What drew you to the online DBA program?
I had a friend in the program that found the program to be very rewarding. I was looking for something meaningful to do after retiring from the Navy after 23 years of service.
How did the online format fit into your lifestyle and responsibilities?
The online curriculum for Saint Leo's DBA program was perfect for me as I live in a rural area and would be unable to attend a Doctoral level degree program in my local area.
What aspects of the online learning experience stood out to you the most? How was the dissertation?
The OKTA portal that Saint Leo University uses for its' online platform is user friendly and is full of useful resources to set one up for academic success. The online platform also provides many resources, to include the online library which was essential for completing the dissertation.
How would you describe the support and guidance you received from the faculty? Especially during the dissertation process?
In my opinion, the faculty at Saint Leo is the best part of the program. All of the professors that I worked with in pursuit of my degree were helpful, freely giving of their time, and genuinely dedicated to my success in completing the program. This remained true through both classwork and the dissertation process.
Were there any specific professors or staff members who made a lasting impression on you?
Dr. Dale Mancini helped to recruit me into the program and saw me through a number of courses as well as acting as the Chari for my dissertation. He was integral in my educational success at Saint Leo as well as the program director Leslie Ramirez. Leslie has assisted with any and all administrative questions and actions that I've required in the last three years, whether it be inquiries about student loans, grades, or scheduling my dissertation defense, she was always there to back me up. Furthermore, when I had a friend in my cohort that was at their wit's end and unable to fulfill her duties as a Teachers Assistant to the professor whom she was assigned and was going to have to drop the course due to scheduling conflicts, Leslie stepped in and allowed this student to be the teaching assistants for one of the courses that she was teaching in order to prevent the student from having to drop the class. This speaks volumes to me about the character and dedication that the DBA programs staff is willing to put forth.
How has this program helped you grow personally and professionally?
The Saint Leo DBA program has helped me to ensure that I have a thorough understanding of subjects and ensure that I conduct research on them before making any important decision. Or more simply put, it has made me more thorough as a whole in both my personal and professional lives.
What skills or knowledge have you gained that you’re excited to apply in your career?
This program taught me to be more succinct and academic in my writing style, which will help me in a few aspects of my professional life.
How has earning your DBA impacted your career opportunities or goals?
Earning my DBA has enabled me to continue my pursuit of becoming a professor in my post-military/second career.
What would you say to someone considering enrolling in this program?
Saint Leo's DBA program is a meaningful and rewarding degree program. Know that upon embarking on this journey that it will be intense, test your mental mettle and will be time-consuming with breaks that are few and far between. It's a serious commitment, but it pays serious dividends upon completion.
If you could sum up your experience in one sentence, what would it be?
The DBA program was perfect for me in that it allowed me to keep my mind sharp and engaged while transitioning from two + decades of military service. All the while bettering myself and preparing me for my next career.
