A Personal Rebrand with Gonza's M.A. in Communication & Leadership

A few life pivots brought Cyndy Koures to Gonzaga’s online Master’s in Communication and Leadership (COML) program and through the coursework and interactions with classmates, she developed confidence in her learning and stepped into a new career path. Koures shares her full journey with us below.

Why did you decide to return to school for a master’s degree?

I launched what I like to call a “Cyndy Koures rebrand” in 2022. At first, that included a new job as a News Director in Colorado. But a year into the work, I found that current commercial television news did not mesh with who I am, or who I want to be. In 2023, the rebrand included a move home to Spokane to be closer to my children and my aging mother.  Part of that down time allowed me to consider the path I wanted to take and how it might mesh with my skills. I knew I loved teaching journalism, and despite 40 years of professional experience, I needed a master’s to teach at the college level.

Why did you choose Gonzaga and the M.A. In Communication & Leadership program?

My daughter actually selected it for me about three years before I applied for admission. I know several Gonzaga graduates and have a great deal of professional and personal respect for them. The online pace appealed to me, as did the Jesuit philosophy of learning.

How has the program helped you in your current career so far?

I am currently a lecturer in the Communications Department at Central Washington University. I could not do that without this degree. It also opens doors for me in news management previously closed. But, most of all, it has given me a boost of courage and pride to walk forward in my life with grace and strength.

What skills did you develop and how are you using them in your career/life?

I learned the art of the pause, of thinking through the big issue and researching other opinions. This continually helps me, as most people are very reactive. Gonzaga taught me to trust my instincts, to slow down, and to appreciate each space in time.

What was it like building community in an online program?

I found Gonzaga students, for the most part, were willing to build bridges within classes to learn and grow. In honesty, I found and shared visits, texts, and calls with some members of my class. Most are very busy professionals, but excited about what we are learning and pleased to make new relationships.  The immersions are amazing, in part, because time away from traditional classes makes you really grab a hold of the immersion sessions.

What has your return on investment been?

I did not get this degree to improve my financial life. I did want other career opportunities, but I am inches from retirement and cannot compete with people have my age.

In my view, it is the personal return on investment of my accomplishments where I recognize the greatest return. I didn’t think I was smart enough for an advanced degree.  I didn’t know if I could compete academically. And I was scared of failure. Turns out I am smart and focused enough, and that I can compete academically. That incredible sense of satisfaction and personal pride lives inside me every day, and I am grateful.

What was your experience with the course offerings and faculty?

The class offerings were sharp and on point to industry trends. Every faculty or staff member I met, bar none, treated me with respect and was prompt to answer my concerns.

I found the faculty well-trained, accessible, humble, and ready to open their arms to share knowledge. There were no ivory towers or black robes. They were real, bright, and passionate about their subject matter. Every single one made a difference in my life.

I participated in just one immersion. It remains one of the highlights of my education as I found the students just as respectful, curious, and passionate as the faculty.

What advice would you give to someone considering the COML program?

I believe all things happen on a schedule I cannot control, but rather match some universal power. I say that because while I wish I had started and finished earlier in my life, I cannot imagine a better experience than mine. It was the perfect period for the “Cyndy Koures Re-Brand”.  I am filled with gratitude and a determination to never forget how unique and powerful each one of us is.