Month of Heroes: Theodore Chancellor

Meet Theodore Chancellor.

Age: 26

Year and major: Senior/Aviation Management

Hometown: McCook, Neb.

Branch/Rank: U.S. Navy/AE3 (AW)

Service: Presidential Honor Guard, Washington, D.C.; HSL-48, Mayport, Fla.; VP-62, Jacksonville, Fla. (8 years); one sea tour in the HOA making port in Djibouti, Africa; Cagliari, Italy; Aqaba, Jordan; and Muscat, Oman.

What are some of your memorable experiences in college? So far it’s been earning my Private Pilot instrument rating.

Any favorite classes? Some of the most enjoyable classes at JU are those with professors who have prior military experience, since they aren’t shy to show it, and there are surprisingly quite a few of them.

Tell us about JU’s role in your transition to civilian life. I’ll never forget being able to sit in Djibouti, Africa, and talking with JU’s Veterans financial aid office about the Yellow Ribbon program. It showed me right from the start how one-on-one they are and how much they appreciate veterans.

What sets JU apart? The classroom sizes cannot be beat. I’ve never had a problem getting into a class, and I’ve never had a problem finding time with a teacher if I need it. Having taken classes at other universities before, I know how important this can be, especially for someone who is used to a small chain of command and receiving direct attention, as is custom in military platoons.

What might surprise others about you? What most people don’t know is that I am still in the Navy as a reservist as I finish up my bachelor’s degree. I have also personally met five U.S. presidents in my career (the five living) as well as being a pallbearer for the most recent president to pass, Gerald Ford.

Meet the other students we’re recognizing during the Month of Heroes, learn more about our military students and alumni here on Wave Magazine, or visit the Veterans and Military Resource Center online to learn how JU serves those who’ve served.