Kola Oluwagbemi
National Guard soldier and federal civil servant Kola Oluwagbemi G’22 has had a “very favorable experience” as a result of the University’s commitment to the military community. Below, he answers questions about his background and plans for the future.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States just before my 20th birthday. I had just finished my associate degree in marketing and was pursuing university admission to further my education when the opportunity came about to migrate to the United States. The general belief there is that America has better opportunities. I stayed with family friends in Indiana. I was always working while in school to earn my bachelor’s degree in management. I also started my own business and did freelance accounting for businesses in the Indianapolis area.
Why did you join the military?
Somewhere around 2011-12, I decided I wanted to join the military. It was something I always wanted to do. Even in Nigeria, I considered seeking admission to the military academy after high school. After considering all the options and branches, the National Guard seemed to be the most appropriate for me and would allow me to join as an officer candidate. I could serve on a part-time basis, keep my business, and not have to move too much. I didn’t want it to be too disruptive.
I joined in the Indiana Army National Guard and served an enlisted finance soldier for a few years before accepting my commission as an infantry officer. Somewhere along the line, I took a job as a federal civilian employee in the United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) for Indiana. The USPFO is responsible for accountability of all federal funds and properties in the possession of the state National Guard. Essentially, during the week I was a finance guy supporting the missions of the Indiana National Guard, and a solider on the weekend.
How did you get to Syracuse University?
The National Guard Bureau (NGB) selected me to participate in the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP). The DCP is a 14-month program designed primarily for Department of Defense (DoD) military and civilian personnel in the financial management discipline. My selection for the program was based more on my civilian employment in resource management than my military affiliation with the National Guard. I’ve worked for the USPFO in various positions including management analyst, accounting officer, and most recently as the staff accountant. Upon graduation, I will earn an MBA from the Whitman School of Management and an EMPA from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
How do you experience Syracuse University’s commitment to the military community?
The military-friendly culture of the University certainly makes for a very favorable experience. I am going through the program with 24 other DoD personnel, so that offers an added degree of built-in friendship and support for me.
What do you plan to do next?
When I complete the program in July, I’ll go right into a 2 ½ year post-utilization tour at the NGB headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Resource management, operations and logistics are my areas of interest. I’m looking forward to taking on increased responsibilities in my upcoming assignment, apply what I’ve learned from the program, and positively influence the way we do things.
