Louisiana native James Engel was always drawn to high-adrenaline jobs. He spent eight years in the Army Reserve and 10 years in law enforcement. A former SWAT officer and firearms instructor, James realized his line of work wasn’t sustainable and he knew he needed a change for his future.
“I did a lot of physically demanding things on my body,” he said. “I knew that was not a long-term solution to anything. My body was going to give out at some point, meaning I could no longer work in those roles.”
James also worked in hospital security for seven years. Many of his colleagues had college degrees, and he soon discovered his chance for advancement was slim.
“I kept getting told ‘you fit the job description, you have all the check boxes, but you don’t have a degree,’” said James.
Becoming a father was the event that put a career change into perspective. He knew he needed to create more opportunities for a secure future—not just for himself, but also for his daughter.
“I took a real hard look at that paycheck and thought ‘I have a very fun career. I’ve got a lot of shiny medals and plaques…I’ve got a lot of cool stories and did some things that some people only watch movies about, but it doesn’t pay for anything.’”
Paving the Way to Leadership Roles
James decided to enroll at Columbia Southern University to pursue a career in business, starting a path toward earning multiple degrees in the field.
“I really enjoyed adult education, he said. “The people who want to be in the classroom—the people who are trying to better themselves—I found I worked very, very well with them, so it really put it in my head of becoming a college instructor at some point.”
Early in his law enforcement career, he started teaching at the FBI Academy and went through the instructor development course. He fell in love with instruction and facilitating, earning as many instructor certificates as possible.
“Leadership has been something I’ve focused on throughout my careers,” he explained. “I’ve always managed to land myself in some kind of leadership or process improvement course and teaching that, so I would love to get into a leadership role where I can teach upcoming leaders and real-world scenarios.”
Since enrolling at CSU, James has earned an associate degree in business, a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at CSU in the same field.
A Family Commitment to Education
During his educational journey, James was able to share the experience with his wife.
“One of the most meaningful parts of my CSU journey is that it inspired my wife’s as well,” he said. “She watched me work through my master’s program—late nights, long papers, and all—and saw firsthand how CSU supported me and fit into our busy life. That motivated her to pursue her own degree through CSU.”
“In October, we proudly walked across the stage together as graduates. Sharing that moment as a married couple, both earning our degrees from the same university, is something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Embracing a New Purpose
James is currently a managed repair representative with Progressive Insurance. He is also the vice president with Southern Auxcomm Amateur Radio Group, a nonprofit organization focused on emergency communication and community resilience, an accomplishment he is particularly proud of.
During Hurricane Ida, James learned of an invaluable communication method when cell phone usage is unavailable during a crisis. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a state-to-state mutual aid system that works alongside FEMA during emergencies and disasters, uses World War II technology to communicate by way of radio. Through this method, James learned that one could send and receive emails and text messages without relying on infrastructure to support it.
He credits the leadership skills he developed through CSU for preparing him for the job.
“Through this role, I’ve been able to support disaster readiness, train volunteers and help strengthen communication networks during emergencies—an extension of my commitment to public safety and community service.”
Today, James remains focused on his goals. His education has helped him grow, both as a leader and a future instructor.
“Columbia Southern University has been instrumental in helping me advance toward my goal of becoming a college instructor,” he said. “Completing my associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at CSU has given me not only the academic foundation I need, but also the confidence, discipline and practical knowledge required to teach at the collegiate level.”
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
