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 eight years in the U.S. Army as a Field Artillery Officer, where I led large teams, managed high-value assets, and executed complex missions across multinational environments. I specialized in operational management, targeting, organizational leadership, and the testing and implementation of emerging technologies. My service included leading large- scale deployments, multinational exercises, and modernization efforts alongside U.S. and allied forces, while serving within the 25th Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). What I valued most was the opportunity to lead young Americans and help shape them not only as Soldiers, but as people. I am most proud of the lasting relationships I maintain with former Soldiers, NCOs, peers, mentors, and international partners.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
Mentorship is something I value deeply, and I hope to support other Vanderbilt students by sharing lessons from both my successes and failures throughout my military career. The values I want to emphasize most are accountability, discipline, and the willingness to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. I believe growth and resiliency come from taking ownership of your actions, consistently doing the work even when motivation is absent, and actively seeking experiences that challenge you. As a mentor, I hope to encourage others to embrace those challenges, learn from setbacks, and become more confident leaders and teammates.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
My studies at Vanderbilt will focus on Strategy and Operations, with an emphasis on how organizations make decisions, allocate resources, and execute complex initiatives. I plan to apply this knowledge in strategic initiatives and operations roles within the defense industry. My long-term goal is to help defense companies translate emerging technologies and business strategy into capabilities that directly improve outcomes for the warfighter. Ultimately, I hope to combine my military experience with my MBA education to help shape and implement solutions that strengthen U.S. military readiness and effectiveness.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program is an incredible opportunity that provides veterans with both financial support and a strong sense of community as they transition into a new and unfamiliar environment. Beyond the financial security, the program creates meaningful opportunities to mentor and serve others within Vanderbilt and the Nashville community. It also connects veterans from different branches, career fields, and backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the program. I would tell other veterans that Bass provides not only support during the transition to business school, but also a community and platform to continue serving and leading others.