2017 Best EMBAs: Killjan “Kill” Anderson

Killjan “Kill” Anderson

“A passionate, life-long learner whose best days of service are still ahead of him.”

Age: 45

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Family Members: 

Angela (Wife, since 1995 (21+ years))

Avery (son, 20 (Junior at University of Nebraska on a football scholarship)

Asia (daughter, 15 (sophomore at Lincoln Park High School)

Fun fact about yourself:All of the members of my immediate family have spent at least a quarter of their lives living overseas.

Undergraduate School and Degree: B.S. Management, University of Maryland University College

Where are you currently working? Executive Director, Pat Tillman Foundation

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: Service to School Ambassador

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Representing enlisted military members at Mendoza and helping others win admission to top tier programs through volunteer work with Service to School

I spent over 21-years on active duty and love the military deeply, but the enlisted promotion system is errantly focused on academic milestones and doesn’t pay adequate attention to the caliber of the degree program. As a result, most active duty junior enlisted and non-commissioned officers seek and attain degrees from schools based on proximity or convenience that are priced within tuition assistance guidelines.

I loved my time in the Air Force and enjoyed a long and successful career, but was not positioned for success, in terms of education, for the next chapter upon retirement.

Enlisted military members need to think big and more importantly beyond their time in the service — they belong in our nation’s best colleges and universities.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Deploying in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as a Police Transition Team Chief and being entrusted to lead young men and women into direct combat operations during the 2007 “Surge.”  Nothing will ever come close, period.

Read the entire story on the Poets & Quants website.