Graduate Spotlight: Tennessee Army National Guard recruiter ‘steps out in faith’ to pursue college degree
Kim Chaudoin |
For more than a decade, Staff Sgt. Terrance Buggs has been a frequent visitor to the Lipscomb University campus as a recruiter for the Tennessee Army National Guard.
In this role, Buggs travels to high schools and colleges among other places sharing the benefits of the Guard, such as offering an array of life skills training to keep learning and growing such as emergency response, combat and fitness. He also shares the availability of scholarships and financial aid, including through the Tennessee Strong Act, making a college education possible.
“We advocate for young men and women getting their education,” says Buggs. “There are always a number of jobs available in the Guard in various fields and we can help students earn a bachelor's or master's degree."
After a stint in the NBA G League, Buggs, a Nashville native, decided to join the Tennessee National Guard. He said the rewards have been immeasurable.
"I most enjoy being able to help change lives,” he says. “There is nothing like being a part of someone's progression and growth. Seeing students develop confidence, get their school paid for, and have military service to back it up, it's beautiful."
While sharing information about the Tennessee Guard with students through the years, Buggs was also slowly becoming part of the Lipscomb community, developing deep relationships with the Veteran Services team and learning more about the university.
Recognizing a calling beyond the military after serving in the Tennessee Guard for 10 years, Buggs decided to leave his career and pursue a college degree at Lipscomb.
“I fell in love with Lipscomb to the point that I decided to leave my job as a recruiter to step out in faith to pursue a college degree that would lead to a new career opportunity,” says Buggs. “The biggest reason I decided to make the change is because I believed my season in the military was over and I wanted to step out on faith to pursue my dreams. I did not want to live a life of regrets due to allowing fear, age, education or past decisions to deter me from what God has in store for me.”
Buggs with mentor Jimmie Handley, right, outreach coordinator in Lipscomb's Office of Veteran Services.
His decision led him to Lipscomb. Buggs’s passion for leadership, inspiration and empowerment and a desire to guide others towards their dreams and overall betterment fueled his desire to pursue a Bachelor of Science in strategic leadership. On Dec. 16 at Lipscomb’s winter commencement, he celebrates the completion of his latest mission — a college degree.
Reflecting on this accomplishment, Buggs admits it has come with a great deal of sacrifice, resilience, faith and determination.
“This milestone is life-changing for me and hopefully an example to others who may feel it's too late or that it is not possible,” he explains. “But I stand here, ready to graduate and prayerfully with honors, to say ‘anything is possible with God!’”
Buggs’s experience at Lipscomb was everything he thought it would be after having become enmeshed in the community for years. “My experience at Lipscomb has been peaceful, smooth and support-filled. I have genuinely enjoyed my experience here and would recommend this university to all people desiring higher education,” he shares.
That support system has included Lipscomb’s Office of Veteran Services among other teams and individuals.
“So many people have encouraged and inspired me as they have walked with me on this journey,” says Buggs. “God, my entire family and close friends. At Lipscomb I especially want to thank the Veteran Services staff who has supported me in more ways that I can count — particularly my mentor Jimmie Handley (outreach coordinator), and also Financial Aid. I went through a very tough season this year, and wanted to give up many times. But each of these beautiful people, mainly Mr. Jimmie told me to keep pushing in faith and trust that God will get me across the finish line. And I did! Amen to that!”
With a college degree behind him, Buggs is planning on a future that takes him back to his first career — professional basketball.
“My plans after graduation are to pursue my vocation and God-given purpose, which is the mixture of athletics, development, ownership, serving the needs of others, being a blessing to others and glorifying God, all in one," he says. “Although my playing days may have come to an end, I still desire to be a part of the NBA in player development, on the coaching staff, and Lord willing, an NBA owner some day.”
Buggs says his ultimate goal, however, is that his story might inspire others.
“One day, I pray that God can use my life, story, heart to serve and bless others, along with my passion for sports, basketball especially, to bring honor to his name and change lives not only in our city but globally.”