When Jonathan Beck ’26 enlisted in the United States Navy at 18, college wasn’t something he imagined would be part of his journey.
Today, the Columbus, Ohio, native is a Columbia College graduate, a retired Navy Sailor who was stationed in Hawaii, and an aspiring corporate attorney. More than that, he is proof that determination and support can open unexpected doors.
Beck grew up in the small town of Pataskala, Ohio, before joining the Navy as a Culinary Specialist. While stationed in San Diego, California, he met a Columbia College advisor.
It was a chance encounter that changed the trajectory of his education.
“I never thought I would ever be able to go to college when I first joined the military,” Beck said. “But Columbia College allowed me to accomplish my dreams.”
Beck began taking classes that summer and earned his associate degree in 2017 following his first deployment to South America aboard the USS Montgomery. Several years later, after the decommissioning of the USS Freedom and a permanent change of station to Hawaii, he returned to Columbia College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, graduating with the help of advisors who understood the unique demands of military life.
“My experience with Columbia College has been amazing,” Beck said. “I truly got all the support a distance student could get. I was given advisors, in-person classes and even letters of recommendation from my teachers. I met so many other fellow students at Columbia College that gave me pride in being a Cougar. I never felt alone during my process.”
Beck credits former advisor Taylor Corlett and advisor Olivia Hannon for helping him navigate his educational journey while balancing active-duty service. He also expressed gratitude to faculty member Kevin Plachy for writing a law school recommendation letter and to the many instructors who took time to answer questions and encourage his success.
“Both of these advisors were so caring and empathetic,” Beck said. “They understood the challenges for me being an active-duty service member and what it took to complete my degree.”
One of his favorite Columbia College memories came during an American History course, when a class visit to a San Diego museum brought lessons about the Mexican-American War to life.
Another came much later, after moving to Hawaii, when Hannon celebrated his graduation by meeting him for lunch at Kahala Resort and taking graduation photos together.
“It was amazing to still be able to have Columbia College support while so far from the continental U.S.,” Beck said.
Outside of work and school, Beck has embraced Hawaii’s vibrant arts community. He enjoys salsa dancing and has performed in several local theater productions, including Parade, Kim’s Convenience, The Piano Lesson and Clyde’s at Manoa Valley Theatre.
His educational journey is far from over.
Beck has been accepted into the University of Hawaiʻi’s Shidler College of Business to pursue a master’s degree in Human Resource Management. After completing his graduate studies, he plans to attend the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with the goal of building a career in corporate law.
Looking back, Beck says Columbia College exceeded every expectation.
“I wasn’t sure what I was getting into and honestly was nervous that it would be a dull experience,” he said. “It had its moments like anything, but the process was better than I could have imagined. I learned a lot and took away so much education from the school and classes that I use in my daily life. I truly am thankful that Columbia College had the ability and resources to send military service members and veterans to college.”
