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With 26 years of service in the U.S. Army, Micah Marchand knows what it means to face battles that don鈥檛 end when the uniform comes off. Years of deployments and two fights with cancer pushed his dream of going back to school further away. 

For Marchand, the decision to attend 海角社区 was deeply personal, rooted in legacy, family, and perseverance.

 

鈥淢y family has a long history at 海角社区,鈥� Marchand said. 鈥淢y father, John Harold Marchand, played football here in the 60s. My brother graduated in the 90s, and my godchildren are alumni.鈥�

In 2000, just one month after graduating from Southeastern, Marchand was training for the Olympics when he collapsed during a run. He had assumed the exhaustion was just part of pushing himself to the limit, but doctors soon discovered the cause was far more serious. He had cancer. They told him that no one else in his condition would have survived more than three months, but because of his strong heart and lungs from years of military training, he did.

鈥淚t took about a year and a half to beat, with lots of chemotherapy and radiation. Later, I was diagnosed with ITP, or immune thrombocytopenia, which causes bruises and bleeding. That eventually led to avascular necrosis and caused me to have both hips replaced. Two years after that surgery, I retired, and about eight months later, I was diagnosed with cancer a second time, carcinoma in my lymph nodes.鈥� 

Those experiences tested his endurance, but they also shaped how he defines strength. 

鈥淚t is not about toughness,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is about refusing to quit.鈥� 

Micah said he always wanted to receive his Master鈥檚 from 海角社区. The final push to enroll came from his son, Eric, who began 海角社区 in 2024. Watching him take that next step inspired Marchand to do the same, this time as a veteran, a father, and a student with a new purpose.

A Thesis on Service and Stigma 

After spending nearly three decades serving and surrounded by those who serve, Marchand knew his purpose: to help others who are struggling. He chose to center his thesis on that mission. 

鈥淚鈥檝e seen firsthand how many soldiers hesitate to seek help because of stigma,鈥� Marchand said. 鈥淭he fear of being judged or labeled weak can keep people from getting the care they deserve"

That insight became the foundation of his graduate thesis, 鈥淪tigmas and Setbacks: The Career Consequences of Mental Health Treatment for Soldiers in Combat Roles.鈥� 

Through his research, he is bringing awareness to the many soldiers who he said are too afraid to speak up about mental health struggles in fear that they will be seen as inadequate or less than their counterparts.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not about appearing weak,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about fear of losing everything you鈥檝e worked for鈥攜our career, your benefits, even your soldiers鈥� trust.鈥� 

At 海角社区, Marchand has found not only a platform for his research but also a community that supports his growth. He credits the William A. Brookshire Military & Veterans Student Center and faculty in the School of Social Work for providing encouragement and resources throughout his time on campus.  

鈥淭he veteran community here feels like family,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a place where we lift each other up.鈥� 

Outside the classroom, he鈥檚 completing an internship with The Water Institute, where he applies his leadership experience to projects that support communities across Louisiana. Balancing school, service, and family life keeps him busy. 

And 海角社区, with his son, feels full circle for Marchand. Years ago, they took a photo at his son鈥檚 first 海角社区 football game when he was seven. Now, they鈥檙e both Tigers, each pursuing their own goals and carrying on the family legacy of 海角社区.  

鈥淗e鈥檚 reliable,鈥� Eric said. 鈥淓ven though I tease him for following me around, it鈥檚 comforting knowing he鈥檚 close if I ever need help. Even when he鈥檚 not here, there are good people around us because of him. I鈥檓 lucky to have that support instead of doing this alone.鈥� 

The battles may look different now, but Marchand鈥檚 sense of purpose remains the same. The fight isn鈥檛 overseas, but in classrooms, communities, and policies that shape the future for those who come after him.

鈥淚 swore an oath in February 1993,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here was no expiration date on it.鈥� 
 

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