“I’m building a future that honors the sacrifices of my wife, Christy—my cornerstone—and creates a legacy of education, ownership, and service for my children.” – Anthony Primm, ACC Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity student
For Anthony Primm, the journey to Austin Community College District (ACC) was shaped by generations of perseverance and a drive to turn adversity into opportunity.
“My story starts with my grandfather. Like many others seeking opportunity, he ventured out to California, where he joined and served in the U.S. Army. After his service, he became a bus driver and later a real estate agent, eventually building a portfolio of eight properties in what would later become Silicon Valley.”
That foundation would carry Anthony through some of life’s most difficult chapters.
“The first seven years of my life were spent on the streets. I remember begging for food—or stealing it when I had to. My grandmother did what she could, sending boxes filled with food—steaks, vegetables—but my mother would sell them for money.”
Eventually, his aunt Karen stepped in and adopted Anthony and his siblings, changing the course of his life.
“After the adoption, I lived a life I never could’ve imagined. Having three meals a day and a roof over my head would have been enough, but we had so much more: private piano lessons, sports, school events.”
While he experienced more comfort in life, Anthony still carried the weight of his past.
“I carried a chip on my shoulder. I felt like the world owed me something because of what I’d been through. I had a sharp mind but a bad attitude.”
Still, he channeled that intensity into learning—and accelerated through high school, graduating at just 15 through an alternative program. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, following in the footsteps of every man in his family before him.
“My adoptive father (Uncle Al) taught me how a man should live and the importance of integrity. In the military, my love for learning led me to explore several fields. I trained as an Abrams tank mechanic and later became a combat medic, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. I also supported Special Forces operations. Unfortunately, a spinal injury would cut my military career short—but it also opened the door to a new one.”
While a spinal injury ended his military career early, it opened the door for his next phase in life. The next chapter included launching a business, raising a family of six children, and committing himself to lifelong learning.
“After exiting the military and launching a business, I realized that formal education could both sharpen my technical skills and position me for leadership roles in the private sector. I wanted my kids to see that it’s never too late to bet on yourself.”
This is where ACC comes in.
“As a 100% permanently disabled veteran, Texas provides free tuition benefits. ACC offered both affordability and a strong cybersecurity program, flexible scheduling, and a supportive community—ideal for someone balancing school, business, and family.”
At 36, Anthony is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and expects to graduate in 2026. Through the support from faculty and staff, Anthony found the belonging and connection he needed to succeed.
“Professor Dan Schmidt was instrumental in helping me navigate my course load and refine my technical knowledge. The Veterans Affairs staff also deserves credit for making the college experience accessible and positive. Professor Fred Lover has been an invaluable resource and wealth of knowledge as well.”
Today, Anthony is the Chief Operating Officer of Black Tower Consulting Group, a cybersecurity and compliance firm he co-founded with his wife. Together, they’re building a mission-driven company that safeguards critical infrastructure and creates generational value.
“Cybersecurity aligns with both my military background and my entrepreneurial goals. It allows me to protect what matters—people, systems, and information—while also building a business that creates generational value.”
Next up? Completing his degree, enrolling in ACC’s Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity. He plans to pursue a graduate program focused on leadership or mergers and acquisitions.
His advice to those wondering if it’s their time: “Start. Whether you’re 18 or 58, the right time is when you decide to take yourself seriously. Use every resource, show up, and keep your ‘why’ in front of you.”
It’s Your Time to start this fall at ACC. For more information, visit austincc.edu/fall.