At the cool, hip age of 65 years old, Bill Mulligan actively commits his life to serving others around his community of Las Vegas, Nevada. Having just completed his undergraduate Certificate in Church Leadership: Foundations, Bill has a goal in mind that encompasses more than just being a chaplain or servant leader. He aims to accomplish his vocational calling of being an ordained minister while simultaneously working as the Senior Vice President of Impact Companies. Hoping to inspire more adult leaders to advance their education, Bill stands firm in his belief that “you’re never too old to do another thing in your life. If God calls you to do something, you should do it.” 

Working 9 to 5

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bill would be the first to tell you that life was not all roses. Having been raised in a chaotic environment, he and his family went through a few rough patches throughout his childhood and into his teenage years, including moving across the country to Arizona and having to visit his father in jail from time to time. Needless to say, he didn’t get the picture-perfect childhood some have the chance to receive. He had to get to work and make a living on his own. 

“My childhood wasn’t necessarily the easiest,” Bill said. “But, it definitely made me stronger and I truly believe that God was keeping me His path the whole time.” 

At 15 years old, Bill began working at Marriott hotels as a dishwasher, waiting to see what life was going to be like in the next few years. However, call it God or his own spirit, but he had to move on. In a short period, his work ethic began to shine and he was quickly promoted, allowing him to move up the chain of command into various roles and positions within the hotel and hospitality industry. By the late 1990s. Bill was named the Director of Food & Beverage for Marriott International, a high achievement for someone with little to no formal education. Still, though, he pushed forward hoping to see where his skill set would take him next. 

Fast forward a few years later, and he received another opportunity. Only this time, it would merge his passion for service and community building. Hearing about the chance to work with contractors and builders across the Las Vegas area, Bill began co-developing a new venture: Impact Companies, a consortium that provides recruiting, accounting, and other business services in the mining, construction, and land development industries, using Las Vegas-based companies. Serving as the Vice President, and later Senior Vice President, Bill has poured his heart into building a company that excels and motivates workers to achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their past. 

“My time with Impact Companies has been so life-giving,” Bill said. “I have worked with so many types of people and businesses that are interested in building our Las Vegas community, just like me. This job, like all the others I’ve held over the years, has been such a blessing.” 

Serving and Growing, Now in School

Bill wouldn’t be ‘Bill’ if change was not on his mind. Looking to maybe start a third career, he kept wondering what God had in store for him if he pursued a degree. How far would he be able to go? And, most importantly, would his age matter? Searching for a way to continue to serve, he stumbled upon ACU Online. One click led to another, and there it was: a Certificate in Church Leadership: Foundations. Reading about what the certificate would offer him, Bill thought this would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about ministry and leading others toward Jesus. 

“I just saw it and thought ‘Wow, this is exactly what I want to do,’” Bill said. 

After speaking with his advisor and program director, Bill enrolled. Enthusiastic and excited to see how far he’ll take this certificate, he says he is already considering taking the second component of the certificate, Church Leadership: Praxis. Understanding the importance of learning Biblical interpretation tools and practices, Bill is determined to enhance his knowledge of the Scripture to lead others closer to Christ. Knowing full well he is seen as ‘one of the older guys’ in his classes, Bill says he is honored to even have the chance to learn under ACU Online’s professors, including Dr. Tiffany Dalhman. 

“This is the place for me,” Bill said. “I see it like this, it doesn’t matter how old you are. You always have the opportunity to go back to school and learn what your younger self wished it could. Age doesn’t matter – just go for it.” 

Do you have a desire to learn more about God’s word but can’t quite commit to a full-time degree? Check out our wonderful undergraduate certificates focused on Biblical teachings and leadership. Learn more on our website today!