Executive Education students, alumni, employers and partners talk about their invaluable academic experiences at the UT Dallas Jindal School of Management, providing advice, perspective, and vision.
Tyrrell (TJ) Thermezi II – MS LOD Transformational Leadership Testimonial
My journey at UTD has been both personal and transformational. I moved from Orlando, Florida, unsure of my next step, but I knew I had a natural gift for leadership. While searching for programs that aligned with my passion, I found UTD’s MS in Leadership and Organizational Development program with a concentration in Transformational Leadership. As a full-time 5th grade teacher, the online format gave me the flexibility I needed while still offering a rich and meaningful experience. One of the biggest challenges I faced was being a young teacher, I often felt underestimated. I stayed committed to my students—and their growth and test scores spoke volumes. Those early challenges helped build my confidence and showed me the impact of staying focused and purpose driven. One course that especially stood out to me was Strategic Leadership with Dr. Anne Ferrante. Her course helped me think critically about long-term vision, systems thinking, and leading with both strategy and heart. It continues to shape the way I approach leadership today. Since then, I’ve moved to Chicago and stepped into a new leadership role supporting high school culture and student development. Now, just a year after teaching, I’m pursuing school administration with the goal of becoming a principal at Noble Schools. The MS LOD gave me the foundation and belief to lead boldly—and I’m just getting started.
Colleen Rodriguez – EMBA with an Emphasis on Healthcare Organization Leadership
Completing my EMBA HOL was truly transformative. This program provided foundational knowledge in the business of healthcare and I also gained a dynamic network of peers and mentors. The connections I made and the skills I gained have opened doors I never imagined and will continue to shape my career trajectory.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sean Seabrook, MS LOD
The UTD MS in Leadership and Organizational Development is a transformative experience. The coaching certificate provides leading industry training for coaching and the ICF exam, and the organizational consulting certificate gave me practical tools and resources to develop a consulting practice. The MS degree gave me the knowledge to grow as leader and drive change in today’s fast-moving business environment. Professors in the program have corporate backgrounds, bridging academic theory with practical application, and the program is accredited in a business school which also enhances its value and the learning experience. The program expanded my network and I’ve made some life-long friends along the way. The value and experience is outstanding!