Student Spotlight
Mattie' Skye Nogaye
"I couldn’t ask for a better environment in which to be nurtured, and to have the opportunity to excel and operate at a capacity that speaks to excellence."
What makes the MS in Organization Development program distinctive?
The residency and cohort model of the MS in Organization Development makes it unique. In addition to enhancing my professional education, I feel there's a level of personal growth that I've experienced. At 53 years of age and after the first session of the program, I realized I have so much more to learn and appreciate about myself.
What was your most meaningful class and why?
The very first course had an impact on me. The exercises and activities that we engaged in with faculty and fellow students made me very conscious of how I view myself and how others view me. I knew after I left that class that this was the right program for me.
How would you describe the Pepperdine faculty and your interaction with them?
They are phenomenal, approachable, highly experienced, sensitive, aware, compassionate, and knowledgeable. They are great role models. I couldn't ask for a better environment in which to be nurtured, and to have the opportunity to excel and operate at a capacity that speaks to excellence. As a midlife career shifter, I am very excited about the possibilities of my future career after going through this program.
How has your experience changed your leadership style?
I'm more sensitive with regard to valuing and honoring differences. I now have ways to use this knowledge effectively, to value cultural differences, to be a better listener, to engage in dialogue. The dialogue is very important, and we've done a lot of that as a cohort in my program.
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