Military Student Spotlight: Nick Morgan
From serving aboard submarines in the U.S. Navy to pursuing two degrees at Appalachian State University, Nicolas “Nick” Morgan has brought the focus, resilience, and adaptability he developed during his military service into his life as a student.
Originally from Reno, Nevada, Nick first learned about Appalachian State through a friend and his family during his enlistment. They recommended both the university and the surrounding area, ultimately helping set him on the path to Boone.
Nick enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Sonar Technician on submarines. Spending extended periods away from friends and family taught him lessons that have stayed with him long after his service. “Staying focused through that taught me a level of self-confidence I didn't have going in,” Nick shared.
That ability to focus has continued to serve him well as a student. Nick is double majoring in BS Cybersecurity and BSBA Computer Information Systems with the Walker College of Business, building on approximately eight years of experience in the computer field. One of his most impactful courses has been Associate Professor Dr. Russell Haines’ ethical hacking class, which helped him better understand the real-world importance of cybersecurity and the consequences of inadequate security practices.
Outside the classroom, Nick has become an important part of the military-affiliated student community at App State. He spends as much time as he can working in the Student Veteran Resource Center and helping fellow students navigate questions and challenges. Those experiences have helped him grow in patience and understanding, particularly when supporting people who may not know where to find the answers they need. That commitment to helping others was recognized when Nick received the Military Affairs Committee Outstanding Student Veteran Award in 2025 for his work supporting students who come through Student Veteran Services. “It wasn't something I expected,” he said, “but it's made me feel like I've truly made a difference here at App.”
For Nick, being part of the veteran community has also made a meaningful difference in his own college experience. The Student Veteran Resource Center has provided him with a place to study, recharge, and connect with others who understand some of the challenges that come with the transition from military service to student life. “Being part of the veteran community has shown me that I'm not alone in some of the things I struggle with,” Nick shared. “I have people I can work through those issues with.”
Like many veterans, Nick found the transition to college challenging at first. Adjusting to the pace and structure of academic life required patience and a shift in perspective. His advice to other veterans beginning their college journey is simple but powerful: be patient with yourself. “This is a major shift from what you were doing to what you’re doing now,” he said. “I’ve seen veterans struggle with the pace of school - things move a lot slower than what you’re used to.”
His experiences aboard submarines also taught him an important lesson about managing distractions and focusing on what is directly in front of him. But perhaps the biggest lesson Nick carries with him is acceptance. “You have to make the best of your situation,” he explained. “You'd like to be able to control what's going on around you, but the one thing you can actually control is how you react to the situations you're in.”
Looking ahead, Nick hopes to enter the cybersecurity field as a contractor while continuing to explore other areas of technology, including networking and coding. His motivation remains closely connected to the reason he enlisted in the first place: to pursue an education and create new opportunities for himself.
When asked what message he would share with other students and veterans, Nick offered a reminder that reflects much of his own journey:
“Don't be afraid to ask for help. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Give yourself grace during the transition, lean on the veteran community around you, and remember that you're capable of more than you think. Take the first step, even if it's a small one.”
For Nick, the journey from the close quarters of a submarine to the classrooms of Appalachian State has been one of growth, persistence, and learning to take that next step - even when the path forward is unfamiliar.