Student Spotlight: Andy Hayden
Spring 2021 master’s in organizational leadership graduate Andy Hayden shares how the program prepared him for his next chapter
Andy Hayden, a major in the U.S. Army, wanted to make the most of his time attending the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, so in addition to earning a master’s from the college, he decided to pursue a master’s in organizational leadership (MS-OL) program, offered at KU’s Leavenworth campus.
“I wanted to maximize my time in an academic setting and earn an additional degree that would not only prepare me for my future organizational roles in the Army, but also for a second career sometime in the future,” Hayden explained.
The program came recommended by a colleague because of the course material, flexibility, and program director Steve Leonard.
“Steve is a retired Army officer who understands my current career circumstances and provides a unique perspective as a college professor and former soldier,” Hayden said. “His flexibility and teaching style brought realism, practicality, and new knowledge to someone who has only known the Army as an adult.”
Although courses were conducted remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hayden enjoyed being able to connect material from class with future challenges he and classmates may face in organizational leadership roles through discussions. Having a few civilian students in the program introduced a unique perspective.
The program also emphasized how to work outside of silos. Those lessons and others will have immediate benefits for Hayden as he moves into his new role as an S3 for the 2–70th Armor Battalion at Fort Riley.
“This job will be my first experience as an organizational leader in the Army,” he said. “Prior to this, junior officers are considered direct leaders based on our span of responsibility and role on the battlefield. We are now part of a staff responsible for the daily operations of a large organization.”
Developing future leaders is an important part of the role, and the MS-OL capstone course allowed Hayden to create a leader development program that he can immediately share for approval.
“This a great way to start the leadership conversation with my new boss,” he said, “and demonstrate intrinsic commitment to the team.”
