News Article

Veteran Starts a New Career Path After Edison State College Graduation

May 2, 2014

May 1, 2014 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – The 2014 Edison State College Graduation will be a historic event for the institution as it will be the last graduation under Edison State College. Starting on July 1, the institution will start operating as Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW).

This graduation is special for all graduates, including Brian Tull who will receive a Bachelors of Science degree in Middle Grades Science. This is not the first career path for Tull, who is a 20 year veteran of the U.S. Army.   Tull had initially enlisted in the Army with plans to serve three years and then start his college career towards teaching. But he loved serving in the Army and made a lifelong career of it, first as a Radar Operator and then as an Army Recruiter. After retiring from the Army, Tull thought he would just enjoy golfing and relaxing, but realized he wanted to do more. He coached football for students in 3rd through 7th grades, and realized he still wanted to teach.

“I love science and the option to explore things and learn more,” said Tull. “The entire experience at Edison State College was great, the faculty and staff are so supportive and really helped to keep me on the path to my end goal. I owe a lot to Professor Rollins and Dr. Duda for helping me through some tough times. Edison State has some of the finest professors working in the School of Education and they have my deepest respect and admiration.   During my internship, I worked with the best teacher, Mrs. Silcox at River Hall Elementary. I have been very lucky to work with and learn from so many wonderful individuals while pursuing this career dream.”

Tull’s U.S. Army career took him oversees to Germany for two and a half years, and he was stationed in multiple states in the U.S. including Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, and Kentucky to name a few. Before attending Edison State College, Tull worked as a recruiter for civilian businesses, but teaching is in the family since his grandfather and cousins were all teachers as well, and he eventually returned to the idea of a teaching career. “It was my grandfather who inspired me the most to become a teacher. A WWII Navy veteran and the most likeable man one could ever know.”

Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, Edison State College is Southwest Florida’s largest, most accessible and ranked nationally as one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Serving more than 22,000 students per year regionally, nationally, and internationally, students are also active in a wide variety of clubs and programs that cater to their interests. Nationally, Edison State is ranked 45th among associate degree producers and 26th for its prestigious associate producing Nursing program. For more information please visit www.edison.edu.

# # # #

Last Updated: May 2, 2014