David Kenneweg first enrolled in ACC last fall.

David Kenneweg, a military retiree turned college student, discovered that smaller helps when you’re dreaming big.

After 25 years in the Navy, the former U.S. command master chief is enjoying Austin Community College as he studies for a management degree and a new career in human resources.

“At ACC classes are smaller, so it’s not overwhelming,” Kenneweg said recently, following his psychology class at the Cypress Creek Campus. “Plus, the instructors are very good, especially if you need one-on-one instruction.”

Kenneweg and his wife were living in San Diego, Calif., when they decided to relocate to the Austin area. “When I got out of the Navy I didn’t want to be anywhere close to the ocean,” he said, “and we were looking for a place that had nice people.”

The family moved to Cedar Park in 2005, but Kenneweg didn’t enroll in ACC until more than a year later. “I wish I had thought about ACC earlier,” he said. “I really enjoy it.”

His first class was Principles of Microeconomics, taught by James Hill.

“He was outstanding,” Kenneweg said. “And I was an instructor in the Navy, so it takes a lot to impress me.”

Kenneweg has been taking classes to transfer for a bachelor’s degree in management. He also plans to pursue a master’s degree.

Community colleges like ACC are an excellent choice for veterans, said Mark Harden, veterans affairs manager at ACC. “They’re more affordable than the majority of colleges and universities, so the veteran is able to better utilize his GI Bill dollar.”

The GI Bill provides college tuition assistance to eligible veterans, and ACC has seen a rising number of veterans enroll under the program, Harden noted. “If the trend continues, we’ll easily certify between 1,200 and 1,300 veterans for benefits this fall.”

Harden urges individuals to begin planning for college as soon as possible.

“Initiating the application process to ACC is the most beneficial thing a soon-to-be veteran can do to get his education going,” he said. “Applying for Montgomery GI Bill benefits online prior to arriving at ACC will also expedite the entitlement process.”