Turning Dreams into Degrees: 12 Associates Graduate through Exchange Tuition Assistance Program

For 13 years, Jeffery Jackson-Stewart dutifully fulfilled his role as network planning analyst at the Exchange headquarters IT Operations, but a sense of stagnation began to gnaw at him. It was time for a change—a leap into the unknown.

Dion Lewis, senior portfolio manager communication services, HQ Information Technology Directorate (IT-I), took Jackson-Stewart under his wing, guiding him toward a brighter future within the Exchange. Lewis coached Jackson-Stewart on the importance of getting a degree and choosing the program that would add to his professional and personal development.

Fueled by Lewis’ mentorship and armed with the Exchange’s tuition assistance program, Jackson-Stewart embarked on an academic pursuit alongside 11 other Exchange associates.

“It was the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” said Jackson-Stewart. “But knowing others faced the same challenges motivated me to push through the obstacles and emerge stronger.”

Since 2001, the program has provided high-performing associates with financial assistance to help them earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. The highly competitive program helps associates grow professionally and personally.

In 2023, 73 associates took advantage of the tuition assistance program to further their education. Twelve associated earned either an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degrees last year. Jackson-Stewart earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Organizational Leadership with cum laude honors from Texas A&M University – Commerce.

“Easing the financial burden of a college degree allows our associates to focus on their academics and their careers,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Office Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh Jr. “The tuition assistance program allows associates to achieve their educational goals while building the bench for the organization.”

Regular full-time employees with at least one year of continuous service and no disciplinary action who study in a degree program relevant to the Exchange’s operational needs can apply for tuition assistance. Once accepted, applicants can receive a yearly maximum of $5,250 in tuition reimbursement, with lifetime payments up to $20,000 for an undergraduate degree and $30,000 for a graduate degree.

Cecilie Ryan, store manager at the Fort Bliss Military Clothing and Sales, shared a similar path to Jackson-Stewart.

Ryan had more than a decade of service with the Exchange and wanted to make a change. She had started college right out of high school, but felt it was more important to pursue a career at the time. Looking back, Ryan believes she may have missed opportunities by not having a degree. So, she decided to do something about it.

“It doesn’t matter how you start,” Ryan said. “It matters how you finish,”

Now, Ryan mentors young associates on their career goals and the importance of having a degree. Both Ryan and Jackson-Stewart credit the Exchange’s tuition assistance program for helping them obtain their degrees without accruing a mountain of debt.

“The Exchange’s tuition assistance program is about investing in our associates’ potential and empowering them to shape their futures,” said Vice President of HR Talent, Randy Ramirez.  “By seizing this opportunity, associates enrich their lives and strengthen the organization. It is a pathway to greatness for those bold enough to tread it.”

The program runs continuously, and 42 associates are now enrolled in the program. June is the next projected period for new student enrollment. Associates interested in the program should contact the program manager at TuitionAssistance@aafes.com for more information.

The following associates graduated in 2023:

Associate’s degree

Larry Stoudemire
Operations Analyst, HQ LG Business Process Unit
Cedar Valley College
Associate of Applied Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Bachelor’s degree

Jeffery Jackson-Stewart
Network Planning Analyst, HQ IT-I Operations Support
Texas A&M University – Commerce
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Organizational Leadership

Daniel Josh
Application Systems Analyst Program Manager, HQ IT Mobile Solutions
American Public University System
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Gregory Roland
Chief Fuel Operations, HQ Merchandising Planning, Allocation & Replenishment
Colorado Technical University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Cecilie Ryan
Store Manager (MCSS), Western Region, Fort Bliss Military Clothing Sales
The Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Tammy Toney
General Manager, Eastern Region, Joint Base Andrews-Andrews AFB, Exchange
Amberton University
Bachelor of Science in Human Relations & Business

Master’s degree

Andrew Baron
Chief Budget Analysis, HQ Finance & Accounting, Financial Analysis & Budget Division
Western Governors University
Master of Business Administration

Justin Caywood
Food Court Manager, Central Region, Fort Cavazos Main Exchange
University of Maryland Global Campus
Master of Business Administration

Ikuko Dillon
Regional Human Resources Manager, Pacific Region, Korea, Hawaii/American Samoa and Kwajalein
Amberton University
Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership

Courtney Escobedo
General Manager (Dual), Western Region, Edwards AFB Executive Office
Western Governors University
Master of Business Administration

Tiffanie Sharpe
Food Court Manager, Western Region, Luke AFB Food Court
University of Maryland Global Campus
Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management

Ivelisse Solazayas
Business Program Specialist III, HQ Merchandising, Services Operations Support
Southern New Hampshire University
Master of Science in Project and Operation Management