Cynthia Bryan's path to pursuing an Ed.D. in organizational leadership started with an impressionable moment in her childhood. Years later, it continued with a desire to deliver practical tools that better the lives of workers and the organizations who employ them.
Bryan knew she needed to seriously consider a doctorate program once she was placed as number 2 in a job interview, simply because the other candidate already obtained their doctorate. This drove her intentional focus on what she wanted to research when entering the Ed.D. program at UMass Global. She just needed to sharpen the focus.
“As I learned how to develop a dissertation, I realized I needed to narrow the broader topic into something that was researchable while still being relevant across workforce sectors,” Bryan said. “That’s where economic instability became the lens for the study.”
“I was intentional about creating research that could extend beyond academia. I wanted it to contribute to future research but also serve as a foundational tool organizations could use to evaluate and modernize their internal training, succession, and retention practices.”
She didn’t want her research to simply live in dissertation; it needed to have practical value. Providing that real-world value is at the heart of her work and dissertation, “Why They Stay: Exploring Mid-Level Managers’ Experiences During Economic Instability.”
“For me, it’s a win-win,” she explained. “When organizations invest in their employees, they’re also investing in the organization. Strengthening employees’ opportunities, preserving institutional knowledge, and preparing future leaders can benefit both the individual and the organization.”
As for the mentioned childhood memory, Bryan said she remembered seeing her brother sign his name with his “Dr.” title, which she would copy with a sense of admiration. Now, she’ll be signing her name the same way.
“When I first tried on my doctoral regalia, something that had felt distant and abstract suddenly became real,” she reflected. “What began as imitation became a meaningful reflection of how far I had come. It was the first time I truly paused to recognize not just the degree I was earning, but the resilience and purpose it took to reach that point.”
We spoke more with Bryan about her educational journey, the challenges she faced — and overcame — as a busy adult learner, and her advice for others considering a degree from UMass Global.
What challenges did you face while pursuing your doctorate? What support has helped you move forward?
Pursuing my doctorate challenged me personally and professionally. As an adult learner, I balanced a full-time career in education, leadership responsibilities, consulting work, family commitments, and the emotional demands of doctoral research. There were times when the weight of those responsibilities felt overwhelming.
What stood out about UMass Global was its understanding that doctoral students can be scholars and active practitioners. I never felt pressured to separate my professional experiences in education, program leadership, and workforce development from my academic work. Instead, those experiences were recognized as valuable contributions to my learning and research.
One of the greatest sources of support throughout my journey was my dissertation chair and committee, especially Dr. Bendta Friesen. Her encouragement and guidance helped me navigate uncertainty and self-doubt while continuing to challenge me academically.
I appreciated having faculty who understood both the rigor of doctoral work and the realities adult learners face outside the classroom. That support made me feel seen not just as a student completing a degree, but as a professional, leader, and researcher whose experiences and perspectives matter.
In addition to the support you received, what else did you do to overcome those challenges?
I became more intentional with my time, boundaries, and mindset. I stopped waiting for perfect circumstances and committed to consistent progress, even during difficult seasons. I also learned to trust my voice as a researcher and recognize that my lived experiences strengthened my scholarship.
Because of this experience, I’ve gained more than academic knowledge. I’ve grown in confidence as a leader and scholar-practitioner, strengthened my ability to balance complex responsibilities, and deepened my commitment to work that creates meaningful impact for students, organizations, and communities.
What work are you doing now and how did the Ed.D. program prepare you for the role you're in?
Currently, I’m the program director for the Central Valley Mother Lode Regional Consortium, supporting Strong Workforce Programs across the region. My work focuses on regional projects, cross-college/K12/workforce coordination, and our consortium’s communications and media operations.
The Ed.D. prepared me well for this role because so much of the work involves organizational change, systems alignment, stakeholder collaboration, and translating complex information into actionable strategies. It also gave me greater confidence in interviews and professional conversations because I could speak from both experience and a deeper understanding of the concepts behind the work.
Now I’m exploring and engaging in potential opportunities where the doctorate is required or provides access to roles I wouldn’t have qualified for previously. For me, the Ed.D. has led to both professional preparation and professional expansion.
What would you tell someone who’s unsure that college is right for them?
Belonging is not reserved for people with perfect schedules or traditional paths. Many students arrive carrying careers, family responsibilities, leadership roles, grief, and dreams that may have been postponed for years. That does not make them less capable; it gives greater meaning to their journey.
UMass Global creates space for students to grow academically while honoring the experiences and responsibilities they already carry. You don’t have to leave your life experience at the door to succeed. In many ways, those experiences become part of your strength, perspective, and purpose.
Dr. Bryan’s story reflects what can happen when professional experience, personal determination, and meaningful academic support come together. At UMass Global, our flexible, online programs are designed to support working professionals at every step, and wherever our students are in life.
Interested in learning more about this program?
Visit our Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership page for more information.
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