A New Mission, the Same Purpose

After serving overseas in the U.S. Army, Micah Hall returns home to FranU with a renewed sense of calling.

Before becoming a student at FranU, Micah Hall spent three years in the U.S. Army as a culinary specialist. A lifter, comic book reader and Christ enthusiast, Hall joined the military looking to find a purpose.

His time overseas, specifically in Romania and Germany, tested his faith and reshaped how he saw himself. Those experiences also changed his perspective on the world around him.

I believe everyone needs battles to test them from time to time,” Hall said. “The Army gave me the battles and challenges I needed to grow.”

After completing his service, Hall decided to come home. FranU offered the Physical Therapy Assisting program he was looking for and returning to his hometown felt ‘poetic’ after years away.

The change from military life to student life felt natural, as discipline and perseverance were already familiar to him. FranU’s campus environment matched what Hall was looking for. The campus’ small size makes for an easy walk between classes and is close to his home.

The University’s personalized support also played a role in his success. His advisor, Andrea Williams, helped him map out a class schedule that eased his transition from soldier to student.

FranU’s mission of forming servant leaders resonated strongly with Hall’s military experience. He credits a former Army leader for modeling what servant leadership looks like through sacrifice, encouragement and genuine care. 

Being a servant leader is the best mission a leader can have,” Hall said.

That same mindset influences how Hall sees his future. “I want to be a hero one day to whatever community I end up living in for the long term, and I'm taking steps to become a volunteer firefighter.”

Hall offers this simple advice to other veterans considering higher education: make college your mission. As a student, he is doing just that by carrying his commitment to service from the military into the classroom and beyond.