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 served as an infantryman and noncommissioned officer during my time in the United States Army. The duration of my active-duty service was spent within the 75th Ranger Regiment, specifically with 2nd Ranger Battalion located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. During my time in special operations, I deployed to combat in support of Operation Inherent Resolve three times, in roles ranging from Carl Gustave gunner to Ranger squad leader. I am extremely grateful for the experiences that my service provided on a global scale, as well as for the leadership and problem-solving traits attained that were expected of all members within the Ranger Regiment. The vast cultural and geographic exposure is an aspect of service that I greatly value, and I firmly believe that this empathy and understanding will aid in my transition into the civilian sector.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
Serving in special operations provided me with the opportunity to work both for and alongside some of the most experienced and respectable soldiers in our military. Now, as I transition away from active-duty service and into the graduate school environment, I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to serve as a mentor both within my Vanderbilt and greater Nashville communities. The culminating experience from my time in the Army was undoubtedly the privilege of deploying as a Ranger squad leader, charged with developing and guiding eight fellow Rangers in both personal and professional capacities. Values from my service that I am most eager to share as a mentor are that of humility, effective communication, and empathy.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
While pursuing my MBA at Owen, I plan to focus my studies on strategy and operations. I am confident that the learning experiences provided through this program will aid me in developing my overall understanding of these core topics and ultimately offering significant value to prospective organizations in the management/strategy consulting field. In the long-term, I am also excited to pursue opportunities in the non-profit space, specifically working with combat veterans who battle post-traumatic stress and/or other combat-related injuries.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
Throughout my exposure to Vanderbilt thus far, I am extremely encouraged by the unique and welcoming community that the university provides to individuals of all backgrounds. Additionally, the network and service opportunities provided to veterans specifically through the Bass Military Scholars program allow for continuous application of one’s passion for serving others and making a positive impact. I would encourage all veterans who are considering a graduate program offered by Vanderbilt to research this opportunity, apply, and ultimately never stop looking for ways to continue pursuing service in new avenues.