Student Spotlight

LaKenya Brooks

Little Rock, AR

Beyond the Degree: Practical Skills, Professional Impact

LaKenya Brooks' (MSM '25, BSCJ '16, ASCJ '14) exemplifies dedication and adaptability, seamlessly transitioning from a distinguished military career to achieving academic and professional success with the University of Management and Technology (UMT).

While serving her country as an Army active-duty service member, LaKenya had a vision: to continue growing, to invest in herself, and to prepare for a future beyond the uniform. That vision led her UMT. "I initially chose to pursue my education through the University of Management and Technology (UMT) during my military career because of the flexibility and support it offered to active-duty service members," LaKenya said. 

Following her retirement from military service, LaKenya's belief in UMT's quality and adaptability led her to continue her academic journey, embarking on a Master of Science in Management (MSM) program with a concentration in Project Management. This decision proved to be an important one, significantly impacting her personal development and professional advancement. "Earning a degree from a respected, accredited institution has not only deepened my knowledge in business and project management but also strengthened my credibility in the civilian workforce after retiring from the military," LaKenya shares.
Armed with her MSM(PM) degree, LaKenya has elevated her standing in the civilian workforce. She notes, "Possessing verifiable higher education has opened doors to federal and private sector job opportunities requiring formal academic credentials, particularly in supply chain management, logistics, and program coordination. It has also allowed me to compete for mid-to-senior level positions that value leadership experience and academic achievement." She credits UMT's programs with equipping her with practical skills and theoretical knowledge that continue to enhance her effectiveness as a professional, broaden her career options, and position her for continued growth.

Throughout her UMT experience, three elements stood out as pillars of her success: flexibility, supportive faculty, and a user-friendly platform. These core strengths enabled her to thrive – even when she faced obstacles adapting to an asynchronous online learning format, "I reached out to my professors for help with complex material, and they were extremely responsive and helpful," she recounts, "They provided timely clarification, additional resources, and detailed explanations that made the material much more manageable. Their support played a key role in helping me stay on track and succeed in the program."

Today, LaKenya Brooks is not simply navigating her transition from military to civilian life—she is rising, leading, and redefining her professional narrative in this next chapter.

"UMT gave me more than knowledge; it gave me a strong foundation for success in both my professional career and personal growth."


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