Francis

When his daughter was a sophomore in high school, Master Gunnery Sergeant Dennis Wolterding, ’03, talked to her about what she was going to do once she graduated. College was not in her plans and when Wolterding asked why, his daughter replied he didn’t go to college. The gauntlet was thrown and Wolterding looked into pursuing a bachelor of business administration degree through Averett’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Program.

“ Averett’s GPS Program was perfect for me because I am in the U.S. Marine Corp,” Wolterding said. “(The GPS Program) has a support network that is out of this world. Where else can you go to school and cross-pollinate with other professionals from all walks of life? I feel that this gives us the upper hand on others in the corporate world.”

While Wolterding’s daughter was pursuing her undergraduate degree he decided to go back to school again and pursue his master’s degree with the hopes of motivating her to do the same. Wolterding will graduate from the GPS program with his MBA degree in December, and his daughter will start work on her graduate degree in the fall.

“ This program sets the student up for success,” Wolterding said. “You, the student, will need a PMA (positive mental attitude) and the discipline to stick with a program that I consider nothing less than outstanding.”

Due in part to his degree, Wolterding received a promotion to the highest enlisted rank that he could obtain in the U.S. military – master gunnery sergeant. Wolterding has served in the Marines for 27 years.

Wolterding is a senior enlisted advisor to the commanding advisor and as such he provides recommendations on all enlisted matters. He trains Marine staff non-commissioned officers and chief petty officers in order to enhance their leadership skills as senior enlisted leaders of their sections. He also oversees the total quality of life in the bachelor’s enlisted quarters, conducts enlisted command physical training for all military personnel in the command and screens all awards, fitness reports, special independent duty checklists and reenlistment requests.
“ In all honesty, I feel that my degree has made me a better human being. Therefore if I can help my fellow man with the aid of what I have learned, then I am, and will be, very content with my degree.”