CID LS Norfolk Chief Enters Doctorate Degree Program

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- With help from Tuition Assistance and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, a Center for Infomation Dominance (CID) Learning Site Norfolk chief petty officer is entering a doctorate degree program at Liberty University.

CID Learning Site Norfolk instructor Chief Information Systems Technician (IDW/SW/AW) Tara Middlebrooks has been accepted into a doctoral program in psychology at Liberty University.

Middlebrooks said she plans to use her new degree to do work with retiree's and veterans when she eventually retires in 2030.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., Middlebrooks joined the Navy in 2000.

Like many young people, she intended to serve for only four years and have the Navy assist with her college tuition.

Middlebrooks' plans for a college education, however, were temporarily sidelined with the birth of her first child in 2002.

Her opportunity to pursue her dream of a higher education finally came a year later when she was assigned to the Blackjacks of Tactical Air Squadron (TACRON) 21.

While deployed onboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) with the squadron, she began taking courses through the Navy College Programs for Afloat College Education (NCPACE).

Initially Middlebrooks said she was unsure of what area she wanted to study.

"When I first began I had no clear direction on the process of enrolling or what type of classes I wanted to take," Middlebrooks said. "I just knew I wanted to start college."

While serving with the Blackjacks Middlebrooks ended up on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). During that assignment she enrolled at St. Leo University and started working toward a bachelor's degree in business administration.

At that early point in her career, she still planned on leaving the Navy and starting her own real estate business. But after several years on active duty, the Navy and the educational opportunities afforded her seemed like the smart choice for her and her growing family.

"In 2009, I was halfway through my enlistment and decided to stay Navy," Middlebrooks said. "With that choice, I changed my major to align with my profession as an information systems technician."

Upon completion of her tour on the Carl Vinson, Middlebrooks, now a Second Class Petty Officer, reported for instructor duty at CID Learning Site Norfolk.

Before long, she had earned her associate's degree in liberal arts with St. Leo University. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to First Class Petty Officer, and became the leading petty officer for the Communications Department.

Both her career and her education were moving in a positive direction, yet Middlebrooks was unsure about what she should do with her new degree.

She learned that a fellow CID First Class Petty Officer had received a job with the FBI after earning his degree at American Intercontinental University (AIU).

After some research, she decided AIU would be an excellent choice for her.

Middlebrooks was eager to enroll, because if she allowed herself to take a break from her education, she knew she would likely not start again anytime soon, as she would quickly be overcome by work and obligations at home.

"I told myself that I had been in for nine years and that if I have never taken a break and continued to pursue my education I would have had a doctorate degree already," she said. "I had told myself that I had to buckle down and make use of these next three years.

She said her children were very supportive of the extra time she had to devote to her studies.

"Thankfully, my children were on board with the plan," she said. "I have spent quite a few evenings completing homework assignments in Chuck E. Cheese."

Middlebrooks' relentless devotion and personal drive to continue her higher education inspired both Sailors and civilians in her department to continue on with their own education.

Following her example, 12 out of 17 Sailors in her department decided to either begin a degree or return to college.

Communications Department Leading Petty Officer IT1 (IDW/SW/AW) Monet Welch, who has nearly completed a master's degree, said she was inspired by Middlebrooks' example of perseverance

"Observing how Chief Middlebrooks was able to juggle being a great instructor, a Leading Petty Officer, a mother of two and still work towards master's degree, she motivated and inspired me to strive and continue pursuing my education," Welch said

As a result of her extraordinary focus and work ethic, in addition to her educational background, Middlebrooks was selected as the 2011 Sailor of the Year for Center for Information Dominance Learning Site Norfolk.

"I do not believe having a master's degree was the solitary deciding factor in my selection," Middlebrooks said. "But I definitely I think it helped set me apart from my peers."

A year later Middlebrooks was selected for Chief Petty Officer.

"ITC Middlebrooks serves as an outstanding example that there are no limits to what one can pursue (and eventually accomplish) through hard work and dedication," CID Learning Site Norfolk Director Lt. Cmdr. Brian C. Dembinski said. "Her goals are inspiring. I hope others see her example and decide to be proactive about their professional development."

Middlebrooks said her academic accomplishments were not done alone. She has high praise for the Navy College Office, and the role it played in helping her to reach her educational goals.

"The Navy College Office was extremely supportive with all aspects of my education," Middlebrooks said. "They even took the time to help me hunt down books that I needed for my classes."

She encourages every Sailor to contact their local Navy College Office to take advantage of the many educational opportunities the Navy offers.

She associates the time invested in an education to investing in a plan for your future whether you are going to stay in Navy or build a career in the civilian sector.

"Achieving my education was challenging at times," Middlebrooks said. "But I would not change the sacrifices that I have made because it has not only made me a better person, but a better parent, mentor, and more importantly a better Sailor."

CID is the Navy's learning center that leads, manages and delivers Navy and joint force training in information operations, information warfare, information technology, cryptology and intelligence.

For more news from Center for Information Dominance, visit www.navy.mil/local/corry/.