Edwin Feagins Jr. has worked as a firefighter and an emergency medical technician since 2011. When he gained the rank of captain at age 33, he decided to pursue a graduate program that would enhance his management skills. “I set a personal goal to excel in organizational and operational management,” he says. 

Edwin is also an entrepreneur; he founded Liv Medical to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) certification training for first responders and healthcare workers. He is an AHA-certified BLS provider and instructor who also serves as a fire sciences instructor at Volunteer State Community College and as an adjunct faculty member in the health sciences department at Tennessee State University. “As an entrepreneur and instructor, as well as a public servant, I knew my understanding of organization and operational management concepts was important to my daily responsibilities,” he says.

A native who has spent his entire career in Nashville, Edwin knew of Vanderbilt’s Executive MBA program by reputation. “I’d witnessed how this program prepared friends and family members to excel in their respective areas of expertise, and I wanted the same level of instruction and support they’d received,” he says.

Juggling a full-time job and his EMBA classwork initially seemed daunting for Edwin. His flexible schedule as a firefighter helped, as did his supportive spouse and family. “Navigating the work-life balance can be tough, and time management is key,” he says. “I work a unique schedule, so the alternating weekends helped me better plan for classes.”

The program’s academics also presented a challenge. But it’s one that Edwin welcomed. “The level of expertise and instruction here at Vanderbilt has cemented the university as a pillar in Nashville and the local business community,” he says. “To be part of this community and history is also to perform at the highest level professionally.”

The program’s small size allowed him to connect with classmates, and the exposure to the Nashville business community enabled him to expand his professional network. He found his C-team experience particularly rewarding. “I was placed in a group of hardworking and passionate individuals who made learning fun,” he says. “The diversity amongst our group ensured we brought different elements and perspectives to the team to achieve the best results.”