From satellite signals to supply chains: One Parker College of Business graduate’s unconventional journey to Eagle Nation

Seizing opportunities is the catalyst for success for May 2026 Parker College of Business graduate Andrew Haley. 

“I graduated from high school in 2021,” said Haley. “I enlisted in the U.S. Army, where I was trained as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 25 Sierra, Satellite Communications Operator/Maintainer. I took a gap year to complete basic training and then enrolled at Georgia Military College (GMC), which led me to the Early Commissioning Program (ECP).” 

Earning the George C Marshall award by the U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC) in 2024, Haley is accustomed to taking on leadership roles and striving for excellence. After receiving his associate degree in Supply Chain Management from GMC and being commissioned as a second lieutenant, he transferred to Georgia Southern University also in 2024 to finish a bachelor’s of business administration in logistics. 

Haley says that the key to acclimation is immersing yourself in the community of people around you. 

“Everyone has the ability to teach you something, no matter where you go,” he said. “Getting outside and meeting new people makes a new experience even more valuable.” 

That mindset carried over to Georgia Southern, where he was introduced to new experiences. 

“I had never left the country before coming to Georgia Southern. But in the spring semester of my junior year, I saw a poster about a study abroad program. I was unsure about the cost at first, but thankfully, scholarships were available. The University’s payment plan system is flexible for students interested in studying abroad, which made the experience doable for me,” Haley recalled.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, among others offered through Georgia Southern, helps send dozens of students overseas to engage with communities and learn from cultures around the world. This funding gives students like Haley the crucial insight they need to further their knowledge in their industry. 

“It was a truly unique experience and opened up my perspective to other people, cultures and economic systems,” Haley said. “You become close with the other students who travel with you, and build a fantastic network of other motivated minds.”

Today, as Haley reaches the end of his chapter at Georgia Southern, he said the University’s commitment to fostering students’ innate and learned skills is one of its greatest assets. 

“I have always liked problem-solving. Logistics made so much sense as a career choice because it built on previous job experiences and set the foundation for my future career goals. Starting off working in IT in the military, I enjoyed figuring out how things worked and fit together,” Haley said. 

Haley also credits his success in the program from his work-study and the professors who continue to support his next steps.

“There were a lot of applicants for the work-study position as a student assistant for the Office of Testing Services. It’s rare to even be considered as a rising senior. However, Dr. Theresa Beebe Novotny gave me the chance that I needed, and it meant a lot to me. 

Amie Ellis, a senior lecturer in the Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Parker’s College of Business, also plays a leading role in supporting student success, according to Haley. 

“Professor Ellis is always connecting us with people throughout the industry to help us build our network,” he said. “She’ll send emails with job opportunities and events to keep us informed and aware. Even when you finish her class, she’ll never hesitate to stop and chat with you on campus like she just saw you yesterday.”

On May 17, Haley will cross the stage and begin his next chapter as an active duty logistics officer, which will likely take him abroad.

“I will miss the community, which, for me, is the people whom I’ve come to know,” he said. “In Statesboro, you can walk outside and start a conversation with practically anyone. And I think that’s Georgia Southern’s culture. I’m going to miss that for sure.”