Patrick Kelly

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“From the Special Forces team room to my toddler’s playroom. Steady, sharp, and ready for anything.”

Hometown: Morro Bay, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have been drinking coffee daily since I was 8 years old, because my parents were told that caffeine would help my asthma. I no longer have asthma but now have a caffeine addiction.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy, Engineering Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: 1st Special Forces Group, Company Commander

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? Loyal Community resonates most with me, shaped by my experience leading a Special Forces Team. In that role, I learned the power of loyalty and trust built through teamwork in ambiguous, austere, and often dangerous environments. As a Fuqua MBA, this principle demands the same level of commitment and presence. It requires that I be dependable to my classmates, professors, the school – and alumni, and that I contribute to a culture where people show up for one another…always.

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? While working at a venture capital firm, I supported a portfolio company developing software for health care providers. The project sparked a genuine interest in healthcare. I was drawn to the mission of the industry, which reminded me of the purpose-driven nature of my military background.

As I explored business schools, I came across Fuqua’s Health Sector Management Certificate and knew it was something I wanted to pursue. What really influenced my decision was sitting in on a lecture by Professor David Ridley during my interview visit. After that experience, I was certain that I wanted to earn my MBA from Fuqua, complete the HSM program, and learn from professors like David Ridley.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? The Fuqua Partners Club; a full-time MBA places demands on the whole family, and I am grateful my wife and son will have a resource and community to plug into.

What do you like most about North Carolina so far? Moving from Seattle, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised by the amazing food options around Durham. We are foodies with a strong taste for ramen and Asian fusion and have been blown away by the options in Durham.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career? Earning my Green Beret was a lifelong goal for me that I was proud to have accomplished. However, it was leading a Special Forces Detachment through several deployments that proved to be the most impactful accomplishment of my career. I was blown away by the professionalism and drive of my teammates and truly learned what it means to lead others and enable them to achieve high impact.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? For me, the real return on an MBA is being business-ready. I want to leave Fuqua with new skills, business polish, and a clear understanding of my strengths. Just as important, I want to build a circle of lifelong friends who push each other to succeed and make an impact that lasts.

DON’T MISS: MEET DUKE FUQUA’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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