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McGeorge’s flexible master’s program opens the doors to military members
Katherine Moreno ‘28
Staff Sergeant Katherine Moreno ‘28 utilizes the flexibility of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law master’s program to complete her degree while remaining on active duty.
Katherine Moreno ‘28 grew up in Long Island, New York until she was 10. Her family then moved to Austin, Texas, where she later attended the University of Texas, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare studies and a minor in exercise studies. Also earning an associate of science degree from Richmond College. In 2019, Moreno enlisted in the U.S. Army, Texas National Guard.
Now, Staff Sgt. Moreno is attending the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, pursuing her Master of Public Policy (MPP) as she transfers to the California National Guard and takes on a new role as an 87 Delta, a paralegal in the U.S. Army.
“I wanted to challenge myself mentally and physically. I also wanted to find a way to help others, but being a first-generation student, I didn’t know how to. But I knew joining the U.S. Army would be the biggest challenge,” Moreno said.
In the U.S. Army, Texas National Guard, Moreno worked as a 68 Juliet in medical logistics, where she oversaw all medical logistics operations during Operation Lone Star and maintained medical readiness and compliance. Operation Lone Star was a military mission that prioritized security across the Texas-Mexico border.
In February, Moreno was awarded the Adjutant General’s Individual Award by the State of Texas for Distinguished Meritorious Achievement and Outstanding Service in maintaining compliance mandated by the State and accurate medical readiness for 2 years.
“I feel very challenged because it’ll be new terminology, a new field,” Moreno said. “I’ve been in healthcare since before graduation, so for years now. And so being a paralegal will be challenging. I’m a little scared, but I got the seat that means I can do it and achieve it through hard work.”
Moreno has been activated for missions since enlisting, including the Civil Disturbance mission when rioting broke out at the Texas Capitol, the 59th presidential inauguration in 2021, and twice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to do more than be the boots on the ground, a person helping. I want to be the person that will advocate for the future situations that arise in the community or even in the military,” Moreno said. “So really getting that knowledge, skills, and experience on what it takes to be in public policy, not just public service.”
Moreno stands in front of a Capital Center for Law and Policy sign at Capital Tours and Cocktail Mixers, an annual event McGeorge School of Law hosts.
McGeorge's MPP Program features a hybrid learning model, combining flexible online coursework with in-person Saturday classes for faculty and peer interaction. Moreno mentioned that she was thankful for the program’s flexibility, allowing her to remain an active-duty military member while being enrolled in classes.
In combination with the program’s flexibility, Moreno is using University scholarships and benefits from the GI Bill, a federal program that provides education, housing, and other benefits to military veterans, to fund her continued education.
McGeorge School of Law is a certified Yellow Ribbon institution that provides extra tuition and fee assistance for eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents using their GI Bill benefits.
“I’m enjoying the program at 100%,” Moreno said. “Being able to learn about the law, the hierarchy of law, and the history of law, it’s amazing. I feel like there’s still so much more knowledge that I need to gain, especially coming from healthcare, but I’m really enjoying the program.”
A group of MPX students, including Associate Professor of Public Policy Charles Kaye-Essien, Director of the Public Policy Programs Brandon Philips, and Moreno, pose for a photo at Sacramento's Capitol.
McGeorge has a dedicated space, called the Military and Veteran Student Center, which is located on the second floor of the Student Center on campus.
McGeorge is also home to a Military Law Society (MLS), which is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for military-serving students.
Students in MLS can gain insight into the legal aspects of military service, work in community engagement through volunteer work with veteran organizations, and provide resources and networking opportunities.
