Military Graduate Student Focus | Richard Chabuz

"My favorite thing about Hood is the community. I feel like I am part of an organization that genuinely cares about their people. I am excited to further my education and continue working with world-class faculty."

Richard Chabuz, MBA

Program

Business Administration (MBA)

Department

The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business

Graduate School
Graduate Student
Military

Academics
Student Engagement
Business

09/29/2021

Richard Chabuz is currently enrolled in Hood College's MBA program and is also a member of the Hood College ROTC program. He has served on active duty in the U.S. Army for over 10 years.

Prior to starting at Hood College in Fall 2020, Richard was stationed at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, where he was part of the Behavioral Biology branch. During his time there he helped develop knowledge products and materiel solutions to enhance soldier alertness, decision-making and performance in the context of degraded sleep quantity and quality across the spectrum of Army operations. He has also been stationed in South Korea and El Paso, Texas.

Richard holds an A.S. in Business Administration and a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in organizational leadership, both from Southern New Hampshire University.

Tell us about yourself and experiences before coming to the Graduate School at Hood College.

I was born and raised in Lawrence, MA. I went to UMass Lowell for a few years after high school, but I didn’t end up liking it.

After my time there I got my Commercial Driver’s License because I wanted to travel around the country. I drove a truck for three years and decided it was time to move on. I had thought about joining the Army before, but never followed through. I figured it would be a good change of pace and put me out of my comfort zone, so I went ahead and enlisted in June 2011 as a 68W Combat Medic.

My first duty station was Ft Bliss, TX. That’s where I met my wife. We’re going on our 10th year of marriage and we have two kids. After Texas I spent 15 months in Camp Casey, Korea. I had a great time there—awesome food and awesome people.

I found myself right back at Ft Bliss, TX after that. It wasn’t my first choice, but I made it work. A few years later I had the opportunity for a permanent change of station to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, MD.

How did you choose Hood College?

While at WRAIR, I was accepted into the Army Green to Gold program. This program allows me to remain on active duty while I continue my education and participate in ROTC. At the end of the program, I earn my commission as a U.S. Army Officer.

I looked far and wide for a graduate school to attend. Hood College was recommended by my friend Ernesto Gonzalez. We are both in the MBA program and have every class together, so it’s nice to always have someone to work with. I knew the moment I stepped on campus this was a community I wanted to be a part of. The campus was beautiful and everybody I dealt with throughout my graduate application process was so friendly.

What do you enjoy most about the Hood College Community?

My favorite thing about Hood College is the community. I feel like I am part of an organization that genuinely cares about their people. I am excited to further my education and continue working with world-class faculty. I know the education I receive here will prepare me for my future and the challenges that lie ahead.

Inspired by Officer Chabuz's story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood’s graduate programs by clicking here.