Ryan Thomas clearly recalls memories of a decade of overseas deployments-working to save lives as an Army medic and ultimately managing teams of health care providers in military emergency rooms. Those memories take a back seat to the joy Thomas and his husband recently experienced as the five-year adoption process of their foster child finally came through.
It was that family milestone that gave Thomas the ultimate motivation to retire from the Army and pivot his experience into the civilian workforce and earning a master's degree in health care, human and organizational performance and marketing at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.
"I left the military just a week before starting classes at Owen. It was an honor and blessing to be of value to my country and work alongside so many great people. Now I'm ready to challenge myself and help others in a new way," he said.
Thomas has accepted a position with Sam's Club at their corporate office in Arkansas.
"Though it's a big departure from health care and emergency medicine, combining organizational performance and marketing has been really exciting," he said.
UNIQUE ROAD
Thomas completed his undergraduate degree over multiple years, taking night classes while working full-time in the Army. He said honing the work ethic to balance work, school and family has set him up for success.
"The 'dare to grow' motto definitely fits for me. I have an open mindset, and I'm willing to share my experiences and learn from others in different cultures, with different perspectives, different ideas. That's the whole idea of working in collaboration. If you don't ask the question and open yourself to learn, how do you even know if you were right or if someone else is wrong?" he said.
Thomas has also been recruiting for Owen Admissions, sharing his unique story.
"Ryan is one of the most personable students I've worked with. He is a light in our community, creating deep connections with his magnetic personality. Hearing him share examples in a recent panel about how he strove to create an inclusive and understanding community as an LGBTQIA member of the military was very moving, and you could easily see what a dynamic and powerful leader he is," said Amanda Fend, director of MBA recruiting.
LIFE GOALS AND ADVICE
Thomas said one of his joys now that he's consistently stateside has been coaching his son's soccer team. He also has a goal of running a full marathon in all 50 states. So far, he's completed six races.
"Vanderbilt has given me so many opportunities to make my own future a success. It's up to the individual to make it happen, but the opportunities and connections are here," he said.
"When I talk to prospective students, I often say, 'We all started somewhere. Some of us, like me, are very far from what you might imagine the typical MBA student. But no matter where you are in life, if you have a dream, you just have to start.'"
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