40 Under 40: Archie D. Nettles Jr., 34, University of Texas at Dallas

Archie Nettles

Veteran Liaison, The University of Texas at Dallas

As veteran liaison for the University of Texas at Dallas, Archie D. Nettles Jr. advises student veterans and connects them to campus and community resources.

He is responsible for understanding and interpreting the needs of a student veteran population of approximately 700 veterans to faculty and administration officials, and for interpreting, formulating and evaluating institutional roles.

In addition, Nettles provides advisory services to student veterans as they transition to college life, including admissions, financial aid and benefits information. He builds rapport with a wide variety of constituents, including students, family members, and faculty, staff and community groups.

After graduating from high school, Nettles enlisted in the United States Army and served eight years active duty and reserve, which he calls his proudest accomplishment.

While in the Army, Nettles obtained the rank of Sergeant and was deployed to Afghanistan where he served in the Operation Enduring Freedom military campaign.

A passionate community volunteer, Nettles has been an active member of the Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals for the past eight years and is a member of the 2014-15 Mayor’s Star Council.

Married or single?
-Single

Song that best captures your professional personality:
-“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

Describe yourself in 40 words or less:
-I would describe myself as persistent, driven, ambitious, and servant minded. I enjoy volunteering with my Fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and giving back to the community in which I live.

Most surprising fact about you or skill you have:
-I know how to turn a pair of pants into a flotation device.

What else do you plan to accomplish by 40?
-Complete my master’s degree, marriage and children, maybe run for public office.

Who is your hero? Why?
-My mother Alice M. Nettles, she has supported me in all of my endeavors and has been an amazing cheerleader.

Where were you born?
-Beaumont, Texas

List your educational degrees and schools:
-Bachelor’s degree, The University of Texas at Dallas.

How many years have you worked for your current employer?
-2 years.

What city do you live in?
-Dallas.

How long have you lived in DFW/North Texas?
-11 years.

Favorite sports team:
-Dallas Cowboys.

Favorite movie:
-The Pursuit of Happyness.

Last good book you read:
-The Wealth Choice by Dr. Denise Kimbro.

Best vacation you’ve ever taken and why:
-New Orleans. I enjoy the food and rich culture the city has to offer.

How do you release stress or escape from work and life demands?
-I enjoy watching ESPN, documentaries, reading, running and volunteering.

Guilty pleasure:
-Going to Cold Stone Creamery and ordering birthday cake ice cream with caramel and pecan topping.

First job:
-My first job was working as a host for Pappadeaux’s Seafood restaurant.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
-Honestly, I wanted to be an entrepreneur.

Favorite community organization you are involved in:
-The Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals

Proudest accomplishment:
-Serving in the U.S military (Army).

Describe a moment that shaped your future:
-Being deployed to serve in the Operation Enduring Freedom Military Campaign in Afghanistan in 2003. My experience serving in Afghanistan and the military made me appreciate the little things and opened my eyes to other cultures.

Describe your responsibilities in your current position:
-As a veteran liaison, I advise student veterans and connect them to campus and community resources. I am responsible for understanding and interpreting the needs of a student veteran population of 700 veterans to faculty and administration officials, and for interpreting, formulating, and evaluating institutional roles to student veterans as they transition to college life, including admissions, financial aid and benefits information. I build rapport with a wide variety of constituents, including providing advisory service to students, family members, and faculty, staff, and community groups.

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