Meet the Class of 2025: Hurl Taylor 25MBV

This year, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of Goizueta Business School’s Class of 2025. As commencement approaches, we’re highlighting outstanding graduates from each program who have made their mark during their time at Goizueta. Meet Hurl Taylor, a graduating Master in Business for Veterans student whose journey is a testament to lifelong learning, service, and resilience. In this Q&A, the 86-year-old Army veteran and four-time Emory graduate shares how he continues to use his experience and education to uplift others.

Hometown:  Richmond, VA 

Current Job Title: Semi-retired attorney 

Current Co.; Law Office of Hurl Taylor 

Previous Education: 

• A.A. GA. Perimeter College 
• B.S. Hampton Un. 
• M.Ed. GSU 
• LLM. Emory Law  
• MRPL. Emory School of Theology 
• Ed.S. GSU 
• Ph.D. GSU
• J.D. Emory Law 

Previous Employment: 

• U.S. Army 20 years 
• President. Nonage Enterprises 
• High School Science Teacher 
• Audiovisual Director, Emory Law School 
• Attorney in private practice 
• Professor (full time) and Director of the Legal Aid Clinic at John Marshall Law School 
• Professor, (full time), Central Michigan University, and adjunct professor at the following schools: GSU, Boston University, University of Southern California, Atlanta University, St. Leo’s College, City Colleges of Chicago, Dekalb Community College, Emory Law, Adam International University and American Institute for Paralegal Studies 

Clubs/Activities: 

• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Active with scholarship committee) 
• Royal Order of the Purple Heart 
• VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) 
• DAV (Disabled American Veterans) 
• American Legion 
• Chairman of Board of Advisors for Perimeter College/GSU 
• Member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church (Active in Ministry for the Incarcerated 
• American Red Cross 

Student Leadership 

• President of my senior class at Hampton University
• President of the Student Bar Association (Student Government) at Emory Law 

What initially drew you to Goizueta Business School? What unique aspects of Goizueta’s culture, curriculum, or community made it stand out from other business schools you considered? 

I attended a Veterans’ event sometime in 2023 and saw an exhibit from Goizueta Business School. As an Emory alum, I was drawn to it and went over to explore. I was met by someone who had served in the U.S. Army named Lorenzo Suarez. Lorenzo meticulously briefed me on the new program designed specifically for military members transitioning out of service, as well as those still on active duty or in the Reserves and National Guard. I was impressed by this initiative, which focused on veterans wanting to receive a graduate degree. I was also furnished some pamphlets and other reading materials to take home for perusal.  

Later in the same year, I attended the annual Veterans Day observance on November 11, 2023, which featured Emory University President Fenves as the keynote speaker. He shared with the audience an extraordinary story on his father’s military service in WWII. I also met Lieutenant General USA (Ret.) Ken Keen, who was a member of the Goizueta team. The mere fact that a 3-Star general and the President of the University were active supporters of the program cemented my aspiration to matriculate in the Master in Business for Veterans program. 

Previously, I had looked at graduate business programs both in Georgia and elsewhere. I was more inclined to gravitate towards the accelerated ones of a year or less as opposed to the more traditional ones of two or more years. None stood out as prominently as Goizueta with a very diverse faculty, impactful research results, community outreach and generous financial aid packages. Lastly, Goizueta attracted students from all socio-economic levels and age levels, even octogenarians. 

What has been your most memorable experience during your time at Goizueta? 

My most memorable experience during my time at Goizueta was having the honor of cutting the birthday cake, which commemorated the 249th anniversary of the U.S. Army. As tradition mandated, the oldest and youngest members jointly cut the beautifully decorated sheet cake with a saber. I was 85 and my young cutting partner was a mere 26. 

How has your Goizueta education prepared you for your next career step?

My Goizueta education has prepared me to continue with my mission of helping veterans and others with business-related issues. As a semi-retired lawyer, I frequently provide pro bono (free) or reduced-cost legal advice as part of my personal pledge to give back to the community. I now have increased knowledge in the fields of accounting, forecasting, finance, data analysis, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, negotiations, and several other related subjects. I now feel confident in assisting clients with startup ventures, writing business plans, and maintaining a business with the inevitable changes in society to include regulatory requirements. 

How do you plan to stay connected with the Goizueta community after graduation? 

I plan to stay connected to Goizueta by mentoring students, returning for alumni events, volunteering as a guest lecturer or speaker and making timely financial donations. 

Having witnessed so many changes at Emory and Goizueta over the years, what enduring values or principles do you believe are most important for students to carry forward into the future? 

Over the past 40 years, I have observed many positive changes at Emory University and Goizueta. The first one was the renaming of the Emory School of Business to Goizueta Business School. Goizueta is now located in an iconic structure emphasizing form follows function and has a world-renowned faculty. Many of the senior faculty have remained at the school despite attractive offers from other schools. This is a sense of loyalty that is contagious. New faculty members add to the rich heritage by introducing new concepts, teaching styles, research grants, and freshness. The current diverse faculty appears to be a good fit for the diverse student body. Finally, I have seen a significant improvement in the wellness of students. There are many dedicated facilities and programs aimed at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of the students. 

What motivated you to pursue your education at different stages of your life, and what advice would you give to others who are considering returning to school or pursuing lifelong learning? 

I spent 20 years in the U.S. Army, and for the first 10, I only did military training classes. I realized that the civilian world required more than just my military training in order to be competitive after retirement. I took action and enrolled in a graduate education course at a satellite location of a great university while stationed in Columbus, GA. I quickly learned how to balance my work, school, and family schedule in an efficient manner. I earned the grade of “A” in that first course and was compelled to take many other courses, which I did over my remaining time in the Army and in post-military retirement. Because of the many dynamic changes in the world, it became necessary for me to become a lifelong learner (LLL). I would encourage students to participate at their own comfort level and not get distracted by factors of age or prior educational attainment. As the oldest student in many of my classes, I felt refreshed to engage with the younger inquisitive peers. We exchanged knowledge, skills, and attitudes and the reciprocal learning produced rich and lasting experiences. 

Having earned your third degree from Emory at the age of 87, what unique perspective or wisdom have you gained that you’d like to share with the Goizueta community and future generations of Emory students? 

As a candidate for graduation for the Master in Business for Veterans degree in May 2025, this represents my fourth degree at Emory University (85L, 86L, 1.6T). I am just 86 and feel that my educational journey has been remarkable. I am so thankful for President Fenves,  Lieutenant General USA (Ret.) Ken Keen, Dean Gareth James, wonderful professors, excellent support staff, my respectful peers, and of course, supportive family and friends. Finally, the wisdom gained from this journey can be succinctly stated as “Learn to Serve and Serve to Learn.” I challenge all Emory and Goizueta students to use your knowledge to help others in your defined community and continue to learn during your service. This will create a joyous loop which will bring value to you and others. 

Goizueta is proud to support our nation’s veterans and active-duty servicemen as they continue their education. Learn more about our Master in Business for Veterans program.