Back to the Classroom: How Austin Gilmore Found a New Path Through ETAP

Editor's Note: This story is the second in a UTA Libraries series featuring employees who are pursuing higher education through UTA's Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP).   

When Austin Gilmore graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in game and interactive media, he believed his days as a college student were over. 

Like many graduates, he was ready to begin the next chapter. Homework, exams, and research papers had been replaced with a full-time career, and he had no plans to return to the classroom. 

"I honestly did not see myself going back to school," Gilmore said. "After I finished my bachelor's degree, I thought I was done." 

That mindset changed after joining UTA Libraries as a web developer. 

While learning about employee benefits, Gilmore discovered the UTA's Employee Tuition Affordability Program (ETAP). The program provides eligible employees with tuition assistance to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as job-related coursework that supports both personal and professional growth. 

For Gilmore, it was an opportunity he hadn't expected. 

"It was a great benefit you really can't pass up," he said. "You basically get to go to school for free while pursuing your career. On top of that, you can build skills that help you later." 

Today, Gilmore is working toward a Master of Business Administration while continuing to oversee the Libraries' web initiatives. Looking back, he laughs at how quickly his plans changed. 

"My parents always wanted me to go back to school because education is important," he said. "I didn't see myself doing it until I came here and realized this was a benefit I should take advantage of." 

Returning to school after five years away wasn't without its challenges. 

The first surprise wasn't the assignments or the exams. It was the amount of reading. 

"The amount of reading was a shock," Gilmore said. "Graduate school is very different from undergrad. There's a lot more self-teaching. You have to learn outside the classroom." 

Adjusting to that environment took time. 

"There was a chapter every week in one class," he said. "That may not sound like much, but to me it felt like a lot. I had to force myself to get back into that habit." 

The experience taught him something he didn't expect about himself. 

"If you put your mind to it, you can do it," Gilmore said. "You can train yourself to do anything." 

That lesson has become the foundation of his graduate school experience. 

"The biggest challenge is really your mindset," he said. "Once you convince yourself you can do it, you'll find a way to get it done." 

Graduate school has also changed what life looks like after work. 

Before classes started, evenings were a time to relax. Now, homework comes first. 

"When school is in session, I get home and the first thing I do is homework," Gilmore said. "Then whatever downtime I have left, I try to enjoy it." 

Finding that balance between work, school and personal life has become one of the biggest adjustments. 

"It's really about managing your time wisely," he said. "Finding that balance is key." 

The skills he's developing extend beyond the classroom. 

Many MBA courses involve group projects, giving Gilmore opportunities to strengthen communication, collaboration and leadership skills that carry directly into his work at UTA Libraries. 

"As a web developer, I'm constantly meeting with people and working on projects," Gilmore said. "Graduate school has definitely helped me become a better communicator and work more effectively with teams." 

Gilmore is also quick to recognize the people who have helped him along the way. 

Support from coworkers, supervisors and the University has made balancing work and graduate school much more manageable. 

"The University encourages you to use ETAP, and the Libraries give you the flexibility to attend classes when needed," he said. "My coworkers and I talk about our classes, encourage each other and keep each other motivated." 

That encouragement continues at home. 

His fiancée has become the person who listens after long days of classes, assignments and deadlines. 

"I vent to her a lot," Gilmore said with a smile. "She's very supportive. Most of the time, she listens and reminds me that I wanted to go back to school." 

Looking ahead, Gilmore sees his MBA opening doors that combine business knowledge with his technology background. Just as meaningful, however, is something much more personal. 

Because he graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, he never had the opportunity to walk across the commencement stage and celebrate earning his bachelor's degree. 

This graduation will be different. 

"One of my biggest motivators is getting to walk across the stage," Gilmore said. "I didn't get that experience the first time, so I want to do it for myself." 

When asked what he would tell coworkers who are considering ETAP, his answer comes without hesitation. 

"Just do it," he said. "You don't have to commit to a full degree. You can take one class, earn a certificate or learn something you've always wanted to know. You're already in a learning environment, so take advantage of it." 

Looking back, Gilmore isn't sure graduate school would have happened without the program. 

"I don't think I would have done it," he said. "The financial support is huge, but I also need that structured learning environment. It keeps me accountable." 

His journey is proof that returning to school doesn't require perfect timing. It requires a willingness to take the first step. 

For employees who have wondered whether they can balance work, life and college, Gilmore hopes his experience answers that question with confidence. 

"It takes commitment," he said. "But if you put your mind to it, you really can do it." 

For UTA Libraries, stories like Gilmore's reflect something larger than earning another diploma. They reflect a culture that values learning at every stage of life and supports employees as they pursue new goals. Through ETAP, that commitment extends beyond the classroom, helping staff members invest in themselves while continuing to serve the University community every day.