Cherie Castain – MS LOD Executive and Professional Coaching
Cherie Castain
Returning to graduate school after a 20-year break was a decision I approached with hesitation, but the Executive Education Program at UTD exceeded all my expectations. From the very first semester, the program proved to be transformative, reigniting my passion for learning and inspiring me to pursue my master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development with a concentration in Executive and Professional Coaching.
Through the curriculum and supportive learning environment, I strengthened my professional skills, gained confidence, and expanded my network in meaningful ways. The relationships I formed with peers, faculty, and industry professionals continue to enrich both my personal and professional life. The program has had a remarkable impact on my growth and has positively influenced every aspect of my career journey.
For anyone considering a return to higher education, UTD’s Executive Education Program offers an exceptional pathway to advance your goals, no matter your background or how long you’ve been away from the classroom.
I’m grateful to have chosen UTD’s MS LOD program with a focus on Strategic Human Resources. The organizational development knowledge I’ve gained has become a daily part of my work as an HR professional.
This education has enriched my career, helped me pursue opportunities aligned with my values and growing skillset, and supported my professional growth. I’m excited to carry these learnings forward and share their impact with others.
Thank you to the excellent instructors who make this program rigorous, relevant, and truly meaningful.
As I prepare to graduate from the Executive MBA program, I find myself reflecting on just how transformative this experience has been for me; both as a healthcare professional and as a leader. Coming into the program, I hoped to strengthen my leadership skills and gain tools I could apply immediately in my organization. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this program would reshape the way I think, lead, and show up for my teams.
The faculty brought such a practical, real-world approach that made even the most complex concepts feel accessible and directly relevant. I never felt like I was simply completing assignments; I felt like I was learning from leaders who genuinely cared about our growth.
Working alongside peers from different industries broadened my perspective and helped me become a more thoughtful and well-rounded leader. This program didn’t just enhance my skills; it enhanced my confidence. I leave feeling more prepared, more grounded, and more inspired than when I started.
As a young professional with an interest in the legal field, I came across UTD’s course on Mediation and Dispute Resolution. Nancy Boyle and Azure Brown were instrumental in why I enjoyed this class so much. The material was straight forward and digestible, but Nancy and Azure’s personalities, teaching styles and accounts of their experiences as mediators is where I learned the most. The program was well organized and balanced between course materials and mediation role plays with classmates. Overall, whether you are considering pursuing mediation, obtaining a Human Resource requirement, or you are just wanting to learn more about the art of mediation, I highly recommend this course.
What drew me to the MS LOD program was the focus of developing leaders who inspire change through authenticity and purpose. As someone balancing a demanding career with a major airline company and a growing real estate business, I wanted a program that would help me align my leadership with my values. The program exceeded my expectations by integrating theory with real-world practice, offering mentorship from dedicated professors, and creating a space where vulnerability and growth were encouraged. It didn’t just teach leadership—it reshaped how I show up as a leader in every area of my life.
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.
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