Donald Gray
"I expected to be challenged academically, and the curriculum met that expectation! My professors were excellent and pushed me to develop."
Q: "Tell us about yourself: your family, friends, interests, and hobbies."
A: "I live in Maine with my wife and toddler. We enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and spending time outdoors. In the winter, we ski; in the summer, we head to the beach, the lake, or the hiking trails."
Q: "Describe your professional background prior to enrolling, what motivated you to pursue this degree, and your long-term career goals."
A: "I spent nearly seven years as an officer in the U.S. Army. My active-duty time culminated with a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan. I then transitioned to the Maine Army National Guard and worked as a police officer for various agencies across Maine. I now work for the Maine Army National Guard full-time, as a military technician. I have been a student of leadership since high school, so returning to my Alma Mater to pursue a graduate degree in leadership was an easy choice. I knew that a Master’s Science in Leadership would help me become a better leader for my team and my organization, especially as I progress to positions of increased responsibility."
Q: "How have you applied what you learned in your role, and how has this degree impacted your career growth or direction?"
A: "I use what I have learned every single day. The curriculum developed my ability to meet leadership challenges with more empathy and detach from the immediate problems to see the bigger picture."
Q: "What will stay with you most from your Norwich experience, and what advice would you give to prospective students?"
A: "My experience in Hamburg, Germany, while taking the Global Strategic Seminar will stay with me for the rest of my life. My advice to prospective students is to take the leap. There is never an ideal time to pursue a master's degree. If I was able to do it, while juggling a career, new parenthood, and professional military education, anyone can do it!"
Q: "Why did you choose Norwich University Online? What influenced your decision to pursue an online program, and which aspects of the online learning experience proved most beneficial to you?"
A: "I received my undergraduate degree from Norwich University in 2010. I knew the quality of education that I would receive, and Norwich was very accommodating to my hectic schedule as a new parent and service member. The Global Strategic Seminar, which included one week in Hamburg, Germany, was the most beneficial experience within my curriculum. It broadened the aperture of my leadership perspective, gave me a deeper appreciation for leadership that is rooted in democratic values, and increased my cultural acumen through collaboration with German students at Helmut Schmidt University."
Q: "What were your expectations before starting the program? How did your experience compare, and what aspects stood out most to you?"
A: "I expected to be challenged academically, and the curriculum met that expectation! My professors were excellent and pushed me to develop. I feel like I earned my degree and learned things about leadership that I could not have learned anywhere else."
Learn More About Leadership @ Norwich
