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 8 years in the Army as a Military Police Officer and was fortunate enough to serve in multiple duty
positions, my favorite was Company Command. I was posted at Joint-Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), WA and most recently at
Fort Campbell, KY. There’s so much I value from my military service, but I believe the opportunities to learn– about people,
leadership, and yourself–are an the most invaluable product of military service.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
I believe my time in the Army greatly contributed to my respect for mentoring. Most of the leadership positions I held
in the Army were structured with inherent mentoring by Soldiers who had a lot more experience in the military or with
formal mentorship programs. The dedication to mentorship that I experienced and gave in the military is something I am
looking forward to continuing while at Vanderbilt. Throughout my MBA experience I want to impart on my classmates the
importance of authenticity in leadership.
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 still considering the many options offered at Owen, however I think I’m currently interested in the healthcare and the
human organizational performance concentrations. I plan to use what I learn during business school to help me pivot into a
career with a local (to Nashville) employer.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
I would share with other veterans that the Bass Military Scholars Program provides a sense of community and purpose during
transition from military to civilian life, something that most transitioning veterans feel they are losing as they exit the military.
The sense of purpose is inherent in the service activities desired of Bass Scholars to interact with the Vanderbilt community
and share our unique military experiences. I would also say that the BMSP provides a wealth of knowledge regarding
resources that are available to veterans during and after transition.