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Ph.D. Alumni Testimonials

Weerapat AttachotWeerapat Attachot

Assistant Professor
Division of Accounting & Law
Babson College

I had the best time learning from students, Ph.D. peers, and, most importantly, the accounting faculty at UNT. The curriculum was designed to take several classes with our peers from other disciplines to encourage potential cross-disciplinary research ideas. In addition, the accounting faculty are highly enthusiastic about their research interests and methodologies. However, what I found most advantageous was that I was sufficiently trained in both archival and behavioral research methodologies in my first two years. After that point, I could choose to specialize in the methodologies I am most interested in. This has helped me a great deal in being a bit more versatile with my research skills.

While the program focused on research training, the faculty also understood that students have different career choices. As a result, students were allowed to explore teaching opportunities to enhance their job market competitiveness if they wished. I taught three different courses as a Ph.D. student, and I could not be more appreciative of such an opportunity as I sought to place myself at a teaching-focused school.

Overall, I am well-trained. I arguably have the best job, and I have UNT to thank for it.

Cigdem KochanCigdem Kochan

Assistant Professor of Management and Marketing
College of Business and Technology
Northeastern Illinois University

The Ph.D. program at UNT's G. Brint Ryan College of Business has substantially impacted my academic career and personal development. During my time in the program, I had the privilege of learning from many well-respected professors and highly motivated Ph.D. students, who inspired me with their enthusiasm for academic research and commitment to quality education. I can't thank my advisor and professors enough for their constant support, pushing me to work hard, and preparing me for a successful career. I will be forever grateful for my experience at UNT.

Yolanda ObazeYolanda Obaze

Director, Center for Supply Chain Management
Assistant Professor, Supply Chain Management
University of Evansville

The University of North Texas (UNT) will always be a home away from home. I will always cherish the memories and experiences that I have had from the first day I arrived for my MBA to completing my Ph.D. Program. I am entirely grateful for all the care, training, and support from the faculty, staff, and friends that I was blessed to meet. I would not be where I am today if not for my fellow students, the faculty such as Dr. Prybutok, Dr. Randall, Dr. Manuj, Dr. Pohlen, to name a few, to the administrative staff such as Ms. Rebecca Cagle, Ms. Inez Loche, Ms. Sue Kangas, and so many others, that all played a huge part in helping, developing, and advising me during some challenging and many rewarding times. I would not have been prepared for a career in academia without each of them. As a result, I am a better faculty or more like a better person today because I was fortunate to attend UNT.

Xianghui (Richard) PengXianghui (Richard) Peng

Assistant Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management
Faculty Advisor, Project and Supply Chain Management Student Club
Penn State Behrend

It is with great pride that I reflect upon my Ph.D. studies at UNT. I had an amazing experience and now have many wonderful vivid memories. The supportive and collaborative environment in the doctoral program at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business made it a great place for me and the other candidates who were dedicated to the pursuit of excellent research and teaching. The family-like environment I experienced enriched the challenging Ph.D. journey and provided me with great respect, love, and joy related to the experience, faculty, and my fellow students. Words alone are not sufficient to express more how much I appreciate the school, my advisor Dr. Victor Prybutok, my dissertation committee members Dr. Robert Pavur and Dr. Wesley Randall, and the many other faculty and staff that were part of my journey. Their efforts not only gave me a fruitful experience but also strengthened my belief that education is a system where everyone works collectively to foster a student's personal and professional development. The experience helped me develop professionally, and as a result, I develop a set of guiding principles that have helped me develop as a faculty member and mentor to my own students.

Eric Van SteenburgEric Van Steenburg

Associate Professor of Marketing
Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship
Montana State University

I could not have asked for a better experience or had better training than I received through the doctoral program in Marketing at the University of North Texas. The ability to work one-on-one with outstanding researchers provided practical experience in how to develop a research agenda and produce research studies that can be published in the most-respected academic journals. The courses I took gave me the training to understand theory and practice in academia. And the opportunity to teach a variety of undergraduate classes allowed me to hone my skills in the classroom and with students. To me, the Ph.D. program in the Ryan College of Business at UNT provided a well-rounded, in-depth opportunity that led me to earn tenure at a university that is not only classified at Tier One for research by the Carnegie Foundation, but also as Very High Undergraduate teaching.

Huaibing Yu, Ph.D.Huaibing Yu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Finance
School of Accounting and Finance
Kean University

The Ph.D. program in the G. Brint Ryan College of Business at UNT was a precious academic experience for me. The program was well-structured and top-notch, which offered great curriculums, cutting-edge research support, and all-around academic training. I had the opportunities to conduct high-quality research with my advisor and other professors, teach a good variety of courses in my discipline, and provide academic services. The program led me to build a strong foundation for my academic career and unequivocally contributed to my commitment to the excellence of research, teaching, and services. It is my guiding star for my future career endeavors.