From Marine to Wildcat — it is never too late to start again

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2025) — After serving 20 years in the U.S Marine Corps, Nick Lanier is now pursuing his degree in the Community and Leadership Development (CLD) program at the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Throughout his time in the military, Lanier has built an impressive resume of accomplishments, service and leadership.

He joined the Marine Corps in 2005 and was deployed as an infantryman to the Middle East. In 2010, Lanier became a drill instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina, then deployed to Okinawa, Japan, with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Lanier then had the honor of serving as the guard chief at Camp David from 2016-20. From there he served as a detachment commander protecting consulates in Lagos, Nigeria and Guangzhou, China.

Lanier and his family were relocated to Lexington from China through orders in 2022 to work in the reserve military police company. He retired from the service in 2025, and now his family calls Lexington their forever home and are planting their roots here.

“My family and I have been all over the world and fell in love with Kentucky because of the people, atmosphere and scenic landscape, so we decided to settle down here,” Lanier said. “My wife works at the university so when my retirement was coming up, I naturally wanted to pursue a degree from the University of Kentucky.”

Lanier said the CLD program felt like a natural fit for his aspirations after his time in the military.

“I chose CLD because it was a continuation of what I did in the Marine Corps to a certain extent,” Lanier said. “In the military you earn credits from the schools you attend as well as the profession you do. With those credits I was already 60% done with the CLD degree without ever stepping foot inside a classroom.”

While balancing his studies, Lanier works part-time at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, and is pursuing the Distillation, Wine, and Brewing Studies Certificate (DWBS) at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. His interest in the DWBS program grew out of a passion for Kentucky’s signature spirit.

“I love the bourbon industry and plan to continue working at Buffalo Trace after I graduate,” Lanier said. “UK's program gives me both the leadership knowledge and the technical understanding to grow within that field.”

Lanier says his coursework at UK is directly shaping how he approaches leadership at Buffalo Trace.

“The CLD program is all about understanding people and how to get the best productivity possible to achieve the company’s goals,” Lanier said. “That's something I use every day at work.”

Lanier has also utilized the UK Veterans Resource Center (VRC) throughout his academic journey.

“The VRC has been a huge help,” he said. “They walked me through the process of using my Gl Bill, helped me with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and even hosted events where I met other veterans in similar situations. It’s been great to connect with people who understand the transition from military to student life.”

Hollie Hinkle, academic advisor for the CLD program, said Lanier’s determination and openness have made him stand out as a student.

“He knew from day one he wanted to do the distillation, brewing and wine certificate,” Hinkle said. “Being a nontraditional student and being so open to any opportunities, he was all in and willing to put everything he has into his next career. He has already completed one career and is still so excited for this next chapter.”

After graduation, Lanier hopes to make his mark in Kentucky’s bourbon industry, applying what he’s learned in the CLD program. This industry combines all the things that made the Lanier family love Kentucky: its history, the people and its sense of pride.

Building on the discipline and teamwork he learned in the Marine Corps, he aims to contribute to the state’s signature spirit and the people who make it. His goal is to keep learning, connecting and leading in the community the Lanier family calls home.

Now, as a Marine-turned-Wildcat, Lanier encourages other veterans to take the leap into higher education.

“I would like other veterans to know it doesn't matter how old you are or how long you’ve been out of school. If I can do it, they can do it,” Lanier said.

To learn more about the UK Veterans Resource Center, visit: https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/veterans-resource-center. To learn more about the Community and Leadership Development at Martin-Gatton CAFE, visit https://cld.mgcafe.uky.edu.