Eric Greitens Education; Greitens is a highly educated man.
The former governor of Missouri graduated from Duke University with a degree in ethics, philosophy, and public policy, and he later earned a doctorate in development studies from the University of Oxford.
Greitens’ education has shaped his views on the world and has prepared him for a career in public service.
His commitment to public service earned him a prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
Furthermore, he secured a Rhodes Scholarship, a notable achievement that granted him the opportunity to pursue further studies at Oxford University.
Eric Greitens Education and Early Life
Born on April 10, 1974, in St. Louis, Missouri, Eric Greitens is the son of Becky and Rob Greitens.
During his high school years, Greitens attended Parkway North High School and received recognition as a member of the 1995 USA Today All-USA Academic Team.
Pursuing higher education, he enrolled at Duke University as an Angier B. Duke Scholar, focusing his studies on ethics, philosophy, and public policy.
After completing his undergraduate degree in 1996, Greitens achieved remarkable academic milestones as he was chosen as both a Rhodes and Truman Scholar.
Continuing his educational journey, Greitens pursued a D.Phil. degree at Lady Margaret Hall, a constituent college of the University of Oxford.
Astonishing Career In The Military
After completing his studies at Oxford, Greitens entered Naval Officer Candidate School in January 2001.
Following his enrollment in Naval Officer Candidate School, Greitens proceeded to undergo Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training.
Culminating in his successful graduation with Class 237 in Coronado, California, in February 2002.
Subsequently, he served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Reserve and embarked on multiple deployments to diverse regions including
- Iraq.
- Afghanistan.
- The Horn of Africa.
- Southeast Asia.
Throughout his commendable military service, Greitens assumed various commanding roles, exemplified by his leadership of a joint special operations task unit, a Mark V Special Operations Craft detachment, and an Al-Qaeda targeting cell.
Eric Greitens Military Accolades
- The Bronze Star,
- Purple Heart,
- Joint Service Commendation Medal,
- Navy Commendation Medal,
- Joint Service Achievement Medal,
- Navy Achievement Medal,
- Combat Action Ribbon,
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
In 2005, President George W. Bush appointed Greitens as a White House Fellow.
In this capacity, he actively contributed to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he played a vital role in the development of a program aimed at aiding the reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
Throughout his tenure as a White House Fellow, Greitens also took the initiative to co-found the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Program.
Eric Greitens Education, Honors And Awards
| Date | Recognition/Award |
|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2008 | President’s Volunteer Service Award |
| – Presented by President George W. Bush | |
| – Awarded for work at The Mission Continues | |
| – Presented outside Air Force One at Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri | |
| 2009 | HOOAH Award |
| – Commissioned by the Major George A. Smith Memorial Fund | |
| 2010 | Reader of the Year |
| – Awarded by Outside magazine | |
| June 2010 | All-Stars Among Us competition winner |
| – Represented St. Louis and the Cardinals at the 2010 All-Star Game in Anaheim, California | |
| May 20, 2012 | Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters |
| – Awarded by Tufts University | |
| 2012 | Bronfman Prize |
| – Recognizes dynamic leaders with innovation and impact | |
| 2014 | Fortune Magazine’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders |
| April 18, 2013 | Time 100 Most Influential People in the World |
Eric Greitens Education, fall & Chaotic Political Career
In Summary:-
Education
- Recognized as one of the top 20 students in the country by USA Today
- Received the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship
- Secured a Rhodes Scholarship, allowing him to study at Oxford University
Military
- Excelled and held various commanding roles
- Received notable military awards such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Ribbon
- Served in deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions
Political
- Announced his candidacy for Governor of Missouri as a Republican in 2015
- Won the primary and general election, assuming office in 2017
- Opposed accepting the federal Medicaid expansion and signed a bill making Missouri a right-to-work state
- Resigned in 2018 due to allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance improprieties
Greitens had a distinguished career in education, the military, and politics. However, his tenure as governor was marred by scandal, and he resigned in 2018.