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 Active-Duty Marine for eight years as a Ground Supply Officer. I began my time in Camp Pendleton, CA, serving with the 9th Communication Battalion. I had the opportunity to deploy as an Independent Augment to the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, specifically with the Marine Advisor Group in Iraq. After returning to the US, I spent four years with Recruiting Station Nashville, serving as both the Operations Officer and Executive Officer.
Serving on recruiting duty forced me to reconcile with the realization that I had a personal responsibility to safeguard the history of the Marine Corps and secure its future by finding the most highly qualified men and women to serve within its ranks. I have traveled to hundreds of different cities within the states of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, and seen firsthand the youth within our nation that have the propensity to lead but lack the confidence and support to take that first step towards a challenge. I am passionate about continuing to develop resiliency, strong moral character, and foundational leadership traits within our youth. Providing students with a tangible path to transform their futures, experience the esprit de corps all Marines know and love and to continue this legacy of returning outstanding citizens to our local communities is what I’ve value most over my eight-year career as a United States Marine.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
I want to create an experiential environment for my fellow Vanderbilt students to bridge the gap and offer a space for curiosity. While our individual experiences are unique, our goal remains simple: to serve. Post military service, we aim to support our civilian counterparts, learn about their backgrounds, and collaborate to find innovative ways to serve our communities. I want to show my Vanderbilt peers how the Marine Corps’ leadership principles and traits can be applied immediately in their own lives. Our values of honor, courage, and commitment go beyond military service and can be embraced in all workplaces. I believe I can share this message with Vanderbilt students. Military and civilian partnerships only strengthen our teams, broaden our perspectives, and improve our capabilities.
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 am studying for my Master of Business Administration, focusing on strategy, operations, and analytics. I came to Owen to hone my skills and make myself a more dynamic prospect in the workplace. Combining the leadership skills acquired from active-duty service and the technical acumen from the classes at Owen is critical to entering the workplace as a young professional.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program is an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap as you transition to civilian life. It offers a chance to dive in headfirst into a community and continue serving others. As a team captain, platoon leader, victim advocate, church volunteer, and youth coach, my goal has always been to foster genuine connections with others and to forge a path for the next generation. The Bass Military Scholarship Program allows me to continue that goal.
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?
- Women in Business Association Leadership at Owen
- Mentor, The Travis Manion Foundation
- Marine Corps Reserves with RS Nashville