I like knowing I can study ...

Legalman Chief Petty Officer Andrew Watts, USN, is working on his Ph.D. in Education. Legalman Chief Petty Officer Andrew Watts is studying for his Ph.D. in Education, specializing in Sports Management & Leadership. His goal is to teach and coach or be Athletic Director at a college or high school in the “Chicagoland” area.

Watts has seen the world during his 21 years in the U.S. Navy, even as he pursued his education. He’s been everywhere from Europe to Asia to the Middle East to Australia. He's been stationed in San Diego, Newport RI, Guam, New York City, Spain, Japan (two separate tours on two different Aircraft Carriers), Groton Conn., Iceland and Great Lakes Ill.

He’s covered a good deal of territory in his education, as well. After picking up an A.A. in Paralegal Studies from Blackstone Career Institute Watts earned a B.S. in Political Science from Elmira College (NY). And after that he earned and M.B.A.—with a concentration in Criminal Justice — from Touro University. He also has Department of Labor/Department of the Navy Journeyman status for both Paralegal and Legal Secretary. In addition to all that, Watts is also an educator: while stationed in Keflavik, Iceland, he taught Criminal Justice for the satellite Central Texas University.

As a Legalman for the Navy (the naval equivalent of a Paralegal/Law Office Manager) his experience is as broad as his travels. He’s managed shipboard tax centers, worked on violent crime cases — including homicide, arson and even treason cases. And there was that time he filed tax returns from the USS Independence … which meant transmitting tax forms while underway, and later having to explain to shipmates, and to the IRS, that because the ship made a 2-degree turn the satellite connection was lost—and so were the tax returns.

Playing soccer is an abiding passion for Watts, possibly because he scored a goal his very first game. He’s played soccer worldwide: for his high school and college teams, for the Navy, for several base teams and NATO teams, and while overseas, played for local clubs in Spain, Guam and Iceland.

Another abiding passion for Watts is education, and he enjoys the flexibility that distance learning affords. With his work schedule, he’d miss too many classes for any brick and mortar school.

“I like knowing I can study at the time and location of my choosing,” Watts says.” That’s the benefit of distance learning and Northcentral is perfect for me. The counselors, my mentors and professors are always available whenever a question needs answering. I’m really enjoying my experience with NCU.”

By earning his Ph.D. in Education-Sports Management & Leadership, Watts believes he can achieve his goal to teach, coach and/or work as an athletic director. With that and his competitive spirit, he probably will.