Leslie Coote

Although the Air Force provided me with incredible skills and experiences, I knew I wanted to sharpen my skillset and broaden my knowledge base to better understand and compete in the corporate environment when I transitioned from active duty. The Weekend Executive MBA (WEMBA) degree at Fuqua seemed like the perfect solution—I was able to maintain my full-time job and attend a top-tier university. WEMBA’s hybrid structure allowed me to balance and maximize my family, career, and education goals. Additionally, Duke and Fuqua generously support veterans and military spouses through the Yellow Ribbon Program. I could not imagine completing my MBA through any other program. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and support I’ve received from Fuqua to make WEMBA one of the best personal and professional experiences of my life.

The most profound element of my Fuqua experience has been the friendships I’ve developed throughout the program—my classmates have been second to none. Fuqua does a tremendous job placing you on a team, and your team becomes your lifeline. It’s amazing how the pressures of the program drive interdependence, and you develop immediate trust with your team members. Of course, I received a world-class education, but the return on investment transcends what I learned in the classroom. Team Fuqua has left a lasting impact. Not only has it shaped how I analyze complex business problems, but it made me feel connected to this incredible network of talented, genuine, and driven individuals.