Thank You

Megan Lightfoot Metzger, MS LOD

As a business owner and consultant, I sought to expand my knowledge to foster the growth of both my own businesses and my clients’ ventures. For years, I thought an MBA was the natural next step, but discovering the MS in Leadership and Organizational Development (MSLOD) program felt like finding the perfect fit. Each course offered immediate, actionable insights that I could implement to enhance my businesses and support my clients.
The faculty at UT Dallas brings a wealth of expertise and real-world experience to every lesson, but what truly sets them apart is their genuine commitment to each student. Professors were always open to discussing the coursework and went beyond by offering invaluable advice tailored to my unique challenges and goals. My time at UT Dallas has made me a more effective consultant and a better person, and I’m deeply grateful for the profound impact of their mentorship and guidance.

Denis Zub (EMBA 2022)

Just one year ago, when COVID-19 have not even appeared in top-1000 Google searches and flying anywhere on Earth was a five-minute decision, I was sitting in my chair thinking of the next career steps. The only thing I knew then was that I needed inspiration, rethinking, rebooting if you will. Boiling in your day-to-day problems, solving your pre-determined pattern of tasks, and being eventually stuck in your narrow life-box with a boring forward-looking prospect was not the life I wanted to live.

Alberto Gutierrez Algren

Immediately after graduating, I was able to transition to higher position. I am very certain that without the MBA and PLSCM expertise gained through UTD and this program, I would not have had these opportunities for advancement. Additionally, I was able to utilize that knowledge, to become part of two start-up business opportunities, which I would not have even considered for fear of the unknown before earning my MBA.

Mohammed Omer, GLEMBA ’19

It’s about the experiences of exchanging skill sets and perspectives.

Nickquolette Barrett – MS LOD Coaching

What attracted me to the MSLOD program was its strong blend of academic rigor and real-world application, led by professors who are also active practitioners. I wanted more than theory—I needed tools to help me transition from corporate leadership to full-time business ownership. The program delivered beyond expectations, equipping me with practical strategies, a powerful peer network, and the confidence to scale my coaching and consulting practice. It was truly the bridge between my corporate past and entrepreneurial future.

Veronica Sanchez, MS LOD

I was initially drawn to the Master of Science in Organizational Development program by its reputation for providing deep, practical insights and fostering leadership skills in a collaborative learning environment. The program not only met but surpassed my expectations by delivering rigorous coursework that broadened my understanding and expertise in organizational development. What truly enhanced my experience, however, were the remarkable peers I learned alongside, whose perspectives continually enriched our discussions, as well as the dedicated mentors, professors, and faculty members who invested wholeheartedly in my growth. This journey has been immensely rewarding, and I am excited to apply my skills and knowledge to continue to drive success and inspire others.

Qiana Levy

UTDs EMBA program has surpassed my expectations. The program allowed me to maintain a demanding work schedule alongside a rigorous course load. The caliber of the professors and students, and the alignment of the course materials was exceptional. The program was well-designed and added immense value to my professional growth. Immeasurable components included the executive projects, international trip, collaboration and rich discussions with like-minded professionals. The curriculum enriched my business acumen, strategic foresight/execution, relationship-building and change management skills, as well as created enduring friendships. I am deeply appreciative and highly recommend UTDs EMBA program.

Anwar Mohammad Sirajuddin – EMBA with an Emphasis on Healthcare Organization Leadership

The learning experience was incredible, not just from the content perspective but the insights gained from real-world case studies and discussions with professors who’ve earned the stripes of experience. But the best part were my classmates. We came from all corners of the healthcare world, united by a common goal, and maybe a shared caffeine addiction! The friendships we built and the connections we made have been invaluable. I now have an entire network of brilliant people I can turn to.

Edtrina Moss – EMBA with an Emphasis on Healthcare Organization Leadership

As a practicing registered nurse with a PhD in Nursing Science and a graduating student in the Executive MBA program at the University of Texas at Dallas, Naveen Jindal School of Management, my journey has been both rigorous and rewarding. The program has equipped me with invaluable skills in strategic leadership, healthcare management, and operational efficiency to think strategically and approach complex healthcare challenges with innovative solutions. The opportunity to blend my clinical expertise with executive-level education has been invaluable in advancing my ability to drive organizational change and improve patient outcomes.

Emily Elizarde – MS LOD Transformational Leadership

My true passion lies in developing the teams I lead and enhancing learning amongst organizations. To me, the most meaningful part of leading a team is leaning into the continual growth and development of our most important asset – our people. The MS LOD at UT Dallas surpassed my expectations by providing me with an enhanced perspective and equipping me with frameworks rooted in research that I use in the workplace daily. The most valuable thing I experienced was the camaraderie and diversity of thought that was offered throughout the program. Being surrounded by the rich experiences of both instructors and students with an interest in how humans’ impact organizational ecosystems was invaluable to me. The program was such a worthwhile endeavor. I gained new and meaningful perspectives and have successfully applied so many new concepts to my experience. I especially enjoy sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through this program with other leaders in my organization. It’s a great feeling to know that the time I’ve dedicated to this course of study has the potential to generate a long-lasting, positive impact.

Holly Martin, GLEMBA ’19

Customer Experience Manager, J.B. Hunt

Because of this program, I was able to present within my organization to five different groups, which led to a promotion, an invitation to assist with three special projects as a new manager, and an appointment as a co-chair to lead professional development for an internal employee resource group.

Ashwin Prakash, GLEMBA ’20

Head of Data Science and Analytics, HCA Healthcare

The application of learnings from Operations Management and Strategic Management courses helped make an immediate impact in my job, merging the lines between school and work while providing an instant return on investment for my employer.

Andrew Svatek, EMBA 2022

Director of Operations, Svatek Consulting

When researching EMBA programs to pursue it was clear early on that UTD’s EMBA was the perfect fit for me. The elite faculty, diversity of the program, and relevant and evolving curriculum were huge drivers in my decision and made it a no-brainer. I always anticipated an academic journey that would challenge me personally and professionally, but what I did not anticipate was the unbelievable camaraderie and support of my cohort that was established on the first day of orientation. I have learned as much from my classmates as I have from my professors, and I know I will leave UTD with lifelong friends and a world-class executive education. I am so grateful for the opportunity to earn an EMBA at UTD JSOM

Esteban Santos, EMBA 2021

I have to say that coaching was one of the best things about this program. It really helped me stay motivated and focused on my goals. My coach was incredibly supportive and always had great advice for me. I feel like I learned a lot from our sessions together and I am so grateful for the experience. I would definitely recommend coaching to anyone who is looking to make positive changes in their life.

Nicole Roettele – MS LOD Executive and Professional Coaching

I came for the Certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching and loved the experience and the learning so much that I stayed for a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development! I especially appreciated the cohort model and working so closely with such incredible professionals.

Khaled Hallak, EMBA 2021

Bank of America, Officer, Syndicated Loan Closer

I joined the EMBA program at UT Dallas with aspirations to hone my business acumen and skillsets gathered from academia and real-world experience through both entrepreneurship and large corporate ventures. The EMBA program did not polish my current understanding; they shattered my foundation and rebuilt my business knowledge with the most cutting-edge academics through a prestigious curriculum and world-renowned professors. Throughout the rigors of this program, I quickly learned the importance and power of my cohort. With an ocean of information flowing towards you, it is impossible for one person to absorb and process on their own. I formed a tight bond with some of the brightest executive minds across an array of industries. In this program, we did more than just dissect and examine case studies from historic events; we were able to consult with real corporations in efforts to aid with ongoing and current issues. Our impact was evidenced when select corporations successfully implemented our recommendations. This program is far from easy, it will push you to new heights and you will need to reintroduce yourself to your family and friends upon graduation. On the bright side, the leaders of this program, Pamela Brady (Program Director) and Connie Imhof (Program Manager), are such genuine and caring people, you will feel like a part of a new family throughout the duration of this program. If you are looking to expand your knowledge and grow your network, the EMBA at UTD comes highly recommended.

Amanda Merritt – MBA, MS LOD Organizational Consulting and Transformational Leadership

When I decided to go back to school 18 years after my undergrad, I knew I wanted a program that would challenge me, allow me to keep working, and give me the best foundation for my future career growth, and I found it here. I loved everything about my OBCC experience. The flexibility and online format gave me the ability to balance my job, my family (with three very active teenagers), and my coursework, without sacrificing the depth of knowledge I was looking for. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to complete my degree without it. The whole OBCC team is truly the best. All of my professors were available for chats about class, assignments, and any other random questions, from PhD possibilities to professional experiences, and the admin office was always quick to answer my questions and help me with exactly what I needed, especially when I wanted to finish my MSLOD with two certificates. They arranged my schedule to fit everything in alongside my MBA courses, and I was able to finish both degrees in just under three years. My time in the program has been invaluable, and I would recommend any of the OBCC programs every time.

David Gill

After much engineering and product development experience in the semiconductor/electronic product space, I found this program to be exceptional for enriching my knowledge of the full product lifecycle. The curriculum was well balanced, engaging and formatted so individual benefits from their own studies as well as others’ perspectives through group interaction. The program is not limited to the boundaries of sourcing and purchasing but rather includes the study and tools for management of the complete product lifecycle. I have a much-improved understanding of operational considerations and a complete tool set to utilize because of the PLSCM program. It has greatly increased my contribution and success in executing my responsibilities.

Curtis Clark

My experience during the Supply Chain EMBA program was very rewarding, both professionally and personally. I experienced a terrific camaraderie with my fellow classmates who shared a desire to learn. Dr. Rajamani has a passion for what he teaches and for helping students realize the difference they can make in the workplace. With students from many different industries and cultural backgrounds, I was able to broaden my perspective on the global nature of supply chains. I made this investment in myself.

Jacob Heller, MS LOD

The MSLOD program with the Strategic HR concentration gave me the knowledge and confidence to achieve my career goals. The curriculum helped me reframe how I approach business leaders daily to achieve my intended results better. The program provided both breadth and depth of understanding while also giving me the tools to dive deeper and learn more independently when needed.