“I coached college football for five years at Weber State University under Coach Ron McBride. Two years ago, I decided to attend graduate classes at the U, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. My professors helped me to build the necessary knowledge and skills, to be able to make a positive impact not only in the educational field but also in our society. The U forever changed me and inspired me to become a leader. The U challenged me and helped me to better understand my purpose within the educational field. I have dedicated my life to making sure that each and every student is able to receive a quality education, in the most loving and caring environment.

I am grateful to have been able to take classes under such qualified professors who truly cared about my well-being and success. Every single professor contributed to making me a better person and helped me to excel in the educational field. They always gave me their most valuable possession, which is their time.

I believe the Educational Leadership & Policy program is one of the top programs in the country, and I highly recommend it. The professors are so knowledgeable, personable and simply amazing. They truly are the best at what they do, and I greatly appreciate each and every one of them.

I especially want to thank Marilynn Howard in the dean’s office and professor Shari Fraser for all of their hard work. They both made a huge impact on my life.

I also want to thank the McBride family, Coach Mac, Vicki, Kelly, Jill, Danny and Mike, for their love and support. Thank you for always believing in me. You have played such an important role in my life. You are my family.”

—Kamaal Ahmad, Class of 2021, M.Ed., Department of Educational Leadership & Policy