Craig Kuphall 

Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management

“Consummate team player who is humble, energetic, and determined to make a difference.”

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Fun Fact About Yourself: I tried out for the Marquette Basketball team four years in a row, finally making the team my senior year.

Undergraduate School and Major: Marquette University – Political Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: US Army – Special Operations Aviation Officer

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Leading soldiers in combat. I was fortunate to command a company of AH-64D Apache pilots and crew chiefs in Afghanistan. They were phenomenal men and women from all walks of life that fully committed themselves to the mission and each other. It was an experience I will never forget.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Driven. Even from short conversations, I quickly learned that all of my classmates are successful but not satisfied. The energy and enthusiasm to attend Owen and accomplish their next “big thing” is very contagious.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? It is the premier MBA program in Tennessee, particularly in Nashville, where my family and I intend to settle down after many years of moving frequently in the Army. The administration and faculty are well-connected to the community leaders and major companies that make Nashville a great place to live and work.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Human and Organizational Performance Association.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? 

“What are your post-MBA career goals?”

Although I could easily describe the type of person I wanted to be after getting an MBA, I had trouble envisioning what career field or industry would be the best fit for me. Twelve years of active-duty service left little time to explore the private sector and understand it well enough to confidently say what career I wanted out of an MBA. Instead, my answer focused on the mission statement, culture, and my desired role in a company or organization – and less on the particular industry.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?  Though I enjoyed every moment in the Army, it was time for a new challenge. I wanted to broaden my education and leadership experience with a degree at an institution that would put me in a position to succeed in a totally new career.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I only applied to Vanderbilt.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I evaluated a number of other schools on these criteria:

Size. I wanted to attend a relatively small school, and the faculty and class sizes of Vanderbilt felt right. After talking with current students and alumni, I knew the close-knit culture would be a good fit.

Location. I was looking for a school that was well-integrated with a growing, vibrant city. With a young family, I prioritized being able to intern and begin a new career without moving again after graduation.

Veteran’s Support. The Vanderbilt admissions team is extremely supportive of military vets and was well-versed in the nuances of the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Programs. They have a vibrant Armed Forces Club and just began the Bass Military Scholars program this year.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Shortly after graduating high school, I realized that being on a team that is united by a common mission and shared values is the biggest single factor for me in finding fulfillment. This motivated me to join ROTC while at Marquette University and serve in the Army after graduating. I certainly found that fulfillment in the Army and that desire to be a part of high-performing teams continue to drive my professional goals.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?  I see myself taking a risk. After an MBA and several years of real-world experience, I think I will be betting on an idea or a cause and pouring everything I have into making it work.