‘I’m Not the Success Story People Expected’: Former Air Force Senior Enlisted Leader Goes from High School Dropout to Education Leader

Growing up in a small town in Jasper County, South Carolina, Todd Simmons struggled through elementary school. Knowing now that he had some undiagnosed learning difficulties, he explained that he failed the fourth and ninth grades -- and even dropped out of high school for a few months. Simmons said his French teacher and the Air Force recruiter changed his life and turned him into the advocate he is for the importance of education in the lives of ordinary people.

Simmons is now Director of the Military Pathways and Family Programs at Columbia Southern University (CSU), a private for-profit online university in Orange Beach, Alabama, and discusses his thoughts on the importance of education for military members and the College of Military Studies and Leadership at CSU.

Can you share some of your educational background and how you overcame any obstacles that stood in your way?

“When I decided to get out of the small town, my recruiter studied with me, and I got a 33 on the ASVAB (after failing to initially meet minimum requirements). My first assignment in my Air Force career was a roller-coaster of emotions. I had trouble adjusting, I wasn’t learning, I had suicidal ideations, and I was failing exams. That first duty station was Air University at 18 years old. Twenty-two years later, I returned as the senior enlisted leader and retired from there.

“I then headed overseas to RAF Lakenheath, England, and my flight chief had a bachelor’s in English. He marked my reports up so much, and then he started teaching me the basics and how to write. He assigned me a three-page report where I could not use the word ‘that’; it was the best writing “class” I ever had.

“The first time I tried college, it didn’t go well; I failed an English class once and college algebra three times. But then I took a criminal justice class because it sounded fun, and that’s when I decided to keep going. After six years, I had my bachelor’s degree. I signed up for my master’s program the next day. Then I started teaching college as an E-6 technical sergeant and taught for 17 years on active duty.”

Why is education important to service members and veterans?

“In most of the stories I heard about education, the common thread was that the Air Force offered an opportunity that would only be available to some of the population. We saw so many first-generation college graduates, which was powerful. Just as I was the first one in my immediate family to go to college, so were many of these service members.

“Graduating with the first degree, whether an associate’s or a bachelor’s, starts a legacy for their family and a desire to continue in education. And as their children reach high school and begin thinking about college, the post-9/11 GI Bill helps them pass that legacy to the next generation.

“The military isn’t just a place to learn a skill; it is a generational transformational opportunity for their family. They can normalize something to change the future of their family.”

What are some differences in educational opportunities available for service members now compared to 20 or 30 years ago?

“One of the most significant differences is that in 1994, most enlistees had no post-high school education. Today, it’s not uncommon to see people join [who] have a degree or even a master’s degree.

“Educational options in the 1990s were limited to whatever was available on base, especially when living overseas. Class times were limited to lunch and at night. There were limited options for classes to take, and there was no online option. With the operational tempo, family and shift work, it took a lot of dedication and time to finish an undergraduate degree. Most people averaged 8-10 years for completion.

“Online education has changed everything, and each of the branches took a different approach to educational requirements. Today, education is considered essential in the profession of arms, in leadership, technical and lethality. In the ’90s, training was the dominant way, but now we talk about education and experience.”

What is the new College of Military Studies and Leadership at CSU, and what are the benefits for the military community?

“The College of Military Studies and Leadership at Columbia Southern University is another step forward in making educational options fit with what we see our service members need. We know how technical and proficient they are and how they closely align with their civilian counterparts, so CSU offers many degree programs. They have stringent academic standards and give credit for military jobs. All the degrees are aligned with industry standards, so a degree in military studies, criminology or cybersecurity can help with future career plans.

“The leadership side talks about organizational design and culture, which is important to bring into today’s military. CSU offers certifications to show the breadth of experience a military-connected student has.”

Why did you choose to work with CSU on this new program?

“I took a break from teaching when stationed at Air University, and after retirement, I contacted CSU to start teaching as an adjunct [professor] again. Then I sat down with leadership, and we talked about vision and if I’d like to be involved with carrying out that vision. I immediately saw this school meant what they said about caring for military families. They offer scholarships to service members and their families. CSU wants education to be accessible to everyone. I joined the team because if I believe it, I’m in it.”

Education is important for everyone at every stage. Learning doesn’t end, and neither does your involvement in education. Everyone’s educational journey will look different. “I’m not the success story people expected,” Simmons said. And your success is waiting for you.

To learn more about the College of Military Studies and Leadership at CSU, visit their website.