Education Alum Celebrates Collegiate and Military Milestones

Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice alumnus Earl Filmore Jr., Ed.D., celebrated two milestone achievements just a day apart.

After finishing his Ed.D. degree in Higher Education Leadership back in 2021, Filmore had the opportunity to mark the occasion and attend Nova Southeastern University’s recent graduate commencement ceremony on June 10. Then just 24 hours later, he celebrated 31 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Filmore said the achievements were enriching and that he comes from a family that is big on both education and military service.

“My grandparents only had a middle school education,” he said. “But they really would emphasize, especially my grandmother, she emphasized education and what it could do for you.”

Filmore said those sentiments were then passed down to his mother who then passed it down to him and his brothers.

“It was something I always wanted to do, to verify myself in an academic realm,” he said.

Filmore is also a third-generation combat veteran. And he isn’t the only one who joined the military, his two younger brothers did as well. Between the three of them, they have more than 50 years of military experience.

“Both my grandfathers were in World War II. My father was in Vietnam and then me, Operation: Iraq Freedom,” he said.

Merging his two passions into one, Filmore currently works for Bethune-Cookman University as the director of military services. His ultimate goal is to serve as the president of a university, possibly at an HBCU, but until then, he plans to earn more achievements and is currently waiting on a potential promotion to a lieutenant colonel. He is hoping to hear back next month.

Congratulations Earl Filmore Jr., and thank you for your service!

Posted 07/03/22