“You’re Not Marine Material.”- They Couldn’t Have Been More Wrong

Sometimes, the most life-changing moments begin with a simple mistake.

When retired U.S. Army National Guard Master Sergeant Stuart graduated from high school in Montana in 1981, he had no intention of joining the military. His interests revolved around muscle cars and his job at a local lumber and hardware store. Like many young adults, he was still searching for direction.

That search took an unexpected turn when he accidentally walked into the Marine Corps recruiting office instead of the Air Force recruiter he had intended to visit.

The Marine recruiter looked at him and delivered a challenge that would alter the course of his life.

“Boy, the Air Force is down the hall. You are definitely not Marine material.”

Rather than walking away, he accepted the challenge.

“I had grown up on a small Montana horse ranch, and I never found a challenge I couldn’t handle,” he recalled. “Oddly enough, the Gunnery Sergeant’s challenge was exactly what I needed. I found my direction and purpose.”

That unexpected encounter launched a remarkable 20-year military career, beginning with four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and continuing with 16 years of active duty in the Army National Guard, where he retired as a Master Sergeant.

Discovering the Power of Education

Although he always had academic potential, Stuart admits education was never a priority during high school.

“I did the minimum in high school and never took education seriously until I joined the Marine Corps,” he said. Military service changed his perspective.

While serving on active duty, he attended evening and weekend classes to earn his bachelor’s degree. Later, while balancing military responsibilities and raising a family, he completed his first master’s degree—an achievement that helped him advance through the ranks while preparing for life beyond the military.

More importantly, he witnessed firsthand how education transformed lives.

“My long-term success in recruiting and retention was because I had seen many people change their lives and social standing by combining higher education with the discipline, structure, and technical skills they received from the military,” he said. “I was, and continue to be, a passionate believer in this success model. I am a product of it and am forever grateful.”

Bringing Leadership into the Classroom

After two decades in uniform, Stuart transitioned into higher education, where he has spent almost another two decades serving students in leadership roles ranging from admissions and student affairs to campus president, dean, and now adjunct faculty member at Keiser University.

He joined the Keiser University family in 2021 as Dean of Academics at the Fort Lauderdale campus before transitioning to the Naples campus, where he now enjoys working directly with students in the classroom.

“Transitioning to the Naples campus classroom at this point in my career has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience,” he said. “Getting to know students, working with them, and seeing them make steps toward their dreams is a feeling I will never get tired of.”

His teaching philosophy reflects lessons learned throughout his military career.

“I have found that servant leadership has impacted me most,” he explained. “I never expect someone to do something that I am not willing to do—or have done—myself. Leaders must lead from the front, by example.”

That philosophy extends beyond lectures.

He makes it a priority to answer students’ emails, texts, and phone calls the same day, believing that every interaction is an opportunity to remind students that someone believes in their success.

“I want them to know they matter, and that I am committed to helping them in their educational journey.”

Watching students discover their potential

For Stuart, what he enjoys most about teaching is the “A-ha moment.”

“Seeing that spark in their eyes after enduring a struggle—when they connect the subject matter in a personal, meaningful way and find the encouragement and strength to press forward.”

Graduation day is another reward he never takes for granted.

“Seeing their family and friends celebrating with them at graduation and knowing I played a small part is incredibly rewarding.”

His advice to students is rooted in decades of experience balancing military service, education, family, and leadership.

“Focus on the things that make you a better person,” he said. “Stay healthy, exercise, sleep well, and act responsibly. Welcome  constructive feedback and learn from failure.”

A legacy of service

When reflecting on his proudest accomplishment, Stuart doesn’t mention military promotions, academic degrees, or professional achievements.

Instead, he talks about his family.

“My wife has supported and encouraged me through thick and thin for over 42 years,” he said. “I got married while I was in the Marines, and we had our first son.” “We relocated at least eight times, and she was there every step of the way.”

Together, they raised three sons, all of whom earned college degrees. Their oldest son recently retired after 21 years of service in the U.S. Army.

“A legacy I am proud of.”

Today, whether in uniform or in the classroom, Stuart continues to serve with the same purpose that began decades ago after accepting one unexpected challenge.

Helping others believe in themselves—and giving them the tools to build a better future—remains at the heart of everything he does.

From two decades of military service to shaping future leaders in higher education, Stuart has spent his life helping others discover their potential.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University offers more than 100 degree programs from the associate to doctoral level. The University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and was ranked No. 1 in the nation for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report in 2023.

John Stuart in his U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) dress uniform during the early years of his military service.

John Stuart and his family. Stuart credits his wife of more than 42 years and their three sons as his greatest accomplishment and lifelong source of support.

Before beginning his military career, John Stuart poses with his classic Chevy—a snapshot taken shortly before he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and discovered the sense of purpose that would shape his future.