Staff Sargeant Floyd Grant graduated last month with a first class in BSc (Hons) Business Management (Top Up), a programme designed specifically for Ministry of Defence personnel to study flexibly alongside their duties.
The 47-year-old celebrated alongside hundreds of Armed Forces graduates from the Staffordshire Business School, where guests enjoyed a performance by The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band.
Originally from Jamaica, Floyd came to the UK after being recruited into the British Army and now lives in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
"My journey began when I met the late Major Christopher Wordsworth in Jamaica, who recruited me and assisted me throughout my application to join the British Army," Floyd said.
"I also remember the immigration officer who, during my visa application process, told me that she was giving me the opportunity to travel to the UK to pursue my dream of becoming a soldier and asked me one thing: please do not let her down."
While serving, Floyd made a difference beyond his military duties. He established Northern Ireland's first Army Multicultural Satellite Network and later organised the first Tri-Service and MOD Allies multicultural event in the Middle East, creating opportunities for personnel and allies to celebrate and learn from each other's cultures.
This drive to support others has continued throughout Floyd’s studies University of Staffordshire. However, he initially lacked confidence because of the challenges he experienced with dyslexia. By embracing the support available through the University and showing determination to succeed, he improved both his confidence and academic performance.
Floyd became a trusted voice within his cohort, helping manage the students' WhatsApp group and supporting classmates throughout the programme. Even after completing his degree, he has continued to mentor another student facing challenges similar to those he encountered at the beginning of his own studies.
After graduating with first-class honours, Floyd is now applying the knowledge and skills he has gained to his career in the British Army.
"The MoD has consistently provided its personnel with opportunities to grow, develop into effective leaders, and benefit from the time, support and investment dedicated to further training and higher education," he said.
"Through the opportunities provided by the University of Staffordshire to countless organisations and MoD personnel, we were able to enrol and pursue higher education qualifications, turning our aspirations of becoming university graduates into reality."
Graduating holds a special significance for Floyd who said, "Even now, I sometimes ask myself whether I have truly achieved this or if I am simply dreaming, because it still has not fully sunk in.
"On a personal level, it also means I have kept my promise to Major Wordsworth and the immigration officer that I would not let them down and would always strive to succeed.
"With the support and guidance of our tutors, we have all achieved great things and continue to strive to become greater leaders and a force to be reckoned with."
Floyd's success comes as University of Staffordshire celebrates a renewed six-year partnership to deliver higher education for the Ministry of Defence. Discover more about University of Staffordshire’s Armed Forces courses.