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‘A Day in Baghdad: Lifelong Leadership Lessons’ set for Nov. 7

Lt. Col. Dustin Mitchell, director of Army Officer Education at Vanderbilt, will share the top leadership tips he learned leading in Iraq. Mitchell will touch on his experiences in Baghdad and how they correlate to success in the civilian sector and life in general. In addition, senior Thomas Whittaker will share his experiences as a cadet and how his time in Army ROTC has taught him lessons that have helped him throughout college.

The talk is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in Buttrick Hall, Room 102.

Mitchell was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1998 as an infantry officer after earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky. Following Ranger School, he deployed to Kosovo and subsequently Iraq and Afghanistan. He also has served at the Pentagon for the chief of staff of the Army’s Strategic Studies Group, earned an MBA from Western Kentucky University, and was an Art of War Scholar at the Command and General Staff College. He has been awarded four Bronze Stars, the Ranger tab and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Whittaker is majoring in Human and Organizational Development and will be branching to active duty aviation following graduation from Vanderbilt. He is a graduate of Airborne School, Advanced Camp, and served on staff at a European Command (EUCOM) internship.

Army ROTC is seeking to educate students on how leadership in the military can translate to success in the civilian sector. All students, regardless of interest in military service, are encouraged to attend.

Free food from Chik-Fil-A and GME credit will be provided for all students in attendance.

Contact: Thomas Whittaker, (941) 223-0541
thomas.g.whittaker@vanderbilt.edu