How a Marine Veteran Turned Educator Constructed a Lifetime of Service and Energy
A Journey Outlined by Self-discipline and Objective
In Mebane, North Carolina, the place dedication typically takes root early, Curtis Bigelow grew up studying that arduous work, integrity, and repair might form a life. From his early days operating observe and cross nation at Japanese Alamance Excessive College, he was recognized not only for pace however for coronary heart. He earned All-Convention honors three years in a row and acquired each the Male Sportsmanship Award and the College Spirit Award his senior 12 months.
“I wasn’t at all times the quickest,” Bigelow says, “however I gave it the whole lot I had. Whether or not it was operating, studying, or main — I discovered to complete robust.”
That mindset would comply with him far past the observe.
From Marine Corps to Regulation Enforcement Management
After highschool, Bigelow’s path led him to the US Marine Corps, the place he rapidly rose via the ranks, incomes the title of NCO of the Yr for his Reserve Unit in Greensboro, North Carolina. His time within the service included fight obligation in Iraq, for which he acquired the Presidential Unit Quotation and the Fight Motion Ribbon — honors given solely to those that exhibit distinctive braveness underneath strain.
“The Marine Corps taught me construction, nevertheless it additionally taught me compassion,” he remembers. “You possibly can’t lead individuals except you care about them — even in a battle zone.”
After his army service, Bigelow continued his dedication to public service in regulation enforcement. He joined North Carolina A&T State College Police Division, the place his management rapidly stood out. In 2006, he was promoted to Chief of Police and Affiliate Vice Chancellor, a twin function that demanded each administrative technique and neighborhood engagement.
He additionally earned the Past the Name of Responsibility Award, a recognition that, as Bigelow says, “means greater than any title — as a result of it got here from the individuals you shield.”
The Energy of Schooling
Schooling has been a relentless thread all through Bigelow’s life. After incomes levels from Guilford Technical Group Faculty, John Wesley Faculty, Shaw College, American Public College, and at last his Doctorate in Schooling (Ed.D) from the College of the Cumberlands, he understood firsthand how transformative studying may very well be.
“College gave me the instruments to assume critically and lead responsibly,” he says. “Each diploma wasn’t only a milestone — it was a reminder that progress by no means stops.”
That perception formed his subsequent chapter — educating.
From Chief to Instructor: A Lifetime of Affect
After years in army and regulation enforcement management, Bigelow transitioned into training, educating JROTC for Guilford County Faculties. For him, the classroom turned one other type of service — one the place classes in self-discipline, respect, and function might take root early.
“Educating is management,” he explains. “You’re shaping younger individuals to imagine in their very own potential. A few of my college students won’t ever serve within the army, however they’ll nonetheless be taught what it means to serve their neighborhood.”
Now retired from full-time educating, Bigelow continues to substitute in Guilford County Faculties, making certain he stays related to the subsequent era. “I nonetheless get the identical feeling each time I stroll right into a classroom,” he says. “You see curiosity of their eyes, and also you realise you’re passing on greater than information — you’re passing on values.”
Writing to Educate and Empower
Bigelow has additionally discovered a brand new method to train — via writing. His ebook, “Bathsheba David’s Goliath,” blends storytelling with life classes drawn from expertise, religion, and resilience. He’s additionally engaged on his subsequent undertaking, “4th Place…Gaining Momentum via Studying” aimed toward serving to dad and mom put together their kids for early training and third-grade testing.
“Too many kids fall behind earlier than they even get began,” Bigelow explains. “I needed to create one thing that empowers dad and mom to take the lead at dwelling. Schooling begins lengthy earlier than the classroom.”
His writing combines perception, practicality, and compassion — very like his profession.
A Marathon Mindset
Outdoors of labor, Bigelow’s ardour for endurance hasn’t light. He and his spouse are avid runners, taking part in 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathons. Additionally they share a love for ballroom dancing, which he says helps stability the depth of his different pursuits.
“Operating clears my thoughts,” he says with a smile. “However dancing jogs my memory to remain mild on my toes — in each a part of life.”
That mix of self-discipline and style mirrors how Bigelow has navigated his profession: regular, targeted, and stuffed with coronary heart.
Classes from a Lifetime of Service
Wanting again, Bigelow’s story is one in every of transformation — from Marine to educator, from chief to mentor, from runner to author. Every chapter has constructed on the final, formed by a philosophy rooted in function and perseverance.
“You don’t need to be the most effective at the whole lot,” he displays. “You simply have to offer your greatest — on daily basis. That’s the way you earn respect, and that’s the way you make a distinction.”
A Legacy of Management
In a time when management is commonly measured by titles or accolades, Curtis Bigelow stands out for one thing deeper — consistency. Whether or not main troops, defending a campus, or inspiring college students, he has proven that actual success is measured in lives influenced, not medals earned.
“Each function I’ve had — soldier, officer, instructor — has been about service,” he says. “If I’ve helped one individual stand taller, then it’s all been value it.”
From the battlefield to the classroom, Bigelow’s journey is a testomony to endurance, integrity, and the quiet energy of exhibiting up — each single day.
