Why I Refer: Making Military Education More Accessible

In his career as a serviceman, Dr. Fredrick Murphy ’17, has traveled the world. As a master sergeant in the U.S. Army, Murphy has lived in Asia, Africa, Europe, and multiple locations in the U.S. But when he enrolled at Walden to pursue his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Murphy discovered a whole new world. That world not only offered excellent resources and educational value but also accommodated the mobile lifestyle of the military. It served him so well that he doesn’t want to keep it to himself. So, Murphy encourages others to uncover new worlds and opportunities of their own.

Why did you choose Walden for your DBA?

Walden is a perfect university for anyone in the military because it’s flexible and you can do your work 24/7. My military career hasn’t given me the luxury of being in one location long enough to attend a brick-and-mortar school. When I decided to pursue my doctorate, I looked at Walden for the online platform. But I also spoke with peers who were going to Walden, and they all highly recommended it. I looked at the program structure and accreditations, the excellence of the faculty, and what kind of resources they made available. I was confident I’d made the right choice, and I was excited to get started. I finished my DBA at my current station in Seoul, South Korea. That’s something I couldn’t have done at a traditional university.

Whom have you referred?

So far, I’ve referred eight colleagues. One will be attending the July commencement in Minneapolis, and another is a Master of Business Administration graduate whom I’ve encouraged to pursue a doctoralprogram. Four others I mentor haven’t committed just yet, but they’re looking at Walden as they begin their doctoral journeys. Two others are waiting for military funding, but they’re leaning toward Walden.

Why do you refer?

I love to see people grow, develop, and learn as leaders and individuals. From my experience, there’s no better place to do that than Walden. What sets Walden apart is not only the exceptional academic experience but the faculty, resources, and tools the institution provides. What’s most impressive is that the journey isn’t done alone. Walden is like family. I stay in constant contact with some of my colleagues and my chair, even after earning my doctorate. I refer people to Walden because it is the best choice out there. If anyone says they want to further their education, I immediately recommend Walden.

Any regrets?

Absolutely not. I’ve had nothing but great experiences with Walden. I’m the school’s biggest fan. My only regret is that I didn’t know about Walden sooner. If I could do it all over again, I’d still choose Walden. It’s a great academic institution.

— As told to Kevin C. Thornton