MS in Positive Organizational Development and Change (MPOD)

“Pursuing a Master in Positive Organizational Development degree directly resulted in my securing a vice president position. This strength-based program is excellent in bringing together diverse groups of students and placing them in dynamic learning situations around the subjects of leadership and change management. The coursework is highly relevant and has better prepared me for today’s rapidly changing work environment.”

Darlene Vrotsos
MPOD, 2006
Employer and Title: Parma Community General Hospital, Vice President of Patient and Clinical Care/CNO
Undergraduate University and Degree: Ohio University, BSN
Hometown: Brecksville, OH

“One of the strengths of the program is its convenience. I work full-time in a critical position for Roadway Express and have a family that is very important to me. I was worried about adding school to those priorities and wasn’t sure that I’d be able to balance them all. However, given the way the program is designed, with five- to sevenday residencies and a residency abroad, it worked extremely well. I could do the work — including the reading assignments, papers, and project workn — when it was most convenient for me, my family, and my other work obligations.”

Sarah Drazetic
MPOD, 2006
Employer and Title: Roadway Express, Inc., Director, Engineering
Undergraduate University and Degree: Case Western Reserve University, BS in Industrial Engineering
Hometown: Sagamore Hills, OH

“The program, faculty, and most importantly, my classmates have combined to provide an experience well beyond my expectations. I believe that I have a better insight into how to be more effective as a team member and team leader, as well as in coaching others to be more effective. At first the ‘positive’ aspect of the program seemed a bit presumptuous and alien to my business-tuned ear. However, I have seen the transformative effects of the positive orientation of these practices.”

FRED REEDE
MPOD, 2006
Employer and Title: Reede Creative Services, LLC, Founding Principal
Undergraduate University and Degree: Kent State University, BBA in Accounting
Hometown: Canton, Ohio and Ludlow, Vermont

“I have not only learned from some of the best and most innovative Organizational Behavior professors in the world, I have also been challenged to see the world and organizational change in a new way.”

CHRIS SPENCER
MPOD, 2006
Employer and Title: Lennox Industries, Territory Manager
Undergraduate University and Degree: Bowling Green State University, BA in Communications
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

“Our class is very diverse with students from a widem variety of career fields and various geographical locations throughout the world. Our interactions have added depth to our studies. We have formed relationships that will last a lifetime.”

SHIRLEY SHADWICK
MPOD, 2006
Employer and Title: Huron Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Health System, Director of Human Resources
Undergraduate University and Degree: Regis University, BS in Business Administration
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

“In a continuously evolving field like OD, the MPOD program has expanded my thinking to help me facilitate and lead change within my organization. The 19 -month MPOD program has given me professional and personal learning experiences that I anticipate using and learning from for the rest of my life.”

Pauline J. Goodwin
MPOD, 2006
Employer and Title: Progressive Insurance, Dealer Network Manager
Undergraduate University and Degree: Boston College, BA in Theology
Hometown: Berlin, New Hampshire

“I applied to the MPOD program because I wanted to focus on what makes organizations, teams, and people successful. I had my fill of hearing about the “glass being half empty” and wanted to help people recognize when the “glass was half full” and how to use that recognition to move forward and fill the glass completely. MPOD gave me the luxury to assess myself and to take the time to reflect on where I have been, where I am, and where I am going. The faculty helped me re-frame myself and my thinking so that when I work with clients, having spent time on myself, I have the tacit knowledge to help others to reflect on themselves, their organizations, and their dreams.”

RITA KOWALSKI
MPOD, 2006
Employer and Title: Veterans Health Administration National Center for Organizational Development, Program Specialist
Undergraduate University and Degree: St. Bonaventure University, BA in English
Hometown: Buffalo, New York