Transitioning from a structured military career to a life surrounded by plants may seem like a dramatic shift, but for Navy veteran Wes Fox, it was a natural evolution. After serving 20 years in the Navy and traveling across the globe, Fox found his passion rooted not in the sea, but in the soil. His story highlights the growing connection between military service members and agricultural careers—a connection fostered by programs like NC State University’s Agricultural Institute and supported by initiatives such as the Sycamore Stipend Fund for Veterans.

Fox’s fascination with horticulture began during his deployments in the Pacific, where he encountered the vibrant biodiversity of tropical regions like Guam and Hawaii. Orchids, in particular, captured his interest. “Orchids are amazing. They’re the second largest group of flowering plants on the earth,” Fox shared. With over 38,000 types, including hybridized versions, orchids became more than a hobby—they sparked a new ambition.

After retiring from the Navy in June 2024, Fox settled in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with his wife and four children. He enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in horticultural science management through NC State’s Agricultural Institute (AGI). For someone who graduated high school 22 years ago, Fox said AGI offered a more accessible entry point than a four-year program. His goal is to graduate in 2026, then continue toward a bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree in horticultural science.

Fox’s academic journey is supported by the Sycamore Stipend Fund, a program designed to ease the financial burden for veterans pursuing agricultural education. The fund was established by Mary Harris Jasmine and her husband, Mark Jasmine, who were inspired by their family’s deep roots in both agriculture and military service. Jasmine’s grandfather founded Sycamore Dairy in Fayetteville in 1926, supplying milk to Fort Bragg during World War II. Her uncle, William S. Harris, was an NC State graduate and Army lieutenant who was killed in action in Normandy in 1944, never returning to run the family farm as planned.

“He was never able to return and take the reins of the family business and manage the farm,” Jasmine reflected. Although Sycamore Dairy ceased operations in 1989, the family’s legacy lives on through their commitment to education and veterans. Jasmine said she felt drawn to agriculture because of her heritage and was inspired to act after reading about the Soldiers to Agriculture program, a five-week course through N.C. Cooperative Extension that introduces veterans to agricultural careers. That inspiration led to the creation of the Sycamore Stipend Fund.

For Fox, the stipend arrived at a crucial time. After retiring, he faced a two-month gap before receiving his military pension. With no income and a family of six, finances were tight. The stipend allowed him to pay off debt, purchase essential school supplies like a new laptop, and manage the daily 120-mile commute to campus. “You worry about gas prices and car maintenance when driving 120 miles a day for a class,” he said. “But the Sycamore Stipend Fund has helped alleviate many financial concerns.”

Fox’s favorite place to study is the Fox Science Teaching Lab greenhouse, where he will also complete his summer internship. It’s a space that allows him to deepen his understanding of plant biology and explore the chemical processes behind plant growth. “I love to learn and listen to the instructors talk about one narrow aspect of a chemical process in a plant, then immerse myself in researching the topic,” he said. His curiosity and drive have flourished in the academic environment, where instructors like Extension Horticulture Specialist and Associate Professor Barbara Fair have made a strong impression. “She’s straightforward, knowledgeable and willing to go above and beyond,” Fox noted.

Support from AGI staff has also played a key role in Fox’s successful transition to student life. Kayla Howell, a student support specialist, helped him navigate the campus and prepare for the semester. AGI Director Lee Ivy surprised Fox by knowing his name when they met, a gesture that underscored the institute’s commitment to student well-being. These personal touches have made Fox’s experience at NC State both positive and encouraging.

Looking ahead, Fox envisions a future deeply rooted in plant science. He plans to pursue advanced degrees and work in NC State’s research greenhouses and laboratories. His ultimate goal is to contribute to plant breeding and horticultural research. “I plan to enter the four-year horticultural science program and then apply to the master’s program,” he said. “After graduating, I’ll seek employment at NC State because they have all the resources for my second career in plant breeding and research.”

Fox’s journey from military service to horticultural science illustrates how structured discipline and scientific curiosity can intersect in meaningful ways. His story also highlights the importance of financial support programs like the Sycamore Stipend Fund, which can make the difference between pursuing a dream and putting it on hold. “The Sycamore Stipend Fund offers a great opportunity for service members,” Fox said. “I completely changed my lifestyle, but my experience at NC State affirms my goals. I’m happy I returned to school to pursue my passions. It was the right choice.”

Read more at cals.ncsu.edu