begin the next chapter of his life.
Josh decided to use his GI Bill to return to school at Kent State. He chose to pursue a Bachelor of General Studies after realizing his original academic path no longer fit his goals. “The first time I went for criminal justice – but coming back, I didn’t want any more of that,” Josh said. “With a little boy, I had to earn my degree and get to work as quickly as possible. General Studies was the best way to do that.”
As an adult learner, Josh’s approach to school changed. “I was 28 years old,” he explained. “Now I’m the guy in class paying attention and asking questions.” Life experience and responsibility gave him a new level of focus and made him a better student.
A key part of his success was connecting with the Center for Adult and Veteran Services (CAVS). While activating his GI Bill, he was introduced to Joshua Rider and quickly connected with the veteran support community on campus. Through CAVS and the Veterans Club, he found structure, support and a sense of belonging among other veterans navigating similar transitions.
Josh took full advantage of available resources, including tutoring and study spaces, and he credits the center with helping veterans stay focused on their goals. The camaraderie built through regular meetings, campus involvement and fundraising efforts, including support for the Wounded Warrior Project, helped him maintain a sense of purpose beyond the classroom.
After graduating from Kent State in 2010, Josh continued his commitment to service. He has spent the past 15 years working for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services as a Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist, helping veterans with job searches, resumes and interview preparation. The work allows him to directly support people who may be unaware of the resources available to them.
“We all need help even though we don’t like to admit it,” Josh said. “Being able to do something where you can see how it actually changes lives is nice. It’s good to do something that feels like it has a purpose.”