Scott Rietvelt first came to NC State in 2003 as a political science major. A year later, his path changed. In 2004, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a cavalry scout and served on active duty until 2009. When he returned to NC State that fall, he quickly realized he was not yet prepared to step back into academia.

That same year, he began serving as a volunteer firefighter. Soon after, when the opportunity arose to begin a full-time career in the fire service, he took it.

More than a decade later, with encouragement from his captain, Rietvelt returned to his education. In 2021, he transferred credits to Wake Technical Community College and completed an associate’s degree. He was then readmitted to NC State, this time through the Leadership in the Public Sector program.

Now, Rietvelt is a graduate of NC State.

“Completing this degree has been a lifelong dream and process,” Rietvelt said. “I am exhilarated to have finished and shared the experience with my family.”

For Rietvelt, the degree represents more than the completion of academic requirements. It represents persistence, growth and the fulfillment of a goal that began more than 20 years ago. He is also proud that his children watched the process up close.

“I believe it has been beneficial for my kids to see and experience college life and the reward of working hard to better myself,” he said.

A Career Built on Service

Rietvelt’s leadership experience began early through Scouting, where he was first introduced to the idea of servant leadership. That foundation deepened during his time in the Army. As a sergeant, he learned to put others’ needs first. The lesson followed a simple principle: take care of the people around you, and they will take care of the mission.

“In the military, servant leadership was reinforced,” Rietvelt said. “As a sergeant, I was entrusted with ensuring the needs of those around me were met first.”

When Rietvelt moved into the fire service, that approach remained central to his leadership.

“If you take care of your firefighters, they will take care of you,” he said.

Since 2009, Rietvelt has served as a firefighter. Today, he is a captain at Garner Fire-Rescue, where he leads others in a profession shaped by trust, responsibility and shared commitment.

His years in the Army and fire service gave him practical leadership experience long before he returned to NC State. Through the Leadership in the Public Sector program, he was able to study leadership from the perspective of someone already practicing it every day.

Balancing Family, Work and School

Returning to college as an adult learner required discipline. Rietvelt balanced coursework while serving as a husband, father, fire captain and scout leader. He credits that balance to a strong support network.

“My wife understood my need and desire to finish my degree,” Rietvelt said. “My children found it exciting to visit campus, talk about my journey, and prepare for theirs.”

His department and colleagues also supported him along the way. When coursework required surveys, interviews or professional insight, they helped him complete assignments while connecting his studies to real-world public service. With that support, Rietvelt built schoolwork around a full schedule.

“With discipline and time management, I was able to complete my schoolwork around my schedule,” he said.

The flexibility of the program helped make the degree possible. It also allowed Rietvelt to remain active in his career, family and community while finishing what he started at NC State years earlier.

Growing as a Leader

Rietvelt entered the program with a strong servant leadership mindset. Through his coursework and professional experience, he began expanding that foundation into a transformational leadership approach.

“Evolving from a servant leadership role into a transformational leadership role has been exciting,” he said. “I believe that servanthood is the foundation for being a transformational leader.”

At this stage in his life and career, Rietvelt is focused on helping others grow. He wants to create opportunities for firefighters under his leadership to take ownership of their development and prepare for future leadership roles.

“I am focusing on providing opportunities for subordinates to grow and take ownership of their development, so that they may become the future leaders of the fire service,” he said. “I have found joy and satisfaction in this role.”

That focus reflects the throughline of Rietvelt’s career: service first, leadership through example and commitment to those around him.

Encouraging Others to Finish

For other adult learners, veterans or public service professionals considering a return to school, Rietvelt’s message is direct.

“I would encourage others to complete their education in whatever capacity it may be,” he said.

He believes adult learners bring valuable experience into the classroom, especially those whose careers have already required leadership, discipline and problem-solving.

“Their life experiences bring valuable perspectives to the classroom, and completing their education can open doors, strengthen their confidence, and demonstrate their resilience to those around them,” he said.

For Rietvelt, earning his degree closes a loop that began in 2003, paused for military service, shifted into the fire service and resumed through determination and support.

Now, as an NC State alumnus, Army veteran, fire captain, husband and father, he carries the experience forward in the same way he has approached leadership throughout his life: by serving others, creating opportunities and showing the people around him what persistence looks like.