Transforming Lives: How a Veteran Student Discovers Purpose in Social Work at Troy University

Glenn Satterthwaite, a Marine veteran, first heard about Troy University decades ago while serving. “They encouraged us to take online classes, and TROY was one of the schools mentioned,” he said.

Years later, after moving from Norfolk, Virginia, to Andalusia, Alabama, a chat in a coffee shop rekindled that connection. A local attorney nudged him to explore TROY’s Social Work program, and after meeting some amazing professors, he felt at home.

Now at 37, Glenn is a father of twins and a student at Troy University. His shift from military life to social work has been a journey of rediscovery. “In the military, pushing through was key. Seeking mental health support wasn’t an option,” he explained. After serving in Iraq, Glenn sought help but faced resistance that made him hesitant. It wasn’t until he spoke with a clinical social worker at the VA that he realized he could make a difference in this field.

That conversation marked a turning point for him. “I thought, how could I ever help others? But she said many good providers start as patients. They heal and then help.” This idea resonated with Glenn and sparked his interest in social work.

One pivotal influence for Glenn was his instructor, Daniel Shae, also a veteran who transitioned to clinical mental health. “Seeing his journey showed me what’s possible,” Glenn said.

His experience at TROY has been transformative. “A professor told me, ‘There’s no such thing as an academic emergency.’ It seems simple, but it changed my perspective,” Glenn shared. Transitioning from a life where everything felt urgent to learning how to take a step back has been significant for him.

TROY’s supportive culture has also helped Glenn. “Professors here mentor students beyond just teaching. They genuinely care about our success,” he mentioned.

Jim Thomas, a faculty member in the Social Work Program, echoes Glenn’s sentiments. “Students like him bring rich experiences into discussions about trauma and resilience. We’re proud to have him in our program,” he said.

Currently interning with Covington County DHR, Glenn has found new purpose in helping children and families. “I’ve witnessed how much the South Alabama community cares for each other. That’s been deeply impactful,” he noted.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Glenn intends to pursue a Master of Social Work at TROY. His journey reflects a growing trend: veterans choosing social work to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. According to a survey by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, around 25% of veterans are interested in pursuing careers in social services, highlighting a broader movement towards this field.

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