"Strayer's name is better recognized in the marketplace now than ever before."

Tim Gates (BSAC '05) enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19. By the time he was 31, he had become a U.S. Navy officer.

While stationed in Iceland, Gates decided to pursue a career in health care administration and enrolled in Strayer University's online courses. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 2005 and applied to become an officer through the Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program the following year. Gates credits Strayer's quarter system with allowing him to finish his undergraduate degree in such a short time period.

"While serving overseas, Strayer's flexible program allowed me to balance work, life and education," Gates says. "Today, I recommend the program to everyone I know."

Gates is currently finishing up his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he rotates through different clinical and administrative departments within the hospital in order to gain a better understanding of how military medical care is delivered. Gates, who is committed to lifelong learning, is pursuing a dual master's degree and has plans to earn a doctoral degree next.

"Strayer's name is better recognized in the marketplace now than ever before," Gates says. "As an alumnus, I appreciate that."

Based on the scientific merit and potential utility of his work, Gates recently placed third in the annual J. Dewey Lutes Peer Research Competition. He was also inducted into Upsilon Phi Delta, a national honor society for students in health care administration. Gates is a member and fellow of The American College of Healthcare Executives, the premier accrediting body for health care administrators.