CEHD graduate keeps raising the bar

He has traveled extensively, earned academic, athletic and military accolades and, now—at age 22—Journey is believed to be the youngest person to graduate with a master’s degree in human resources and organizational development, a part of CEHD’s organizational leadership and learning program.

A 2010 graduate of Meade County High School, Journey is the son of James and Petra Journey of Brandenburg. Journey said his father’s role in the military enabled the family to travel extensively, giving him a global perspective and fueling his own passion to serve. At UofL he participated in ROTC programs and is a founding member of a UofL-based chapter of Alpha Tau Omega, a military leadership fraternity.

“All the men in my family have served our country going many generations back and so this has made a big impact upon my life,” Journey said.

Always eager to embrace new opportunities, Journey represented UofL on an mtvU show called Army ROTC Challenge. He also traveled to Germany and, while attending a festival, met State of Hessen Minister President Voker Bouffier, who asked Journey to translate German-to-English for him so he (Bouffier) could speak with U.S. soldiers.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in justice administration, cum laude, in May 2013, Journey put his master’s degree on the fast track by taking a heavy class load. He completed that degree in December 2014, with a 3.6 grade point average.

Journey wasn’t the only member of his family to earn a degree last year. His father, James, returned to college and in May 2014 completed a UofL bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and learning.

Journey’s dream of serving full-time in the Army begins in earnest at the end of this month when he departs for active duty as a specialist;  he will be a crew chief working on Blackhawk helicopters.