Graduation Spotlight: MBA studies prepare veteran Isaac Elkins for commission as intelligence officer
Kim Chaudoin |
After six years serving in military intelligence, Isaac Elkins was looking for a place that would challenge him academically while supporting his values and faith. He found that at Lipscomb University, where he completed his Master of Business Administration in May.
A native of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Elkins grew up as the oldest of a large family, taking the city bus daily to Hillsboro High School in Nashville’s Green Hills suburb near Lipscomb. After graduating in 2016, he enlisted in the United States Army as a cryptologic linguist specializing in Mandarin Chinese. Stationed in Hawaii, Elkins worked in the military’s intelligence community, a role he described as “challenging, humbling, and formative.”
“I met some of my best friends and mentors in the service,” Elkins said. “After completing my contract, I knew I wanted to continue serving—just in a new capacity.”
That next chapter began when Elkins transitioned to civilian life in 2022, married his fiancée and enrolled at Lipscomb University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in business in YEAR. At the same time, he joined the Air Force ROTC program at Tennessee State University, preparing to continue his service as an officer.
“After leaving active duty, I was looking for a school that would not only challenge me academically but also support my values and faith,” Elkins said. “Lipscomb stood out for its strong reputation and welcoming community. I also thought back to my days of cross country at Hillsboro. We would run by the Lipscomb campus all the time so it was a place I was familiar with.”
While pursuing his MBA in Lipscomb’s fast-track program, Elkins balanced a full schedule of academics, ROTC training and family life. As part of his graduate work, he completed a year-long internship with Schneider Electric’s global supply chain team, attended campus events like the annual Lighting of the Green and stayed connected to Lipscomb’s student veteran community through the Office of Veteran Services.
“I’ve grown both professionally and personally, and I definitely feel confident stepping into my next chapter as an officer and gentleman,” he said. “More importantly, the environment at Lipscomb encouraged me to approach business competently, but as a way to make a positive impact in our Air Force.”
That impact, he said, will be guided by the values of servant leadership that were reinforced throughout his Lipscomb experience especially during difficult moments.
In January 2023, Elkins and his wife, who was pregnant at the time, were robbed at gunpoint. It was a moment that shook their sense of security and tested his resolve.
“My grades slipped. I was angry, shaken and struggled to focus on my work,” he recalled. “But the professors in the College of Business, especially (retired) Dean Eldridge, were caring, prayed for us and helped me through the healing process. I’m thankful for their support.”
Elkins said Lipscomb provided not only academic preparation but also space to deepen his faith in the face of life’s challenges.
“Through classroom conversations and the integrity modeled by faculty and peers, I was reminded that faith and leadership go hand-in-hand,” he said.
Now, with his MBA in hand, Elkins is preparing to commission as a United States Air Force intelligence officer. His long-term goal is to serve in leadership roles that shape strategy and policy at the highest levels of the intelligence community.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the support of my wife and loving son throughout this journey,” Elkins said. “Being a student, intern, cadet, and parent all at once hasn’t been easy—but their encouragement and love has kept me grounded. I also want to thank the professors and staff at Lipscomb who took time to invest in me not just as a student, but as a person.”