MBA Today: Service to the Nation, service to God

Capt. Ryan Scott, an active duty Army officer serving in the field artillery branch, graduated from Harding’s MBA program in 2015 and is an instructor with the Department of Military Instruction at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He serves as the deputy division chief in the military science division where he helps develop curriculum, design and execute field training for cadets, and provides classroom instruction. His most recent assignment included serving as battery commander for more than 160 soldiers and civilians in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Scott feels his MBA helped prepare him for a career outside of the business world.

“An MBA is applicable in multiple disciplines beyond the business world,” said Scott. “If you currently lead or plan to ascend to a management position in any field, an MBA from Harding can only help make you able to meet the challenges of greater responsibility. Getting an MBA from Harding will develop you as a servant leader by keeping your faith in a place of prominence in your career path. Harding’s MBA program is unique in providing a sense of mission as the foundation for all your career pursuits.”

Scott felt his MBA was what made the difference in his selection to the faculty of West Point. More than 50 candidates with similar military experience applied for the position, but Scott stood out from his peers due to the ethics in leadership training he received.

“In the day to day duties of my job, the courses I took in my MBA have helped me in planning, resourcing, and executing classroom and field training for more than 1,000 cadets and 130 soldiers in support of West Point’s summer training program,” said Scott. “I fully expect my MBA to provide me a strong foundation as I transition to positions of greater responsibility in the Army and beyond.”

As a leader of soldiers and a keeper of the public trust, Scott wanted a deeper understanding of best practices to manage his troops and to ensure the best use of taxpayer dollars.

“I felt an effective way to marry the best practices of the business world with leading soldiers was to pursue an MBA,” said Scott. “The added benefit of Harding’s focus on Christian ethics ensured that I also see all my professional challenges in the light of the kingdom.”

Scott shared that he views the military as a mission field. He felt that receiving his MBA from a faith perspective helped to develop him as a Christian leader, which allows him to bridge the gap between service to the nation and service to God.

“Many of my soldiers feel a call to serve something greater than self,” said Scott. “My challenge as a Christian leader of soldiers is to introduce them to service in the kingdom.”