Army Veteran Credits Central Texas College Degree with Successful Transition to Civilian Life and Business Ownership

KILLEEN, TX (May 30, 2025) — For Trae Mitchell, a former Fort Hood soldier turned small business owner, the degree he earned from Central Texas College (CTC) was more than a personal milestone. It was the bridge between military service and a thriving civilian career.

Mitchell served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2013 as a 92Y Unit Supply Specialist, a role that gave him hands-on experience in logistics, inventory, and organization.

“My decision to join was rooted in a deep sense of family tradition and legacy. My grandfather served, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Mitchell said. “Beyond that, I was driven by a desire to further my education and saw the military as a means to achieve that goal, both financially and personally.”

While serving, Mitchell began taking classes at CTC and continued after separating from the Army. He graduated in 2015 with an Associate of General Studies. “CTC was the ideal choice for me because of its flexibility,” he said. “I was able to take classes both domestically and while stationed overseas. Their military-friendly programs and understanding faculty made a huge difference.”

Balancing military duties with academic responsibilities was extremely challenging. “It took me longer than expected to graduate because deployments and mission-critical deadlines sometimes made it impossible to attend class or even access the internet. There were moments, especially while deployed, where I had to prioritize the mission over everything else,” Mitchell said. “What surprised me the most was how determined I became to finish. Despite the setbacks, I kept pushing forward.”

Mitchell used his GI Bill benefits to help fund his education, which ultimately laid the groundwork for his post-military life.

“Earning my degree at CTC was a pivotal milestone. It gave me the confidence and credibility to start my own business,” he said. “It showed me that learning doesn’t stop after the military. You have to keep building and growing. That mindset has been instrumental in my business journey.”

Now a successful entrepreneur and small business owner of The Barbershop Company, Mitchell credits both his military and educational experiences for his accomplishments.

“The military gave me the tools; education helped me refine and apply them. Together, they’ve created the foundation for my success,” Mitchell said.

His advice to other service members?

“I would highly recommend pursuing college—especially while serving, if possible. Education opens up doors you might not even know exist yet,” Mitchell said “It’s not just about the degree; it’s about the people you meet, the ideas you’re exposed to, and the discipline you build. Networking through school can lead to business partnerships, career opportunities, and lifelong friendships. If you’re on the fence, start small. Just one class. You’ll be surprised at where it can take you.”