March 10, 2008 - Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Benny Kinsey is a strong believer of continuing education -- he earned his General Education Diploma (GED), Bachelor's degree and Master in Business Administration (MBA) while serving in the Army. While attending the Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA), CSM Kinsey completed an Online Master of Business Administration from UA Grantham, an online university specializing in educating working adults.
"Continuing education is the most important standard a parent or leader can set for their children or subordinate," said CSM Kinsey. "The results of continuing education go far beyond the classroom. The ability to bring new ideas, thoughts and insight to age-old leadership situations can truly create a better experience for both the superior and the subordinate." CSM Kinsey, currently the Battalion CSM of an Army Recruiting Battalion in Albany, N.Y., believes obtaining an MBA has helped him become a better leader in several areas. The Army Recruiting Command relies on numbers, trends and seasons of a given market. The degree he earned at UA Grantham has placed him in a position to make sound, logical decisions that both support and enhance his unit's near and long-term visions. He's more able to advise his Commander with sound and resolute recommendations he feels will take the unit to previously unachieved heights.
"We're extremely proud of CSM Kinsey and his dedication to continuing his education while serving in the Army," said Joe McGrath, provost at UA Grantham. "While completing his studies, CSM Kinsey took advantage of Grantham's flexible, self-paced model of study and accomplished his dream of earning an MBA." "The educational experience was demanding and competitive," said CSM Kinsey. "My instructors worked with me through e-mail and phone calls late at night and really pushed me to complete my classes. I really enjoyed the time I spent with Grantham. I was able to take my classes whenever I had the time to log on. Most of the time it was either late at night or early in the morning before work. The Army Recruiting Command demands a lot of hours during the day and on weekends, so getting to my classes when I could was a huge benefit to me." CSM Kinsey pursued his graduate degree because he felt it would help him to be placed in positions of leadership after leaving the military. When he saw what the classes were doing for his current position in the Army, it only made his commitment to finishing the degree even stronger.
"I'm truly excited about all the opportunities with the Army and the Army Recruiting Command," said CSM Kinsey. Learn more about Grantham's Military Tuition Assistance Program today.