Doctoral Student Focus | Vera Kurdian

"The doctorate of organizational leadership (DOL) program offered classes that prepare current and future leaders to lead with confidence, knowledge, and rigor. The program’s curriculum provides different courses depending on whether you work in government, private, or nonprofit sectors."

Vera Kurdian, DOL

Program

Organizational Leadership (Doctorate)
Business Administration (Doctorate)

Department

The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business
Education

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
Education
Business

04/26/2021

Vera Kurdian is a current graduate student in Hood College's Doctorate of Organizational Leadership program. Professionally, Vera is the CEO of Advanced Behavioral Health, a mental health clinic serving families and children. She has practiced social work for the last nineteen years in different settings. Vera was recently named one of the Top 20 Dynamic CEOs of 2021 by The CEO Publication Magazine.

Why did you choose Hood College for your doctoral program?

As a previous Hood alum, I have met outstanding professors and students that I have kept in touch with. When it came to receiving my doctorate, I returned to Hood College as the program contained a world-class education, a fantastic community, and supportive professors.

The doctorate of organizational leadership (DOL) program offered classes that prepare current and future leaders to lead with confidence, knowledge, and rigor. The program’s curriculum provides different courses depending on whether you work in government, private, or nonprofit sectors. The classes were interesting, relevant, and helped with day-to-day leading.

What do you enjoy most about being at Hood College?

Everything! I love the community, the professors, the students, the classes, and my cohort.

The courses prepare you to face leadership challenges within your organization. The professors are the most amazing people that root for you day in and day out to help you become successful. Additionally, the relationships that I formed here are rewarding and will be lifelong.

Finally, the camaraderie, the support, and the “can-do attitude” are things that I will cherish forever. Our cohort survived two pandemics while working towards our doctorate. Despite the challenges, we all remained equally committed to both the program and one another.

Congratulations on being named one of the Top 20 Dynamic CEOs of 2021 by The CEO Publication Magazine!

Thank you! The experience was humbling.

I came to the states when I was sixteen years old and have seen my share of hardship. I have had many professors and people who inspired me, and to pay that forward and receive an accolade is heartwarming. Hood College has been part of that journey early on and continues to shape my leadership.

Any other information/fun facts that you would like to add?

If you want to be a 21st-century leader, I highly recommend the DOL program at Hood College. If a 16-year-old immigrant can be the CEO of a company, receive an accolade, and get a doctorate, so can you!

Inspired by Vera’s story to #GOFURTHER in your educational & career pursuits? Learn more about Hood College’s Doctorate of Organizational Leadership by clicking here.