In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, The Citadel is featuring some of the college’s outstanding veteran students representing different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

There are more than 330 veterans and active-duty students currently studying at The Citadel as either undergraduate or graduate students. They can take classes as day students alongside the Corps of Cadets, evening students with other non-cadet students or online. The Citadel’s Veteran Student Success Center also offers resources to these students to ensure they have an easy transition and excel here.

Named #1 Best College for Veterans in the South for seven consecutive years, the Military College of South Carolina is honored to help our nation’s heroes advance their education.

Q&A with Devin Abernathy, Class of 2026

Devin Abernathy is a veteran undergraduate student at The Citadel majoring in Sports Management. Abernathy served in the U.S. Coast Guard for five years. Currently a sophomore, he expects to graduate in 2026, and he hopes to become an athletic director.

At what rank did you leave the military? How long did you serve? What was your time in the military like?

I left the military as a E4 and served for five years. My time in the military was challenging, but a great experience to have in life.

Did you come to The Citadel immediately after retiring, or do something else in between? Are you currently working now?

I came to The Citadel immediately after separating. I currently work two jobs outside of class.

How did you hear about The Citadel?

I was raised here in Charleston, so I have known about the school my entire life.

What are you studying at The Citadel? When do you expect to graduate, and what do you want to do after?

I am studying Sports Management, and I expect to graduate in 2026 or one semester into 2027. I want to become an Athletic Director at the college or professional level.

What experiences from your military service have prepared you to be a better student and/or citizen?

The organizational skills, uniformity, time management skills and leadership aspects of the military have prepared me to be a better student and citizen. 

Are there any advantages to being a veteran at The Citadel?

The advantages to being a veteran student are all the benefits and resources provided by the Veteran Student Succes Center. 

Do you ever get to interact with cadets on campus? If so, what are those interactions like?

I have interacted with some of the cadets and those interactions have been nice. They usually ask about my experiences, and I give them advice from what I have learned over the years.

What’s your favorite thing about The Citadel as a whole?

My favorite thing about The Citadel is the uniformity and the interactions professors have with students. The Citadel also is a highly acclaimed college and will look great on a resume when I’m trying to get a job in my field.