Thomas Edison State University students continually make a difference in Trenton and beyond. As such, when TESU students are recognized for their achievements, it is a cause for celebration for the entire community!

SSgt. Leo Gilbert Bunting, a Thomas Edison State University Bachelor of Science degree program student, is the recipient of the 2022 National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services (NAIMES) Student Spotlight Award. The Student Spotlight Award is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic achievement to the military and civilian educational community by exploring how the academic experience has influenced their military career. Bunting was honored at the Council of College and Military Educators Annual Symposium on Tuesday, Jan. 24, where he received his award.

NAIMES is an organization comprised of institutional members dedicated to delivering quality postsecondary education programs to the military community. Through collaborative partnerships with the Department of Defense voluntary education leadership, sister organizations, and agencies, NAIMES continuously seeks to promote quality degree programs, student support services, and principles of good practice. At its core, NAIMES is committed to students’ academic success within the military community.

For a bit more regarding this exemplary student, as an executive aircraft security mission scheduler at 816th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Bunting is responsible for assigning and leading teams of security personnel as well as planning mission requirements to protect deployed United States Air Force assets in austere locations.

Pictured from the left are Jim Yeonopolus, Chancellor of Central Texas College and Chair of NAIMES Scholarship Committee; SSgt Leo Gilbert Bunting; Laura Bunting; and Dr. Dennis Devery, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Thomas Edison State University.

Bunting lives with his wife, Laura, their son, Lennox, and their Goldendoodle, Hank, in Maryland. He has an Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice from the Community College of the Air Force. He is finishing his BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management with TESU. A graduate of the prestigious Phoenix Raven Qualification Course, Bunting is ambitious to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree in Project Management with Thomas Edison. Noting that he is extremely grateful to receive the NAIMES 2022 Student Spotlight Award, Bunting stated that he is excited to continue his education at TESU, applying for the NAIMES scholarship toward his master’s degree program.

Bunting is a shining example of the tenacity and ambition of the TESU student body. Since its founding in 1972, Thomas Edison State University has been transforming students’ lives far and near. Thomas Edison State University provides distinctive undergraduate and graduate education for self-directed adults through flexible, high-quality collegiate learning and assessment opportunities. One of New Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher education, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Identified by The New York Times as “the college that paved the way for flexibility,” the University is a national leader in the assessment of adult learning and a pioneer in the use of educational technologies. To learn more, visit www.tesu.edu or email admissions@tesu.edu.

Please join us in sending our sincerest congratulations to SSgt. Leo Gilbert Bunting and the entire TESU community for this remarkable achievement!

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