Finding his role at North Central

After serving in the U.S. Army, Luke Budil ’25 was looking for a school that offered a more personalized and supportive environment to help him transition back to college life. With the skills he gained from serving and the connections he formed as president of North Central’s Student Veteran Alliance, he has found academic success as a molecular neuroscience major. Luke recently earned early acceptance to North Central’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (P.A.) program and will continue his studies on campus in the fall.

Why did you choose to attend North Central?
Coming out of active duty, I did not want to be overwhelmed at a large school. I began searching for colleges and came across the molecular neuroscience degree at North Central. The medical field was always my goal, and this program posed an interesting pathway. I also met with Julie Carballo on my campus tour, who spoke highly of how veterans are supported, which swayed me to attend North Central. 

You're president of the Student Veteran Alliance – what has this role meant to you?
Being president of the Student Veteran Alliance – an official chapter of Student Veterans of America that provides resources, advocacy, and programs for student-veterans and military-connected students – is very important to me. After my service, I found it difficult to resume the civilian world. To boost my own success, it has helped to lean on the support of other veterans who have succeeded academically.

Knowing that not all veterans are lucky enough to have these connections, I have used this role to help other student veterans at North Central succeed in their college experience.

What aspect of North Central's physician assistant program caught your attention?
When I heard about the ability to secure a spot in North Central’s highly competitive P.A. program, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. Students in this program have access to mentors and other resources that help prepare them for the rigors of P.A. school. The program has standout facilities and high-tech digital tools, including an Anatomage Table. I also learned that it has a very high pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). 

What are you looking forward to most as you pursue your master's degree here?
I am most looking forward to working with the highly experienced faculty in the program. I met with the instructors during my tours, and having the opportunity to learn from them is something that I am excited to do. 

What advice would you share with students?
As an older student in a world of younger students, I would advise prioritizing your studies. A famous saying in the military is that discipline equals freedom, and I believe that this holds true in academics. If you can stay disciplined in your classes, then you can have the freedom to choose your own journey, such as becoming a physician assistant here at North Central. 

Learn more about North Central College’s neuroscience program and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (P.A.) program.