B.K. HAYNES, DIRECTOR OF VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS, ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Q. As a retired U.S. Army officer, please share a few highlights from your years of service.
A. As a young Platoon leader, I had the opportunity to lead my Platoon on The Nijmegen Marches in the Netherlands. We completed 100 miles in four days, moving 25 miles per day and placing first in a competition involving multiple countries. Another interesting experience was working as an operations officer for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and trying to come to a consensus with 19 different countries. More than anything the best part was the great Soldiers whom I met and worked with on different assignments.
Q. How did the U.S. Army prepare you to transition into a higher education career and leadership roles in the civilian world?
A. Because of my Army service, I was able to receive a free education, including a master’s degrees from both the United States Naval War College and Harvard. The experience helped hone my planning and implementation skills, which has served me well time and time again in the civilian world. When starting a project, I’m able to develop a clear vision and mission as well as tactics and techniques due to my Army training. The experience taught me how to get things done. Army Soldiers are miles ahead when it comes to completing tasks.
Q. As the Director of Veterans and Military Affairs at Alabama State University, what does this role involve and what’s your favorite part of the job?
A. Alabama State University is a historical black college that was the birthplace of the civil rights movement, and in the office of Veterans and Military Affairs, we facilitate the graduation of service members. We help students with their Veterans Affairs and GI Bill services at both the federal and state levels.
We have been making a concerted effort at the University to recruit more qualified students to join the military, like the Army Reserve. As a result, these students gain academic grit and learn how to compete in the classroom. My favorite part of my job is seeing these students graduate after four years. As my superstar certifying officer says, “The joy of the job is veterans serving veterans.”
Q. How long have you been part of the U.S. Army Advocates group and what experiences have been informative for you and your stakeholders?
A. I was formally active with the Army for four years and informally I’ve always been active. Most recently, as an Army Advocate, I’ve received invaluable information through the free webinars and workshops, especially when it comes to recruiting millennials. We’re looking for the same type of candidates who have strong GPAs, leadership and team skills.
One area that’s not emphasized enough is life after the Army. Soldiers come out with an unmatched skill set that’s developed from basic training and other experiences. In particular, young Soldiers are frequently thrusted into leadership experiences more quickly than in the civilian world, which puts them ahead of their peers when it comes to leadership capabilities.
Q. What advice can you offer students who are considering military service?
A. I was recently asked if I went back into the Army what would I do now to ensure I was successful in the military, and my answer was simple: “Be where you’re supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to be doing in the right uniform, with the right values and you’ll be fine.”
It’s just like being on a team. What you put in is what you get out of it. Learn as much as you can and those benefits will be reciprocated, and make sure your values line up with the organization. My dad used to tell me, “Do what’s right and do it right.”
Q. Why it is important to you to support the Army as an educational leader in your community?
A. The military has given the African American community and other minorities a stepping stone into the middle class and we don’t talk enough about the historical significance of bridging the racial gaps. The military bridges this unlike any other vocation. It’s not perfect, but if you’re an educational leader, the Army offers a myriad of opportunities for students. I am a long-time supporter of the Army and have experienced and seen the skills gained in the Army that transfer into successful civilian careers. The Army is a game-changer.
