Johns Hopkins Graduate's Journey: From Military Service to Academia

Published July 29, 2024

Codee Potts, 29, a dedicated member of the U.S. Air Force, never imagined his path would lead to earning a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Yet, as of May 2024, Potts proudly holds a Master of Arts in Public Management degree, achieved through the university’s fully online program.

Living in Wittlich, Germany, Potts navigated the demanding balance of full-time military service and rigorous academic pursuits.

“It was tough,” he said. “Working around a full-time job, career changes, deployments, and time zone differences required strict time management. I dedicated specific time each day to school and time to rest equally.”

Potts’ military journey began at 18 years old when he enlisted straight out of high school. He served in fire protection for six years before earning his bachelor’s degree and commissioning as an officer. Now, as a Force Support officer, Potts handles human resources functions within the Air Force.

He joined the military with self-doubt about his academic abilities but found discipline and focus that drove him to higher education.

“I didn’t believe I was smart enough for college and needed a plan post-high school,” Potts said. “Now look, I graduated from Johns Hopkins with a master’s degree! Miracles do happen.”

Choosing Johns Hopkins University for his graduate studies was a strategic decision.

“I wanted to receive my graduate education from a renowned institution,” Potts said. “The flexibility of an online program and a degree that matched my career ambitions made Johns Hopkins an easy choice.”

The Public Management program provided him with robust government and policy knowledge, enhancing his effectiveness as a military officer.

Despite completing his studies remotely, Potts relished when he first set foot on campus.

“It was surreal to see what I’ve been a part of virtually for the last few years,” he said, describing the D.C. campus as “beautiful and modern” and the Homewood campus as “stately and historic.”