Michael Allard
I enjoyed the diversity of backgrounds of both my professors and fellow students, which allowed me to really expand my breadth of understanding outside of the military.
Q: “Tell us a bit about yourself, Michael.”
A: "I am an active duty army officer currently stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. I am married with two daughters. In my free time, I enjoy watching baseball, reading, and riding horses."
Q: “What is your current employer?”
A: "I am a Major in the US Army. I am a former Armor Officer and Logistics Officer and now serving as a Functional Area 57 officer (Simulations and Knowledge Management). Currently, I am the plans officer for an Army sustainment brigade focused on planning and coordinating training and operational events three to 12 months in the future."
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: "I decided to pursue this degree for professional development. After being exposed to the study of leadership while at the Command and General Staff College, my interest in the field increased. I had been researching master’s degrees for a while but had not found anything that had interested me personally and provided the professional development that I wanted from the degree."
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: "I began my undergraduate studies at Norwich. Being from Vermont, I have known about Norwich as an institution for a long while. I decided to choose Norwich for my graduate degree because it provided the program I was looking for and required the residency to complete the degree. I wanted an online degree program that provided the academic rigor I was looking for."
Q: “What makes Norwich unique?”
A: "I think that the method in which the program is provided is what makes it truly unique. The online courses fit very easily into my daily routine without sacrificing the learning. I enjoyed the diversity of backgrounds of both my professors and fellow students, which allowed me to really expand my breadth of understanding outside of the military."
Q: “Please describe any memorable experiences with faculty members or members of your cohort.”
A: "I think the most memorable experience was in the first course. I had turned in the first assignment and not performed up to a graduate level of quality. My professor made it a point to conduct an hour-long video conference with me to go over the paper and help me to understand what was expected at this level of study. That meeting allowed me to really understand what I had started and what would be expected of me and is responsible for my improved performance from that point on."
Q: “How have you developed professionally as a result of your education?”
A: "I am a better leader and a better person. The study of leadership through this program has helped me develop a greater level of self and social awareness both at work and home, which makes my ability to interact with others more effective. Professionally, I am more confident in my abilities and better able to mentor peers and subordinates on personal and professional goals."
