Alumni Story: Jason Burns (’25)
From Unfinished Business to Unstoppable Purpose
Jason Burns had built a successful consulting career within the Department of Defense, working with sophisticated technology and cloud-development programs. Yet something remained unsettled.
“I always wanted my degree,” he said. “In my world, if you understand technology and cloud development, you’re good. But it always bothered me that I didn’t have that credential. I was training supervisors who were advancing above me simply because they had a degree and I didn’t.”
Jason’s strong background in technology gave him opportunities to lead large teams of employees so when it was time to claim a major, he wanted to deepen his leadership skills. His search for an Organizational Leadership program five years ago led him to the University of Charleston.
After exploring the curriculum, he reached out to Dr. Dale Ratzlaff, whose mentorship quickly solidified Jason’s decision.
“He showed me it’s not just about education; it’s about the people. He introduced me to UC’s culture and purpose-driven approach. After speaking with him, I was sold.”
In August 2025, after years of balancing coursework with global travel and demanding responsibilities, Jason completed his bachelor’s degree and was in Charleston for commencement this past weekend.
“It took longer than I hoped because I was taking courses here and there. “My job with the Air Force requires me to spend a lot of time on flights all around the world so I would study or write papers in the air. I also work in a secure part of the Pentagon where personal devices are not allowed, I had to leave the secure area, get my laptop from my locker, and sit on the floor in the lobby to attend class. I did that for years. But it worked because the program is designed to fit adult professional learners. I’m thankful to my professors who worked with me to navigate the whole process.”
Jason is a civilian leader in the United States Air Force. As a GS-14 with nine direct reports and influence across an organization of more than 1,000 people, he plays a central role in building and managing complex technology systems. What started as a single system under his oversight has expanded to ten, with another 2,000 planned additional systems being integrated under his leadership.
His transition into the Air Force began with an unexpected email from a recruiter who found his profile on LinkedIn. “It was an easy decision. I wanted to enlist when I was 18, but my vision wouldn’t allow it. This fulfilled a life’s purpose to serve.”
Jason’s upbringing shaped his sense of purpose. “I was brought up with nothing, and I knew I wanted a different life. I’m the only person in my family who graduated high school, who earned a college degree, who doesn’t have a criminal record, and who isn’t addicted to alcohol. I’ve been on my own since I was 17. I made mistakes, but I kept pushing.”
He now gives back through volunteer work at the VA and children’s hospitals and by supporting classmates transitioning from military to civilian life.
Jason credits UC faculty, especially Dr. Retzalff and Dr. Barry Stocks, with broadening his approach to leadership. “You learn that everyone processes information differently. Sometimes the receiver simply needs a different delivery. That changed the way I lead. I keep an open-door policy. I want people to know I’m approachable, and I want to lift up those around me.”
Though he studied online and lives in Charles Town, WV, Jason made a visit to Charleston this fall. “I had never been to campus and didn’t realize it was Homecoming. Walking around felt like home. It’s such a welcoming place.”
“Now, I’m going for my master’s, and maybe my doctorate. All of which I will complete at UC.”
His story is one of grit, purpose, and transformation—a testament to what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. And it’s a reminder to all alumni that education doesn’t just change careers; it changes lives.