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 Laquetta Brown, Class of 2026

Laquetta Brown is a veteran undergraduate student at The Citadel majoring in Business Administration. Brown served in the South Carolina Army National Guard for 13 years. She expects to graduate in 2026, and she says The Citadel is an invaluable resource for veterans looking to go back to school.

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

I served in The South Carolina Army National Guard for over a decade, 13 years, as a military police officer. I left the military as an E-4. The people I met while serving became my second family. I deployed to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, from 2012-2013 and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from 2016-2017. I have been activated for every state emergency from 2007 to 2020.

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

I fulfilled my contract in 2020, and I decided not to re-enlist. I worked in banking for two years after leaving the military. I aspire to work in commercial banking or private equity. The aforementioned reason is why I applied to attend The Citadel. I am not working at this present time; I am focusing on my studies and building my network.

How did you hear about The Citadel?

I researched veteran-friendly schools in South Carolina that offer finance as a major. I looked for reviews from veterans online. I called to ask questions. I verified it was a VA-approved college.

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

I am currently studying finance. My major is Business Administration with a minor in Spanish. My expected graduation date in May 2028, however I have decided to attend classes over the summer so I will be able to graduate May 2026.

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

Deploying overseas opened my eyes as well as shaped how I navigate college life. While preparing for deployment, I went through intense training both mentally and physically. I understood that I was a piece of a puzzle. The skills I acquired enabled me to collaborate with others to achieve the mission, the ability to adapt and overcome with little notice and develop leadership skills that can be applied in group projects and community initiatives. 

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

The Citadel provides a structured and productive environment that resembles the military. I appreciate all the resources available to veterans as well as the willingness of everyone to assist. Everyone is gainfully employed.

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

I am the only veteran in most of my classes. I am able to share my experiences with cadets while working on assignments in class. It is an even exchange of information because the cadets share their experiences and aspirations after graduation. Some cadets prefer not to engage, while others are curious.

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

My favorite thing about The Citadel is the willingness of the staff to assist. Admissions, instructors, cadets, office personnel, everyone is helpful and pleasant. I enjoy the Veteran Student Success Center and staff most. The VSCC gives veterans a place to be. It is comforting and unexpected, but greatly appreciated. Veterans are so used to doing more and receiving so little in return. The partnerships held by The Citadel enable invaluable connections. The Citadel makes me feel confident that I will be able to secure employment and excel in the finance industry.