Veteran Spotlight: Sharita Dudley 25MBV, U.S. Navy
- Background: My name is Sharita and I’m known by most as “Rita.” A native of Atlanta, Georgia, who grew up in the City of Decatur. After graduating high school at Decatur High, I wasn’t quite ready to attend college. A year later after exploring other options, I decided to enter the United States Navy. I served five years active duty and three years inactive reserve. My first duty station was the Transient Line at the US Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia. After taking the Navy-Wide Advancement Exam I became a Yeoman Third Class Petty Officer. I served onboard a destroyer the USS Bulkley (DDG-84) as part of the ship’s first commissioned crew, which makes me a plank owner. While serving in the Navy I was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. After giving birth to my first child, I decided to transition from active duty and became a full-time Mom.
- Why Goizueta: A couple of years after leaving the Navy I decided to enter the workforce with health care being my industry of choice getting an entry level position at Emory Healthcare. Years later I decided to return to school and obtained an associate’s degree in Health Information Technology, and a bachelor’s degree in Technical Management with a minor in Health Service Management at DeVry University. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I transitioned into the research industry at Emory University and became a Clinical Research Finance Specialist, which I have since been promoted to a Senior Clinical Research Finance Manager. When I heard about the Master in Business for Veterans (MBV) program at Goizueta Business School, I reached out to see if this would be a good opportunity for me to grow professionally and personally. After speaking with and meeting Lorenzo Suarez, LTG (Ret.) Ken Keen, other faculty, and veteran students at the Veterans Preview Event, I knew this was the opportunity I had been seeking. The program overview at the event convinced me that Goizueta Business School is right for me to build on my leadership skills and gain business acumen.
- Career Goals: I’m looking forward to the knowledge that I will gain throughout my terms at Goizueta Business School to help guide me on my future success in the business industry. Also, I plan to collaborate with Goizueta’s Career Management Center to map out a career plan precisely for me. Ultimately, my career goal is to embark on a professional journey that’s loving and rewarding.
- Hobbies/Other Interests: Each day I cherish whatever amount of time I spend with God and family/friends. I enjoy listening to music, watching a good movie, binge-watching TV shows, playing cards, board games, corn hole, and video games. I would like to start traveling to a new place each year and plan some memorable staycations in the great state of Georgia.
Check out more veteran spotlights on Voice of Goizueta.
Goizueta is proud to support our nation’s veterans and active-duty servicemen as they continue their education. Learn more about our new Master in Business for Veterans program.
