Dorothy Stratton is the Manager of Guest Services for Disneyland Resort Hotels.
And when she speaks of character, she's not always referring to our famous cartoon friends.
"I am convinced that character development in leaders needs to be a part of any graduate business curriculum," said Dorothy. "When you learn about yourself, who you are, and what you're made of, only then can you be a better leader of others."
Character Development is a key component to the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program at Biola University.
"The MOL program has increased my focus, and more clearly defined the reason I am in my job," explained Dorothy. "In turn, I am motivated to work with and teach my employees. The MOL provides the instruction, application and the technical skills we all need for our work."
It is my responsibility to represent Him as best as I can, and the MOL prepares me to do just that.
In today's marketplace, 'character' and 'leadership' are quickly becoming the hot buzz words, and the gauge by which employees are measured. And not just in the Christian workplace. Secular companies recognize and value character in leadership, and in fact are encouraging their employees to advance their education based on this very same set of values.
It is not uncommon for corporations, such as Disney, to offer their employees an educational reimbursement program. "It's not hard to immediately see the return on your investment," said Dorothy. "You quickly learn how to apply what you've been taught in the classroom to the workplace. My supervisors see that as well."
The two promotions she has received in two years are "a direct result" of what she has learned and implemented through the MOL program.
Dorothy entered the MOL program with an impressive resume. Recently, she held the position of Disneyland Resort Ambassador to the World. In her role as the official representative of over 14,000 Cast Members, she traveled the globe representing the Company in television and radio interviews, community activities and in numerous public speaking situations. Dorothy was also an adjunct professor for Disney University, and trained over 5,000 new Cast Members. As a coach for the Resort Hotels, she introduced improvement culture that continues to benefit Guests and Cast Members.
"God leads all of us, professionally and personally," Dorothy continued. "It is my responsibility to represent Him as best as I can, and the MOL prepares me to do just that. We are taught and encouraged to seek our purpose.
"I heard about the MOL program through a mailer I received at home. The outside envelope read, 'Helping Today's Christian Men and Women Become Leaders in the 21st Century.' That was all it took to get me to open the package! I had a desire to learn to become a better Christian role model – and God led me right to it – in Biola!"
The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Biola University is the advanced degree for the 21st century. The MOL focuses on the human component of organizations, not just the economic. Integrating strong leadership credentials and character development with a solid biblical foundation, you will be equipped to meet and exceed the challenges of today's marketplace. Biola University is the only Christian University ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a "Best National University."