Marine veteran, cancer survivor earns bachelor’s in special education through Liberty

>>This month, Liberty University celebrates over 32,000 graduates who are ready to impact the world as Champions for Christ. Follow Liberty News for full Commencement coverage and more stories of trial and triumph from the Class of 2026.

From serving over 25 years as a U.S. Marine to surviving cancer twice, Liberty University graduate James Baum (’18, ’26) is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Baum, a member of the Class of 2026 who recently earned his bachelor’s in special education, said he originally felt called to pursue higher education in 2016 after his first diagnosis with thyroid cancer. Life had become overwhelming, as he battled cancer while trying to juggle a career as an active-duty Marine, serve as a volunteer firefighter, and raise two sons with autism. It was time for a change.

“I’ve always liked the education aspect of training, teaching, or mentoring,” Baum said, noting he had previously taught at Marine job schools and was a drill instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. “The special education was a bonus to help me better understand my sons.”

As a young Christian, Baum knew he wanted to enroll somewhere where he could also grow in his faith. Liberty University Online Programs provided the best of both worlds. He could study from his home, and the program’s eight-week courses gave him the further flexibility he needed with his schedule. The classes, all taught from a Christian worldview, helped him remain grounded throughout his health struggles.

“(Liberty gave me) a good basic foundation in some of my earlier Bible and theology classes,” he said. “That gave me a better understanding of how to do my own Bible studies, which I found super helpful. The whole time I was battling cancer, my faith never wavered.”

“The professors were so understanding and so supportive and praying for me, I was so blessed throughout my education experience with Liberty,” he added.

Through his cancer diagnosis, Baum said his faith in Christ and discipline he built as a Marine gave him the motivation he needed to continue his education.

He graduated with his associate degree in education in 2018 and began work on a bachelor’s degree. This included completing classwork from a military base while deployed in Iraq 2018-19. In 2021, Baum’s cancer returned with a vengeance and wrapped around his vocal cords. Undeterred, he continued to fight with help from the USSOCOM Warrior Care Program, which paid for his wife’s family members to move to the area to help care for their children, allowing her to focus her attention on Baum’s care.

“I went through that program when I was battling cancer my second time. My recovery care coordinator had a huge impact on me and just went above and beyond ensuring my family was cared for,” he said. “That was such a huge blessing for us because it gave my wife the peace of mind to be able to focus on helping me.”

After beating cancer for a second time, Baum continued his studies while still serving as a full-time Marine.

Baum retired from the Marines in 2024 and briefly worked as an exceptional child aid in a public school special needs classroom. In 2026, he accepted a position as a recovery care coordinator for the USSOCOM Warrior Care Program, the same program that had helped him and his family through his battle with cancer. He finds fulfillment in helping service members find the same support and care he did years ago.

Baum, who lives in Tampa, Fla., said he hasn’t stopped here. He recently enrolled in Liberty’s Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and hopes his story of perseverance continues to serve as a testament to God’s power in his life.

“There is a feeling of accomplishment of ‘I did this.’ I was able to accomplish this degree because God gave me the discipline and willpower to push through it,” he said. “It’s a good example for my children.”

Liberty will honor its more than 8,000 military-affiliated graduates in the Class of 2026, including over 2,500 active-duty service members, at the 14th annual Military Graduation Recognition Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Watch the event live.