Picture of Will Hodge

Will Hodge

United States Army
MBA Candidate, Class of 2024
Owen Graduate School of Management

“I am eager to share my experiences with my peers and undergraduates while also hearing their stories.”


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 artillery officer in the US Army from 2016 to 2022. During that time, I served in Fort Richardson, Alaska, eastern Afghanistan, Charleston, West Virginia, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. My duties included serving as a fire direction officer, platoon leader, fire support officer, assistant professor of military science, and operations officer. I am deeply grateful for my time in the military; the privilege to serve my country alongside remarkable men and women in challenging circumstances was a unique opportunity that I will always cherish.


What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?

I am eager to share my experiences with my peers and undergraduates while also hearing their stories. I view my role as explaining the importance of self-discipline, dedication to service, and the importance of tying organization members together under a shared goal and purpose.


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 intend to focus on operations and strategy during my time at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management. This focus will help me achieve my professional and personal goals. Professionally, I want to work in project management and find effective ways to achieve company goals without causing burnout in employees. Personally, I want to contribute in a meaningful way to my community by volunteering my time and expertise.


What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?

The Bass Military Scholars Program is an amazing opportunity even without accounting for the financial assistance it provides. The opportunity to connect with fellow veterans before even starting school has been invaluable in my transition, and the opportunity to work frequently with talented and driven individuals has inspired me to find more ways to serve my community and university.