Kim Gordon, Georgia Terry MBA Class of 2028
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Georgia, Dietetics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Army Dietitian, Defense Healthcare, 13 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As an Army Dietitian, I saw firsthand how high-level financial and operational decisions rippled down to affect patient care and the teams delivering it. Too often, the people making those decisions had never worked on the clinical side, and it showed. After 13 years of service, I decided it was time to bridge that gap myself. I want to master the business side of healthcare so I can help build systems that serve the people providing and receiving care.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Terry felt like coming home. As a Dawg, I already knew this community’s strength, and I wanted to plant my roots back in the Southeast. Beyond the personal pull, the alumni network here is incredibly strong and tight-knit, and I saw it as the fastest way to build meaningful, lasting connections across the region as I transition into healthcare business.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I bring two perspectives that shape how I show up in any room: parent and veteran. Thirteen years in the Army taught me how to lead under pressure, adapt fast, and put mission and team above ego. Parenthood taught me patience and how to juggle a hundred priorities without dropping the important ones. I hope to bring that grounded, calm-under-chaos energy to my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve lived and worked in multiple locations throughout my Army career, but Georgia still feels most like home. No matter where the Army sent me, I always found myself comparing it to the Southeast.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m pursuing a career in healthcare, ideally in a role where I can apply operational and financial strategy to improve patient care delivery, drawing on my clinical background to bridge the gap between the boardroom and the bedside.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Use Service to School if you’re a veteran; it’s a fantastic free resource that walks you through the entire application process, and I credit it with making mine so much stronger.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Honestly, nothing. I wouldn’t change a thing about my process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The video essay, hands down. I’ve never loved seeing myself on camera! A little prep and a lot of practice runs got me through it, and by the time I submitted, I felt much more confident.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
Motivated, inclusive, and genuinely helpful; the kind of community where people want to see each other succeed.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m joining the Graduate Business Association, Graduate Women in Business Association, and MBA Vets; a mix that lets me connect across the full breadth of the program while staying rooted in the veteran community.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how approachable everyone was. From students to alumni to program leadership, people were incredibly generous with their time and genuinely invested in helping others succeed.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Being back in Athens for Game Days! There’s nothing quite like Saturdays between the hedges, and getting to experience it again as a student is a dream.
