St. Bonaventure University

Leadership Testimonials


Recent graduates share their experience in the Leadership Program.



Brielynn Bell, '20 (MA)


Diversity Specialist at Goldberg Segalla

brielynn-bellI took five years off between undergrad and graduate school. I was concerned about balancing all things life but SBU's online program made it very easy. I could still go on my honeymoon for almost two weeks while taking a course! As long as you effectively communicate with your professors, anything is possible.

The student success coaches also check in and answer questions you might have. The MSL 615 – Human Resources Management course got me thinking about gaps within my organization, so I drafted a Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator job description and sent it to my Human Resources Director to review. Shortly after, the role was created, and I was promoted to it. By the time I graduated, I had received two promotions. 




Christopher "CJ" Gross, '21 (MA)


christopher-cj-gross

Founder & CEO | TEDx Speaker | Author | Culture Engineer | DEI Master Faculty at UMBC

One of my professors became a mentor. Now we meet every month to talk about my business goals and strategic planning, and it really upped my leadership game. If you are considering an online master's program in leadership, definitely consider a program like this that's going to give you the personal touch, the credentials, the network and ultimately the confidence to take your career to the next level. 




Christy D. Sullivan, '08 (MS)


christy-d-sullivan

Chief Executive Officer at D & V DISTRIBUTING CO

St. Bonaventure’s leadership program was the best decision I made to help me grow both professionally and personally. Not only did I make lasting connections and friendships, but I was provided the skill sets to further enhance my abilities in the corporate world. Shortly after completing the program, I was promoted to the international side of my company and have continued to grow. It is true, St. Bonaventure University is the place to become extraordinary! 




Leyla Kosakowski, '19 (MA)


leyla-kosakowski

Commander, US Army

My favorite part of the program was the final paper and project. The paper allowed me to dig deep into my organization, their strategic plan, their journey to accreditation and the way ahead. The project allowed me to think more on what type of leader I am and where I want to go as a leader in the US Army. 




Patrick Cluckey, '07 (MS)


patrick-cluckey

Vice President Operations at PlanET Biogas

The leadership program at St. Bonaventure offered a broad curriculum to cultivate the attributes necessary to be a strong, confident and professional leader in today’s businesses. This comprehensive program covered all aspects of business from marketing, planning, communications, and leadership. This program will nurture the instincts of a leader and teach students to focus their knowledge into the workplace to enhance their potential as a leadership professional. 




Alison Barry, '23 (MA)


Alison Barry Headshot copy

Director of Patron Experience & Ticketing, Chautauqua Institution

Studying in conjunction with real-world (and real-time) application is ideal. I am able to use the materials I am studying in practical situations in my job regularly. The caliber of faculty is also top-notch — exactly what I would expect from a respected university like St. Bonaventure. The level of camaraderie is much more than expected from an online program.