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Schooling achievements: The prominent senior military leader did not limit themselves to a single doctorate degree.

Article Originally Featured in GCU Magazine's April 2025 Issue: Tina Gilson's Notable Achievements

Pinnacle of Achievement: The Senior Enlisted Leader Did Not Grasp a Single Doctorate but Pushed...
Pinnacle of Achievement: The Senior Enlisted Leader Did Not Grasp a Single Doctorate but Pushed Further

Schooling achievements: The prominent senior military leader did not limit themselves to a single doctorate degree.

In the world of the United States Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant Tina Gilson stands out as a beacon of passion, determination, and dedication. Stationed in South Carolina and Djibouti, East Africa, Gilson's military career has been marked by her service in the air traffic control field, where she held roles as chief controller and flight chief. Her deployments have taken her to various corners of the globe, including South Korea, Iraq, Qatar, and Djibouti.

Gilson's commitment to service extends beyond the military. She has pursued multiple degrees to broaden her understanding and enhance her leadership skills. Her doctoral journey, completed online at Grand Canyon University, was facilitated by the feedback and accessibility of her advisor, Dr. Tim Wiltgen. This experience not only improved her emotional intelligence but also made her a better leader, parent, and spouse.

During her doctoral program, Gilson studied industrial and organizational psychology, a field that helped her understand things from other people's perspectives. Her dissertation, titled "How Prior Service Members Describe Military Safety Culture and Safety Behavior," is a testament to her commitment to understanding and improving safety within the military.

Gilson's dedication to learning and personal growth is evident in her pursuit of two doctorates. This decision was made to gain a wider perspective on her job, a testament to her desire to continually improve and adapt to the challenges she faces.

Gilson's journey was not without its obstacles. Balancing work and studies during her doctoral program was a challenge, but the residency proved to be her most significant hurdle. However, Gilson's resilience shone through, as she managed to overcome these challenges and complete her education.

Despite her busy schedule, Gilson makes time to immerse herself in other cultures during her deployments. She spends a yearlong remote at her deployment locations to learn about the people and their ways of life. This approach has expanded her world beyond the people she's around in the military.

Gilson's life has not always been easy. Growing up in a challenging environment, she had no family to turn to for advice. However, she has used these experiences to fuel her drive and determination, becoming a role model for many.

As the group senior enlisted leader for the 25th Attack Group, Gilson continues to inspire and lead with her passion and purpose. Her story serves as a reminder that with determination and hard work, one can overcome obstacles and achieve great things. For more detailed information about Tina Gilson's journey, it might be helpful to check directly with Grand Canyon University or related institutions, professional networks, or local news outlets.

  1. Tina Gilson, a beacon of passion and dedication in the United States Air Force, pursued multiple degrees beyond her service, including a doctorate from Grand Canyon University, to enhance her leadership skills and personal growth.
  2. Gilson's doctoral journey, focused on industrial and organizational psychology, helped her understand things from other people's perspectives and improve her emotional intelligence, making her a better leader, parent, and spouse.
  3. Her dissertation, "How Prior Service Members Describe Military Safety Culture and Safety Behavior," is a testament to her commitment to understanding and improving safety within the military, demonstrating the significance of higher education in her life.
  4. Despite the challenges of balancing work and studies during her doctoral program, Gilson's resilience shone through, enabling her to complete her education and continue inspiring as the group senior enlisted leader for the 25th Attack Group.
  5. During her deployments, Gilson takes a yearlong immersion in the local cultures to learn about the people and their ways of life, expanding her world beyond the military and embodying the continuous pursuit of education and self-development.

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