Strengthening Leadership Skills Through a Dual Degree with DCP

When Michael Brett Matlaga ’25 MBA, ’25 EMPA joined the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP), he set out to sharpen his leadership skills while preparing for the next chapter of his career. The dual degree path, which earned him both an MBA and an executive master’s degree in public administration in July 2025, was the perfect fit.  

“I was looking to further my civilian education while simultaneously adding to my toolkit in my professional life with skills that will directly contribute to my military career and professional development,” he says.  

That motivation carried him through the program’s rigorous schedule. Along with his graduate coursework, Matlaga also completed the Certified Defense Financial Manager course, a milestone that underscored his dedication to blending academic knowledge with professional expertise.  

Much like his military career, the program pushed him to collaborate with a wide range of people. The diverse backgrounds of his classmates made the experience both challenging and rewarding.  

“I was able to meet people from all over that I otherwise would not have met,” he says. “We came together quickly, and working on numerous group assignments meant learning to adapt to different personalities. All of it became a learning point as a leader.”  

For Matlaga, the highlight of that collaboration came toward the end of the program at Minnowbrook, where the cohort gathered for a more relaxed retreat. “You were able to see different, more relaxed sides of some of the classmates,” he says. “It was a great way to close out the program and connect outside the classroom.”  

The demanding pace of the 14-month program reinforced the importance of adaptability and balance. “Graduate classes were a far different work-home life balance than in my career,” he says. “It also mirrored my professional life in terms of resilience and collaboration. Some of us were stronger in certain areas, so the group cohesion made a real difference.”  

One class in particular stood out. The Managerial Leadership course with Professor Steven Lux became a favorite, pushing him to reflect on both his personal and professional growth.  

“With five papers throughout the course along with a final paper, I found each to be challenging in their own way but also very helpful in self-identification,” he says.  

Outside the classroom, Matlaga made time for family, exercise and golf to stay grounded. “The breaks we had were few and far between, but making the most of them was key to pressing reset even if just for a little bit,” he says.  

After graduation, Matlaga is heading to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he will join the G8 Budget shop. His time in the DCP reflects the resilience, leadership and balance that Whitman fosters in its students—qualities he will carry forward into the next phase of his career.  

By Bo BenYehuda