Tell us about your military service. What did you do? Where did you serve? What do you value the most about your military service?
I commissioned as a Military Police Officer from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, TN in 2016. Throughout my 9.5 years in the Army, I served in a multitude of positions across the Military Police Corps’ three disciplines: Combat Support, Law Enforcement, and Corrections. I started my career at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, then Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, culminating at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. What I valued most about my time in the military was my time as a Company Commander as it allowed me many opportunities to coach and mentor junior leaders and Soldiers through their personal or professional goals.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
I think mentorship is something we can never outgrow or outperform. It’s something that can be beneficial no matter what stage of life we are in. I think leveraging the experiences and lessons learned I gained through my time in the military is inherently an extension of my service. I hope to impart my leadership qualities as well as my selfless service to reinforce the collective effort to helping each other grow.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
I plan to focus on Healthcare, Strategy, and Operations. I plan to use this knowledge combined with my leadership experience to pursue a career in the fast-growing healthcare industry. Healthcare is an industry I have always been passionate about as it allows for my personal values of always helping others. My ultimate goal is to end up in the Cardiovascular Medical Device field.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that allows veterans to join a community committed to giving back to the community while also building the foundation for this new chapter of life. BMSP was a key reason behind my decision to attend Vanderbilt University. The connections and camaraderie found in the program are similar to those many veterans miss from their time in service. Any veteran looking to continue their education at Vanderbilt must apply to become a Bass Military Scholar.
Beyond your role as a Bass Military Scholar and Vanderbilt student, in what ways do you give back, support others, and engage with your community?
- Member, Armed Forces Club (Owen)