As I mentioned in my overview of the MMS Association (MMSA), there were some changes that resulted in the roles available to my Class of 2015 being slightly different from what is in place for the current Class of 2016. One example is that my class had a single president of the MMS: FOB program, while the current class has two co-presidents. While the duties are now shared, they have remained very similar.

Carter Boyle was our MMS: FOB class president, and prior to graduation he shared some insight on his role in this Q&A:

What is your position, task and mission?

Carter: My role has many different tasks and missions, including to make sure the MMSA works cohesively as a team. Echoing the virtue of “Team Fuqua” that our school instills in us from day one, I’ve sought to ensure that the MMSA is always striving to enhance our time as a class at Duke. I also interface with MMS administrators like Russ Morgan, Steve Misuraca and Miranda Young on a weekly, if not daily basis to keep them apprised of what’s going on. Lastly, my role entails serving as an example for my class and, at least in my opinion, the vital mission of trying to get to know everyone on a personal level and making sure they feel as much a part of the Duke, Fuqua, and MMS Class of 2015 communities as possible.

As class president, I am always trying to help my peers better enjoy their time at Duke and in MMS. I felt that way at the beginning of the year irrespective of my role as president, and if anything I believe this mindset and philosophy of mine is in large part why I was elected. I love Duke and believe it can have such a transformational impact on its students who opt in and really engage during their time here. This philosophy underpinned the MMSA’s Duke Spirit Initiative platform that has been in some ways the “brand” of the MMS Class of 2015. By emphasizing Duke spirit, we’ve put a premium on fostering a sense of community among MMS and created a way for our peers to forge lifelong connections to this school.

Are there any challenges that you face?

Carter: Other than the amount of time and energy I’ve had to invest personally (and it’s been a very large investment), there aren’t many downsides. As long as someone is willing to care and put in the time and effort, being in a leadership position on the MMSA is a very rewarding experience and totally worth it.

What do you think has changed over the Five years since the MMS program started?

Carter: Having been an undergrad at Duke when the MMS program was created, I’ve observed a lot of change in MMS. Initially, most MMS students were Duke alumni, but over time the program has become increasingly diverse and competitive. Furthermore, the collection of faculty we were privileged enough to have this year is to me, the strongest set of professors to ever teach an MMS class.

On a more practical level, we help students by putting on events to bring the class together and create memorable experiences throughout the year. From our tailgates supporting Duke athletics in the fall, to our classy winter formal dance, to the adventurous MMS ski trip (among many other events we’ve put on), the MMSA has made a consistent and highly effective effort to plan and put on events for our class. It’s great for the administration to formally plan things for us, but it’s even better for the MMSA to plan our own because we are fully immersed in the interests and needs of our class.

What do you think are the most positive aspects of being part of the MMSA?

Carter: The best part of being an ambassador for and leader of our class is the ability to be in the driver’s seat for making our year a magical one. Planning events that celebrate Duke has been the most fun and rewarding experience, because I get to see my best friends and peers here fall in love with this place the way that I did as an undergrad.

Click here to read my Q&As with other MMS student leaders from my Class of 2015.