FHSU University Communications
In a little under two weeks, Taisha Jacobs will graduate from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership.
Taisha is the mother of two and the wife of a career Marine Corps officer. She is also one of the hundreds of military-connected adult students across the nation who have turned to FHSU Online for an educational experience staffed with professors and administrators who understand how the unique challenges of pursuing a college degree while balancing the demands and frequent upheavals that are an inherent part of military life.
A former postal service clerk and retail manager in civilian life, Taisha has fully embraced her new life as a Marine Corps spouse and senior military support services professional.
Taisha’s introduction to military life began when she met her future husband, Melvin Jacobs, at a Marine Corps Toys for Tots charity event in Kansas City.
“I saw this tall, handsome man in those Marine Corps dress blues and knew that was someone I really wanted to get to know,” Taisha recalled.
At the time, Lance Corporal Melvin Jacobs was in the midst of a major career comeback. Years earlier, while serving in Japan in 2009, the young Marine got into disciplinary trouble. Instead of ending his Marine Corps career, his commanding officer gave him a second chance. As part of a Summary Court-Martial, Melvin was sentenced to 30 days in the brig, loss of pay, and reduction in rank to private.
Melvin returned to his unit with a determination to rebuild his career. By 2010, his hard work paid off, and he was promoted back to Private First Class. Four months later, he earned a meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal. In July 2011, he completed his active-duty service and returned to Kansas to pursue his college degree.
One year later, Melvin felt called to service once again. His goal was to return as an Active Duty Reservist, but after months of waiting, Melvin was disappointed to learn he was not selected. Still, he remained determined to find another path back to the Marine Corps. By chance, Melvin was introduced to the Officer Selection Office. After hearing his story of perseverance and redemption, they encouraged him to apply for the Marine Corps Officer Program.
Melvin submitted his application and was later approved to attend Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS). After completing the training, he returned home to graduate from Baker University.
In 2016, Melvin was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and Melvin and Taisha married. In 2018, the couple reported to the Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms in California for Communications School, followed by deployment to the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in 2019.
During Taisha’s first deployment as a military spouse, she went to work for the Marine Corps Single Marine program on base. This program works to identify and address quality of life concerns for her Marines through advocacy and the development of recreational activities, special events, and community involvement opportunities. In this role, Taisha coordinated, scheduled, and promoted recreational events, group travel programs, and volunteer opportunities for young, single servicemembers.
“My Marines got to be civilians when they were with me,” Taisha said. “They got to be themselves, and there were times when that release made all the difference, especially if they were struggling emotionally.”
Taisha’s tireless work in support of these 18-25-year-old Leathernecks fueled her passion for service and eventually earned her the nickname “Momma Tai.”
Taisha and Melvin also partnered to create what became known as the Adversary Recovery and Mentorship (ARM program at MCAS Iwakuni. The program includes a weeklong course, a dedicated mentor, and a graduation celebration.
“Melvin felt called to take what he learned from his personal experiences, including the importance of giving struggling Marines a second chance, and use the program to rescue the careers of struggling servicemembers when they needed the help most, Taisha said. “There needs to be more leaders like Melvin in the military.”
While in Japan, Taisha decided that if she wanted to pursue her own career and calling to serve others, she would need to earn a college degree. A counselor at the base education center suggested that to save money on tuition and fees, she should select a college in the state of her permanent residence. At that point, she had never heard of Fort Hays State University. Still, when she discovered that FSHU Online offered the degree field she wanted (organizational leadership) and an unmatched price point, she decided to join the Tiger Nation.
One of the great strengths of the Leadership Studies program at FHSU is the department’s commitment to serving the needs of military servicemembers, veterans, and military-connected families, including specialized programs that allow this population the opportunity to earn credit towards an associate or bachelor’s degree from their military training and experience.
As she neared the completion of her degree, Taisha faced several challenges and needed help. Amid a difficult pregnancy and the process of moving her family from Japan to the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia, and Melvin’s next duty assignment at Marine Command and Staff College, she needed to make some significant changes to her course schedule. That’s when Army veteran and Associate Professor of Leadership Programs, Dr. Seth Kastle, stepped in to assist.
“Having somebody in your corner like Dr. Kastle, who knows how to get things done in both military and higher education settings, was critical in keeping me on track to my degree,” Taisha said. “He was empathetic and understanding when I needed it most.”
Back in the U.S. in 2022, Taisha accepted a position with the United Services Organization (USO) as the Field Programs Manager in Quantico, where she is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating USO programs, activities, and events on and off U.S. military installations.
“Melvin plans to stay in the Marines until at least the 30-year mark,” Taisha said. “We’re not sure where our next duty assignment will be, but wherever we go, I’ll know that with my degree from FHSU Online, my passion to serve, and my extensive professional experience with the USO, I’ll be able to advance in my career and keep doing the work I love.”
FHSU’s Spring Commencement Celebrations will be held on May 16 and 17 in Gross Memorial Coliseum. For a full schedule, go to https://www.fhsu.edu/commencement/.