Navy Veteran Brion Green is Shaping Futures with the Online MS in LHRD from LSU

As a former Navy Chief Petty Officer, Brion Green has spent his career mentoring others, resolving conflicts, and practicing purposeful leadership. But he wanted to take that experience further. This is what led him to the Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development (MS LHRD) program from LSU. 

The fully online format made it easy to balance work, family, and school, while the Workforce Development concentration provided the practical knowledge he needed to align his military experience with civilian career goals. From speaking to high school students about workforce readiness to planning his next chapter post-service, Brion is using what he’s learned to shape his own future and others’. 

Meet Brion Green 

1. What initially made you apply to the online MS in Leadership & Human Resource Development from LSU?
   What initially drew me to the online MS in Leadership & Human Resource Development program at LSU was the program’s strong reputation and its alignment with my professional goals. I was particularly drawn to the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School because of its outstanding faculty, many of whom have extensive, real-world experience in the Human Resources field. Their practical insight and academic expertise offered a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry.
   Additionally, LSU’s commitment to supporting military-affiliated students, including its Post-9/11 tuition-friendly policies, made the program even more accessible and appealing. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to balance my education with personal and professional responsibilities, while still receiving a high-quality, engaging learning experience.
   
2. How did you balance life, work, and studies?
   It wasn’t easy, especially with an accelerated program. I created a schedule based on the syllabus provided by the instructors and planned out what needed to be done each day to finish all my work by the deadlines. It was very important for me to stay focused on my schedule; however, the most important thing was to inform my family of my study schedule in advance so they could plan events around my study time. Of course, this didn’t always work with an active family, but it definitely made it easier.
   
3. What did you appreciate most about the faculty and support services?
   The faculty was incredible. One person called to ensure I didn’t miss any important news or events, like registration deadlines, and another called to check on my welfare and overall well-being during the program. These caring individuals weren’t even my program advisors, which made me feel welcomed and reassured that there was always someone there if I needed help.
   
4. Can you share a specific example of how you applied something that you learned?
   One specific concept that stuck with me was the importance of understanding different generations in the workforce and how to tailor communication and development strategies to meet their needs. I learned this in one of the organizational behavior courses at LSU, and I immediately saw its relevance during a community event I hosted for high school students in Jacksonville.
   Using what I learned about engaging younger workers, I adjusted my presentation style to connect with them more effectively, incorporating relatable language, relevant examples, and interactive discussions to explain Florida’s workforce development programs. Because of that approach, the students were more engaged and asked thoughtful questions about career paths they hadn’t previously considered. It was a powerful moment that showed me how classroom knowledge could directly improve how I serve and support others, even outside a traditional HR role.
   
5. What advice would you give to prospective military members or students considering the program?
   If you're a military member or veteran considering this program, my advice is simple: LSU is where you want to be. If you're used to a culture that values excellence, accountability, and teamwork, this program will feel like home. Much like the camaraderie I experienced in the military, LSU fostered a strong sense of community and support. The faculty and staff didn’t just treat me like another student; they treated me like family.
   From day one, they understood the unique challenges that come with military life and made every effort to ensure I had the resources and flexibility I needed to succeed. If you're ready to continue that mission-driven mindset and grow as a leader in the HR field, LSU will have your six.
   
6. What was your favorite aspect of the program?
   My favorite part of the program was the opportunity to collaborate and interact with classmates who had real-world experience in the HR field. I learned a great deal by picking their brains and gaining insider perspectives while working on projects together. Coming from a military background, I realized that, as a supervisor, I had already been performing many HR functions without formally recognizing them as such. The coursework helped me connect the dots between my military experience and HR principles, deepening my understanding of concepts I had already been applying in practice.
   
7. What skills or knowledge from the program have been most valuable in your job?
   One of the most valuable takeaways from the program was gaining a formal understanding of key HR concepts like performance management, employee relations, and organizational behavior. As a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, I was constantly coaching, mentoring, evaluating performance, and resolving interpersonal conflicts, essentially doing HR work without the official title. The program provided me with the language, structure, and strategic perspective to better understand what I had already been doing and how to do it more effectively. It also enhanced my skills in data-driven decision-making and taught me how to align HR practices with organizational goals, a crucial skill whether you're in the military or civilian sector.
   
8. What aspects of the program were most helpful to you as someone transitioning from military service into civilian life?
   One of the most beneficial aspects of LSU’s HR program was its fast-paced structure. The 7-week course format maintained momentum and kept me fully engaged without feeling overwhelmed. I appreciated being able to focus on one or two subjects at a time while steadily progressing toward my degree. As someone transitioning from the military, time was a crucial factor. I wanted to re-enter the civilian workforce quickly with a strong educational foundation. The program made that possible. Within a year, I earned my master’s degree and was ready to confidently step into civilian HR roles. That efficiency, along with the practical relevance of the coursework, made a big difference in helping me transition smoothly and successfully.
   
9. Can you share a success story related to your career?
   Although I haven’t officially moved into a civilian HR role yet, the LSU Master’s in LHRD program has already significantly influenced how I serve my community. Recently, I hosted an event in Jacksonville for high school students, where I introduced them to Florida’s workforce development programs. Using what I learned in the program, especially about talent pipelines, career development, and community engagement, I was able to clearly explain the resources available through the state, many of which the students and even some educators hadn’t heard of.
   Watching their interest grow as they learned how to take their first steps into the workforce was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that HR isn’t just about policies and practices; it’s about people and possibilities. LSU’s program gave me the confidence and knowledge to step into that space and make a real difference, even before officially changing careers. 

Build a Career That Moves People Forward 

The online Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development with a concentration in Workforce Development from LSU gave Brion the knowledge and tools to lead well on the job, in his community, and in life. 

If you're ready to take your own leadership skills to the next level and make a lasting impact, explore the online MS in Leadership & Human Resource Development: Workforce Development today.