Empire State University graduate finds new purpose in military service  

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 10, 2024) Chloe Hite wanted to see the world and experience new opportunities, a desire that led her to join the Air National Guard in 2022.  

 Throughout her military career, Hite has traveled across the country and the world on different missions. She deployed to Jordan at the beginning of 2024 and was in one of the first units to air drop resources into Gaza during the ongoing conflict. Over the course of her service, Hite said her relationship to her military service and the meaning of her work changed. 

“It was very eye-opening knowing people have it worse than we do,” Hite said. “Helping people get food and blankets to stay warm was important because at that point they had no structures, they were just living on the sides of the road.” 

When it comes to her education, Hite searched for a school that provided financial assistance to military-affiliated students and support for advisors. As a business administration student, Hite took full advantage of Empire State University’s mentor program and the military and veteran opportunity program to achieve her goals.  

“The advisors always have positive input and seem to really want to help in any and every way to make the students successful,” Hite said. “If it wasn’t for my advisor, Pamela Anderson, I would be lost when registering for courses and where to go next.”  

Hite said the flexibility offered through Empire State University also made a difference while she balanced her responsibilities within the Air National Guard. After graduation, Hite said she plans to continue her military career by becoming a supervisor and inspire others to join.  

“I want people to be able to find their purpose of why they joined and also see the world as I did,” Hite said.  

Eventually, Hite hopes to earn a master’s degree in teaching and teach business to middle and high school-aged students. Hite said her goal to teach came from her teaching experience within the Air National Guard, where she trains and instructs air crew members.  

“There are so many life lessons the military has taught me that so many younger generations could also learn,” Hite said. “I want to be there for people who need help and listen to their problems or their accomplishments. I think a lot of students need that person.”