Dean’s Medalist, Marine turns a new leaf at ASU West Valley

When Andrew Borseth signed up for Officer Candidate School, he never imagined it would eventually lead him back to a classroom at Arizona State University's West Valley campus.

After nine years of active-duty service as a U.S. Marine, including time as a ground electronic transmission systems maintainer and combat marksmanship trainer, Borseth earned a coveted spot in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, packed up his family and moved from North Dakota to Arizona to finish his degree.

A first-generation graduate, husband and father of two, he balanced schoolwork with military responsibilities, early-morning mentoring sessions with ASU’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit, and late-night study marathons after his children went to sleep.

As part of the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, he served as a mentor to future officers. In 2024, he helped coordinate ceremonial operations for the USS Arizona submarine launch, representing the university and the U.S. Marine Corps at a national level.

At ASU, he worked on independent research on military and political transitions in classical civilizations. Borseth’s capstone project, "A Promising Plan on Fragile Ground: U.S. Officials and Colombia’s Plan Lazo," showcased his ability to connect historical research with modern military and geopolitical contexts.

With support from New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences faculty, a scholarship through NROTC and a newfound love for classical and ancient history, Borseth completed his Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in classical civilization. He's also the Department of Naval Science’s fall 2025 Dean’s Medalist.

Here he shares more about his college journey.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: There wasn’t a single defining moment. I’d tried college before and initially studied psychology, but my heart wasn’t in it. When I came back to school I decided I wanted to commit to something I was passionate about. I’ve always loved history, and once I chose it, everything clicked.

Q: Why did you choose New College?

A: I chose New College because of the smaller-campus atmosphere. Class sizes are smaller, you get more one-on-one time with professors and staff, and it’s easier to build relationships with fellow students. That sense of community made a big difference for me.

Q: What’s something you learned while at New College that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: I didn’t expect to become so interested in classical and ancient Mediterranean history, things like ancient Greece, Rome and Persia. I took a course on Cyrus the Great and the way the professor taught it made the subject come alive.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at New College, and what was that lesson?

A: Professors like Matt Simonton and Julia Sarreal were huge influences. They taught me that history isn’t just dates and facts, it’s about perspective, analysis and understanding how events fit into a larger human story.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to someone considering applying for college?

A: Major in something you’re passionate about rather than chasing a paycheck. If you genuinely care about what you’re studying, you’ll be more motivated, the work will feel more meaningful and you’ll be excited to finish projects and papers.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I’ll return to the fleet and attend The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, then go where the corps sends me. Down the road I hope to earn a master’s and eventually a doctorate so I can teach history; that’s something I’m passionate about.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would like to support youth sports, especially in overlooked or underprivileged areas. I wholeheartedly believe that team sports are a vital tool in promoting a healthy lifestyle, teaching leadership skills and building confidence.

Q: Part of New College’s name is “New.” What does the word mean to you? Describe how you feel “new.”

A: "New” means a fresh start. My first attempt at college nine years ago didn’t go well because I lacked discipline. New College gave me a second chance, and I’ve done better than I ever thought I would.

Q: How do you think you embody ASU’s charter through your actions and experiences?

A: I’d point to inclusivity. As a “back-to-school” student who came back after a rough first attempt at college, New College offered a supportive environment that helped me succeed. Faculty, staff and campus resources made that possible.

Mariana Lozovanu and Megan Neely contributed to this article.