A Veteran's Military Experience and Desire to Learn Find a Home at UM

For a long time, Alex Butler didn’t see a college degree in his future, let alone two. During high school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the University of Montana law school alum was more focused on his role as a multisport athlete. With several veterans in his family, Butler was drawn to the action of military life and joined the Army after graduation. 

At 18, Butler arrived in Georgia to begin training, eventually joining the 75th Ranger Battalion, a small, special ops platoon. It was engaging and demanding work, with the sense of adventure and camaraderie Butler had imagined as a high school student.

Over the course of six years, he was deployed to Afghanistan six times.  Then in his mid-20s, Butler pondered a change.

“There was definitely an exciting and romantic side to what I got to do,” he said. “But it also came with a lot of physical and mental stress and a lot of time away from your personal life.” 

For the first time, Butler began to consider a college degree as a real possibility.

“Instead of seeking another physical challenge, I wanted a mental challenge, an intellectual challenge,” he said. “I wanted to see what I could do outside of the military.”

He began applying to colleges around the U.S., including UM, despite not knowing much about the school.

“Montana has an allure and a reputation even if you’ve never been here,” he said.

It wasn't just the appeal of the Treasure State that had Butler ready to become a Griz. The process of applying to college for the first time as a veteran proved complicated, and Butler called around to universities seeking advice and assistance. Most never returned his call, but he that wasn’t his experience with UM.

“With UM, I called and it was immediate support, immediate help,” said Butler.  “They walked me through the whole process of how to get there.” 

UM’s director of Military and Veteran Services, Pat Beckwith, knows supporting students like Butler is a long-term commitment. 

“UM takes pride in our commitment to military-affiliated students from the moment they express interest to attend,” Beckwith said. “What sets us apart from other campuses is the robust personnel across campus assigned to monitor and guide those students while at UM.”

Butler wasn’t ready to go all-in on civilian life, though. He enlisted in the National Guard before he left the Army and remained enlisted throughout his time at UM, while taking advantage of the services the veterans’ office offers.

As a nontraditional student, Butler found his military background an asset, instilling in him a sense of discipline and purpose. The former Army Ranger made it a priority to jump into the UM community with an open mind and desire to engage. He was elected ASUM president in 2018. 

“I felt like I had much more of a purpose. Receiving the GI Bill, I was essentially being paid to be there,” he said. “I prioritized school over a lot of other fun things because I really wanted to make sure I took full advantage of the experience.”

Butler became enamored with philosophy and considered pursuing a Ph.D. in the subject. Evaluating future career plans with his philosophy professor, the conversation always came back to law school. Reluctant at first, he eventually began to appreciate the possibilities that path could open up.

“There are lawyers everywhere doing a lot of things,” Butler said.  “It’s really a versatile degree.” 

Fueled by a desire to keep learning, Butler enrolled at UM’s Alexander Blewett III School of Law. He graduated this past spring and now works as a clerk for a federal judge in Helena. The desire to serve his country is still strong–  he plans to pursue a position in the Navy’s JAG Corps. 

Butler hopes other student-veterans can find value in attending college and can learn to appreciate what their own experiences bring to the table.

“I think veterans can really improve the community around them,” he said. “I think they can help in a lot of ways, and I think it’s good for them, as well.”