Vanderbilt University’s Bass Military Scholars Program welcomed its fourth cohort of scholars to campus this August. Among the 16 U.S. military veterans, who are pursuing graduate and professional degrees across several Vanderbilt schools, are a former Army Special Forces officer with tours in Syria and service in the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, a Navy officer who participated in the evacuation of U.S. citizens from Libya, and an Army officer who completed the Nepal Army’s Jungle Warfare Academy.
“As our program continues to mature, we have seen a steady increase in the number of applications, with the quality of applicants remaining incredibly high. Their desire to continue to serve others remains consistent. And with the increasing numbers of scholars, the manner by which they choose to do so becomes more and more diverse, matching the uniqueness of their military experiences, ” said retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Scott E. Brower, director of the Bass Military Scholars Program. “As these veteran-scholars receive a world-class education here at Vanderbilt University, they will be better prepared to continue to serve organizations and communities as they tackle the next challenges they take on.”
Thirty-four Bass Scholars are currently enrolled at Vanderbilt.
The newest Bass Scholars are:
- Ryan Brod, former Army major and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Greg Daly, former Army captain and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Ben Ferrell, former Army captain and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Ethan Fournier, former Army captain and current student at the School of Nursing
- Emilia Hamilton, former Marines sergeant and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Nick Hart, former Navy petty officer, 2nd class, and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Chris Hebig, former Navy lieutenant and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Will Hodge, former Army captain and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- John Jasionowicz, former Army first lieutenant and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Morgan Klokow, former Army first lieutenant and current student at the School of Nursing
- Jon McNeal, former Army captain and current student at Vanderbilt Law School
- Ben Parnell, former Army sergeant, 1st class, and current student at Peabody College of education and human development
- Geoff Tanner, former Marines first lieutenant and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Timea Taylor, former Army specialist and current student at Peabody College of education and human development
- John Verdi, former Army captain and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Chris Young, former Army captain and current student at Owen Graduate School of Management
Established in 2018, the Bass Military Scholars Program supports up to 40 scholarships and programming for honorably discharged military veterans pursuing graduate and professional degrees at Vanderbilt Law School, Owen Graduate School of Management, Peabody College of education and human development, the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing. The program will award each scholar $27,500 this year and $30,000 per year in subsequent years toward general education expenses.
In addition to their studies, the Bass Scholars meet regularly as a group and collaborate on projects across their various schools throughout the academic year. Those projects include a range of campus service activities designed to foster military-civilian exchanges and mentorship opportunities within the broader Vanderbilt community.
To learn more about the Bass Military Scholars Program, visit vu.edu/bass-scholars.