Henry White

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“I’m just a normal guy who has been blessed with more opportunities than I deserve.”

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve moved sixteen times across five states and four countries. Each move has given me an appreciation for the diversity of cultures and an ability to relate to just about anyone.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy at West Point, B.S. in Brazilian Portuguese

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: US Army (current)

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? “Uncompromising integrity” resonates the most with me of the six paired principles. Choosing the harder right instead of the easier wrong is a non-negotiable element of building mutual trust between teammates. As a part of Team Fuqua, you and your classmates rely on the bonds of trust formed through a commitment to integrity to deliver results and create an environment conducive to learning.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?  I was excited at the prospect of studying both Strategy and Marketing Strategy. As a student sponsored by the Army, I hope to apply lessons learned over the next two years in my next job as an admissions officer at West Point.

What has been your first impression of the Fuqua MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Fuqua story so far.  Members of Team Fuqua are genuine people that go out of their way to make you feel valued. During perhaps the busiest weeks of summer with the MBA and master’s programs commencing, an associate dean set aside an entire hour to grab a cup of coffee simply to get to know me. I find that to be uncommon.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? Men’s lacrosse – I absolutely love sports. I have a year of eligibility this year where I will be able to return to competitive sports. It has been nearly a decade since I played in a competitive NCAA contest…

I’m also eager to connect with the Latin American Student Association. Having lived abroad in Brazil, I’m eager to connect with and welcome my classmates that are in a completely new and exciting, yet unfamiliar environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Prior to arriving in Durham, I was trusted to command a Patriot Air and Missile Defense unit in the Middle East. The opportunity to lead America’s sons and daughters will forever be a fond memory.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? For me, success will be measured by making the most of my Fuqua experience by learning a wealth of ideas from my talented classmates and professors, and by establishing lifelong friendships with fellow students, staff, and faculty.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Duke Fuqua’s MBA program? You have an incredible story to be shared, and one that the admissions committee is eager to learn. The best way to share is by being your authentic self! Allow your personality and achievements to shine through your interactions with Team Fuqua and your essays throughout your admissions journey.