Air Force job inspires student to pursue psychology degree at BHSU-Rapid City

Headshot - Sam Stratman
Sam Stratman chose to attend BHSU-Rapid City for his psychology degree after serving in the U.S. Air Force.
After serving six years in the U.S. Air Force, Sam Stratman decided it was time to pursue his degree. Black Hills State University-Rapid City offered the psychology major he wanted along with a work-study position where he could use the skills he honed in the Air Force.

Originally from Gordon, Neb., two hours south of Rapid City, Sam went into the Air Force right after high school. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska where he worked in network maintenance for a nuclear deterrence network.

Sam had friends living in Rapid City and knew it would be easier to transition out of military service with their support so he began looking in Rapid City for a college that offered a psychology degree.

“BHSU-Rapid City was definitely the place to go if I wanted to get this degree. For me, having the option to not only pursue a degree but also the option for research opportunities through college was a big draw,” says Sam.

With his IT experience, Sam was also able to obtain a work-study position at BHSU-Rapid City. He works in the Technology Support department which provides computer/network technical support for students and maintains the student computer labs.

Sam enjoys the convenient city location with easy-to-find classrooms all in one building and a friendly community.

Sam says applying for and receiving his veteran’s education benefits has been smooth, thanks to the help of a dedicated veteran’s resource coordinator at BHSU, Greg Krajewski.

“Greg has been on top of it. I’ve heard horror stories from others having to submit their VA bills many times. Greg is proactive and easy to work with at BHSU-Rapid City,” says Sam.

About BHSU-Rapid City
Located at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off I-90, BHSU-Rapid City is a flexible, accessible, and affordable location to earn your degree. Five associate, nine bachelor’s, and the master’s in business administration (MBA) can be completed entirely onsite at BHSU-Rapid City. Degree programs offered at BHSU-Rapid City include applied health sciences, business administration, human services, elementary education, psychology, and mass communication. BHSU-Rapid City offers classes at a variety of times and meeting schedules to conveniently fit your needs. View the courses offerings by semester or visit www.BHSU.edu/RC to learn more. Contact BHSU-RCInfo@BHSU.edu or call 605-718-4373. Spring courses begin Monday, Jan. 13.