After serving his country, building a career in public service and overcoming significant health challenges, Norton, Ohio, resident Jim Pekarek is proving that pursuing a dream is always worth it.

Jim spent much of his life serving others. Now, as a non-traditional student in The University of Akron (UA)'s College of Business, he is investing in himself by working toward an accounting degree and a new career.

A dream revisited

Pekarek first attended UA in the early 1990s, initially planning to study accounting and become a certified public accountant. He later switched to criminal justice to pursue a career in federal law enforcement.

After earning an associate degree in criminal justice technologies in 2001, Jim continued his education while serving as a military police officer in the Air National Guard. He volunteered for deployments, including a 1999 deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch, and received several military decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, his unit supported Operation Noble Eagle. Serious health challenges led to his honorable medical discharge in 2005.

Pekarek returned to UA in 2007 and earned a bachelor's degree in political science with minors in pre-law and international politics. He then spent 25 years with the U.S. Postal Service, advancing from customer service supervisor to safety specialist before retiring on disability in 2021.

After two years of retirement, Pekarek realized he still had more to give. With encouragement and support from his family and friends, he decided to revisit his interest in accounting.

Pekarek’s best friend reminded Pekarek of the advice he had often given others: It is never too late to return to school. That encouragement helped Pekarek take the next step.

In March 2024, Pekarek contacted the College of Business. With guidance from College of Business academic advisor Caroline Tuesday, and support from fraternity brother Greg Landis, who is a senior associate director of admissions at UA, Pekarek enrolled for fall 2024.

Turning experience into opportunity

Returning to college brought uncertainty, including questions about how employers would view his age and professional background. But Pekarek’s commitment to career development has helped him build confidence and connections.

Pekarek credits UA's Career Services and Student Employment team for helping him prepare for the job market. He has participated in resume reviews, mock interviews, job-search appointments, Suit-Up Week sessions, career fairs and employer recruiting events.

“The team genuinely invested time in helping me present my years of professional experience in a way that employers would understand and value,” he said.

In spring 2026, Pekarek completed an internship with The J.M. Smucker Co. in its indirect tax department, gaining hands-on experience with sales and use tax in a manufacturing environment.

“I have always enjoyed accounting and tax work, and I find tax law fascinating,” said Pekarek.

Smucker invited him back for a part-time internship in fall 2026.

Pekarek encourages students to take advantage of career services, recruiting events and professional organizations to build their networks and gain experience beyond the classroom.

Leading by example

Pekarek’s  commitment to service extends beyond his military and professional careers. He remains active in the Norton community through the City Council, currently serving on the Board of Building and Zoning. He previously served on the Road Committee and chaired the Charter Review Committee in 2008.

His decision to return to college was also inspired by his son.. Pekarek wanted to demonstrate that setbacks do not define the future and that it is never too late to pursue a goal.

“I wanted to show my son that if I could do it, so could he,” Pekarek said.

While he currently works toward completing his bachelor’s degree in accounting, he’ll also begin taking dual-credit courses through the School of Accountancy’s combined Master of Taxation program.

His commitment to professional growth was further recognized this fall with his induction into the University’s Delta Sigma Pi - Theta Kappa chapter, a professional business fraternity that emphasizes professional development, service and principled leadership.

Looking ahead, Pekarek hopes to pursue forensic accounting and eventually return to The University of Akron College of Business as a faculty member.

For Pekarek, returning to college is about more than changing careers. It is an opportunity to keep learning, pursue new ambitions and show his son that it is never too late to achieve a dream.