Daytime MBA Student Kyle Wolffe

"At Fuqua, diversity is not just demographics. It encompasses a rich tapestry of thoughts, backgrounds, and aspirations. This blend renders the Fuqua MBA experience unique, unforgettable, and transformative. Working with some of my peers from different countries and ethnicities in my Consequential Leadership (C-LEAD) team pushed me to expand my thinking beyond conventional boundaries and deepened my comprehension of authentic leadership."

Daytime MBA

Class of 2026
Industry:
Health Care

Prior Education:

United States Military Academy
BSE Management (Civil Engineering Track)

Hometown:
Arima, Trinidad and Tobago
Nationality:
Trinidadian & American

Why I Chose Fuqua

I chose to attend Fuqua because I felt like part of the community before I even applied. The genuine care shown by students, alumni, and staff left a lasting impression—they shared their experiences openly and checked in on me personally. During my school search, my spouse was pregnant, and an Admissions staff member at Fuqua would periodically reach out to ask how she was doing. That level of human connection showed me I would be seen as an individual, not just a number. It became clear that Fuqua wasn’t just a business school—it was a family. In the end, I only applied to Fuqua because I knew it was where I truly belonged.

Before Fuqua

For the past eight years, I served as an Army engineer officer, most recently as an assistant plans manager. In this role, I led key force modernization efforts across six engineer companies, impacting over 900 soldiers across four states. This experience strengthened my strategic decision-making, sharpened my negotiation skills, and deepened my commitment to leading diverse teams through complex challenges.

After Fuqua

After graduation, I plan to rejoin DaVita Kidney Care, applying the financial, operational, and health care expertise I gained at Fuqua. I am committed to leveraging the leadership skills I developed through both the military and the program to drive meaningful outcomes, support my team’s success, and make a lasting impact on patients’ lives and the broader health care industry.

5 Ways to Survive and Thrive During Exam Time

  1. Start Studying Early
    Review class material throughout the term instead of cramming at the end. I found it helpful to spend an hour every Sunday revisiting topics, which made final exam prep much less stressful.
  2. Use Fuqua Resources
    Professors, TAs, review sessions, and second years are all incredible resources. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice—everyone truly wants to see you succeed.
  3. Lean on Your Team
    Form study groups to stay accountable and motivated and deepen your understanding. Teamwork is part of Fuqua’s DNA—and it really shines during exam season.
  4. Protect Your Wellness
    Don’t sacrifice sleep, exercise, or healthy meals. Before exam time, I take short walks or complete a 15-minute meditation session. This resets my focus and boosts my energy.
  5. Reflect and Put Things into Perspective
    Find a quiet spot on campus to reflect. One of my favorites is the second floor overlooking the Hall of Flags. Taking a moment to appreciate being part of the Fuqua community helped me stay grounded and positive through the pressure.

My Fuqua Activities

Keller Scholar

Admissions Fellow

Daytime Student Ambassador

Marketing Management Teaching Assistant

Managerial Economics Teaching Assistant

Health Care Club

Duke Armed Forces Association (DAFA)

Golf Club

A Great Place to Raise a Family

As a father of a young child, I love how easy Durham makes it to get outside and explore. With scenic drives, parks, festivals, and activities like gymnastics, swimming, and museum visits, it’s a great place to raise a family and enjoy everyday adventures. Durham truly has something for every vibe, making it a wonderful place to live and grow.

Team Fuqua in Action

Team Fuqua is a community that celebrates each other’s wins, offers support instinctively, and ensures everyone feels valued. It’s about more than collaboration—it’s about shared success. I experienced this firsthand when a classmate who had once interviewed for the same role took time to conduct mock interviews with me in preparation for a crucial final round interview. He celebrated my offer like it was his own.