For Jordan Etchells, service has never been abstract. After joining the U.S. Army straight out of high school, Jordan spent the next two decades in uniform, building a career shaped by leadership, operational responsibility, and decision-making with real-world consequences. This month, he will graduate from the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs, marking a milestone that brings together his military service, academic work, and next chapter of public service. Along the way, he lived in many places and served in both operational and strategic environments, but Colorado remained a constant thread.

“I grew up in Colorado and still have roots and family there,” Jordan said. “Even though I don’t live in Colorado anymore, I wanted to graduate from a university in my home state.”

That connection, combined with a desire to deepen his understanding of public service, led Jordan to the School of Public Affairs (SPA) at CU Denver. As he began thinking more seriously about his eventual transition from the military, he wasn’t looking simply to earn a credential. He wanted a program that would help him make sense of his experiences and prepare him for what came next.

Choosing SPA and a Path Rooted in Service

“SPA appealed to me because it connected public service, leadership, policy, and practical problem-solving,” he said. “I wanted a program that helped me put structure and language around the things I had experienced throughout my military career.”

One of the features that stood out most was SPA’s Pathways program, which allowed Jordan to earn credit toward a Master of Public Policy while completing his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration (BAPA). That flexibility and long-term vision mattered as he balanced military service, family life, and school.

Learning Online While Serving

“Completing the degree online was the only realistic way to make it work,” Jordan said. “SPA gave me a program that was flexible, but also rigorous and meaningful. It allowed me to keep serving, stay present for my family, and stay connected to Colorado.”

Earlier in his career, the high operational tempo and multiple deployments left little time for formal education, but that experience ultimately shaped his decision to return to school with clarity and purpose. The military had given him leadership experience, discipline, and a deep commitment to public service; SPA gave him the opportunity to build on that foundation by strengthening the academic and policy side of his work and connecting his past experience with his future goals.

“It wasn't just about preparing for a career transition,” he explained. “It was about tying together where I came from, what I’ve done, and where I hope to go next.”

Service, Family, and Personal Growth

That choice was also personal. As a spouse and parent of four, Jordan wanted to model lifelong learning for his family.

“I wanted my wife and kids to see that growth doesn’t stop just because life is busy or because you already have a career,” he said. “Going back to school while serving, raising a family, and preparing for transition wasn’t easy, but it mattered.”

Bringing Real-World Experience into the Classroom

In the classroom, Jordan’s military experience became one of his greatest strengths. He brought firsthand perspective to discussions on policy implementation, leadership, ethics, and program evaluation, connecting theory with the realities of execution.

“I’ve seen what happens when a plan looks good on paper but breaks down in practice,” he said. “Leadership, communication, and trust determine whether policies and programs actually work for the people they’re meant to serve.”

That lens continues to shape how Jordan thinks about the future, particularly as he explores roles in defense technology, mission operations, and mission-focused organizations. He is especially drawn to work that bridges strategy and execution, ensuring solutions work in real-world conditions, not just in theory.

“My military experience taught me to care deeply about that gap,” he said. “SPA helped me understand it through public administration, evaluation, organizational leadership, and systems thinking.”

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Serve

Although Jordan doesn’t yet know exactly where his next career chapter will take him, he knows he wants to remain connected to service and problem-solving. Even if his future work isn’t directly in government or public policy, he plans to stay engaged through advocacy, grassroots efforts, and volunteering.

“Spending four years stationed in Washington, D.C. and being involved in policy conversations around issues like the Major Richard Star Act and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) gave me a deeper appreciation for how policy is shaped and how those decisions affect service members and families,” he said. “SPA helped me see that public service happens in many spaces.”

Recognized for Academic Excellence and Leadership

Jordan was also honored with the BAPA Outstanding Student Award, recognizing his academic excellence, engagement, and commitment to public service. Faculty nominations for the award highlight qualities such as intellectual curiosity, initiative, community contribution, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the public good, areas where Jordan consistently stood out.

“That award meant a lot because it recognized the work behind the work," said Jordan. "There were plenty of late nights and early mornings, and my family carried part of that with me, so being recognized in that way was humbling.”

Robyn Mobbs, assistant teaching professor and program director of the BAPA program, echoed that recognition, praising both Jordan’s academic contributions and commitment to service.

“We are thrilled to honor Jordan with the BAPA Outstanding Student Award this Spring 2026,” said Mobbs. “He exemplifies academic excellence and a deep commitment to public service and community impact. Returning to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration degree online while completing 20 years of military service is a powerful testament to his dedication to lifelong learning and service. Jordan brought leadership into the online classroom, where his intellectual curiosity, passion for making a difference, and strong work ethic consistently stood out. We are proud to celebrate Jordan’s accomplishments and are excited for the positive impact he will continue to make.”

Advice for Future SPA Students

For future SPA students, especially those completing their degrees online, Jordan offers reassurance and encouragement.

“Online doesn’t mean disconnected,” he said. “You can build meaningful relationships and learn deeply, but you have to be intentional. Show up, engage, and bring your real experience into the work.”

He also encourages nontraditional and military-connected students not to underestimate what they bring with them.

“Your life experience matters,” Jordan said. “It can make you a stronger student. SPA became a place where I could connect my military experience, my interest in policy, and my next career goals in a way that felt practical and meaningful.”