Alba Cook

To our Bass Military Scholars Program Family, This is our first attempt at an Alumni Newsletter, and we would very much welcome feedback so we can adjust to sharing what you are interested in hearing about, so please reach out and let us know. Photo: Anne Rayner These are… Read More

After working on small teams in the U.S. Army Special Forces, I learned that good self-care practices are a critical part of being a productive team member. On the team we often pride ourselves on our quiet professionalism and mission focus; It is a competitive environment that channels intense planning, preparation and grit into success. As a former detachment commander was fond of saying: “We are a results-driven organization.” Read More

When the spring semester ends, many students will graduate. Students “graduate” when they successfully complete some course of study or training. Congratulations are in order for students who have worked hard to finish their courses and earn their degrees. But to graduate is not only to be finished and done… Read More

Empathetic leaders are the best leaders. Having, mastering, and utilizing empathy has a major impact on workplace environments, teams, and individuals. Many are quick to dismiss empathy as a soft skill that is unnecessary in the military. But empathy means that you can understand and appreciate the needs of others, and at its core, leadership is, ultimately, about others. Inspiring others to meet and exceed the mission, to take actions beyond their capabilities, and to work together as a team all rely on a foundation of empathy. Read More

If anyone is feeling particularly at home in the ambiguity of a pandemic these days, it’s the military.  Soldiers have learned to comfortably exist, if not thrive, in uncertainty.  Will my orders come through? Am I coming home this week?  Will I get staff duty on Christmas? AND be in… Read More

For the past eight years, I did not fully appreciate the significance of Veterans Day. Sure, I participated in Veteran’s Day events, spoke about the importance of reflection, and appreciated the increased volume of “thank you for your service” comments I received. But to be completely honest, Veterans Day for… Read More

If there is one thing I was certain of while I was in the Army, it was uncertainty.  I never liked this aspect of the military and neither did my wife. Upon reflection, I was reminded that being able to thrive in uncertainty is what makes our Army the greatest… Read More

This interactive panel explores everyday practices for self-improvement and best practices for preparing to transition into a leadership role. Key themes addressed are:Traits and skills to be more effectively lead others.How to transition into an already established team or organization.Balancing self-confidence and self-awareness.Leveraging your strengths vs. improving your weaknesses. What… Read More

The panel of female scholars representing the U.S. Army, Navy, and Tennessee National Guard share their experiences as female leaders in the military. Read More

In collaboration with the Graduate Leadership Institute, Bass Military Scholars, explore how different combinations of experience and authority can affect leadership strategy and team performance. Key themes addressed are listed below:Recognizing the difference between experience and authority.Identifying and leveraging informal leaders in an organization.Strategies to make an impact and… Read More

Tuesday night cooking dinner and I hear the light ring of my phone telling me I have an email waiting. It’s late and we’re watching the news reports roll in about COVID spreading across the US, however it doesn’t cross my mind that when I left law school today that… Read More

I hated routines. It seemed like a lazy and ineffective way to go through life. I preferred the idea of being mentally agile and seizing opportunities that pop up – without having to break myself loose from a physical routine or a frame of mind. As a pilot and commander… Read More

I will be a state champion. These are the words I had written and posted in my room as a high school senior. When I had downtime in class, I scribbled the sentence on notepads as a constant reminder of the goal I had set. The realm of athletics first introduced me to the power and necessity of goal setting. Luckily, school had always come fairly easy for me, but the sport of wrestling humbled me in ways I had not experienced in my young life. As a fourth grader, it forced me to learn new techniques and find value in improvement over winning. In middle and early high school, the sport demanded that I assess my strengths and weaknesses as the level of competition grew. Read More

As the SCUBA diving officer and safety swimmer aboard my submarine, I was the last person topside and responsible for closing the forward hatch for the final time until our crew resurfaced weeks (or sometimes months) later. I would check the area for debris, wipe down the seal, and watch… Read More

Stress can make life feel like a war zone but with successful stress management skills, you can with the battle! Bass Scholars recently met to discuss stress management skills that helped them navigate the rigors of military training and how you can apply them to your life. Read More