Executive Education Voices

Vinay Rao, EMBA 2021

ERP Specialist Advisor NTT Data Services

As an engineer, who made decisions mostly based on data, I was most impacted by courses like organizational behavior, c-suite leadership, and performance transformation. I also enjoyed all the finance and economics classes. These topics helped broaden my perception of what I can do for my company and community.

Erinn Marks, GLEMBA ’19

I searched for an online program that was a WIN-WIN. I was able to pursue my MBA and enjoy the last of the wonder years with my children.

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.

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.

Ellie Shollenberger

The UT Dallas Product Lifecycle & Supply Chain Management is a unique and one of a kind Executive MBA program; no other school offers this concentration. Unlike the traditional EMBA with a finance focus, this program taught me the importance of making the best business decision beyond the numbers. The knowledge and experience I gained in the program has given me more opportunities to be involved with important projects and to manage corporate programs in the company; and I am enjoying this challenge. Most importantly, I learned a lot from my highly experienced classmates with different backgrounds, and the friendships we built during our international study trip is a lifetime gift and priceless!

Andy Miller, GLEMBA ’16

IT Operations Manager, Splunk

The GLEMBA program’s focus on global business challenges was vital in helping me to understand how my company can grow and succeed in a globally competitive landscape. The courses, interaction with peers and the exceptional faculty have empowered me to analyze and solve problems differently – essentially the program has enabled me to become a better leader.

Bill Disario

I can confidently say that earning my MBA in Supply Chain Management at UT Dallas later in life has strengthened my business knowledge base, even after working for several decades in mid-level operational and supply chain roles. In addition, having a specialized MBA has enabled better promotional and advancement leadership roles as well as higher level compensation opportunities. I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking to take their Supply Chain career path to the next level!

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.

Dan Glasky

I was fortunate enough to discover and then enroll in the Product Lifecycle and Supply Chain Management Program at The University of Texas at Dallas. The program was extremely beneficial to me as it tied together the various stages of the product lifecycle with optimal supply chain solutions in order to create value through the chain; a must for anyone working in the CPG industry. Combined with the MBA curriculum, I found the program “connected the dots” specifically in the areas of finance and accounting. I enjoyed being on campus once a month, participating in lectures and working/learning in a highly collaborative environment!

Alexander Moeller, EMBA 2017

Quality Director, Diodes Inc.

Coach Mario helped me transform into a more effective and self-aware leader. Using the syllabus and coaching guide provided by UTD as a basis to conduct our sessions, Mario was always very flexible in adjusting the content of our sessions. He thoughtfully summarized the key topics that we discussed during each session and sent them with action items we had agreed on for the following month.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Michelle Miller, EMBA 2015

Research Operations Manager, CBRE

The executive coaching experience was very helpful in guiding my understanding of my strengths and weaknesses and helping me build a plan to leverage them or overcome them, respectively. My executive coach and I continued to work together after the structured part of the program was over as my coach’s expertise in career transitions was very helpful as I evaluated, negotiated, and executed my next career move.

Jennifer Masie, EMBA 2022

Vice President, Retail Operations and Chief of Staff

I immediately began to apply the skills sets from statistics and economics at work. I can see how the knowledge and confidence has enabled me to be a better contributor overall.

Darrick Fitzgerald, GLEMBA ’18

Managing Consultant – Supply Chain Management Reverse Logistics Team, Verizon Wireless

GLEMBA was not just a learning experience, it was a life experience. GLEMBA was not a career pursuit, it was a life pursuit. Even today, tenets from the program impact how I think, how I approach a problem in my career and how I craft my emails. Was I promoted after I finished my degree? Yes.

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

Rob Stogsdill – MS LOD Coaching

The MS LOD program gave me knowledge and skills that I use on a daily basis in my leadership position in a Fortune 40 company. I’ve been coaching people for over a decade. The executive coaching program gave me insights, skills and the experience I needed to take my coaching to the next level. It really helped me set my clients up for success.

Imraan Husain, GLEMBA ’17

Director, Articulator Dental Management

This was the most valuable decision I have made to advance my career, and my life. The WebConference meetings provided the convenience of continued engagement regardless of time zones. The program will add value to your life, in as many aspects as you choose