Communication and Leadership Degree at UT Austin

“Leadership is not a title, job or position — it’s something you choose to be all the time.” Meet Professor @hellotimscott — a decorated veteran, brand builder, and social entrepreneur who’s bringing 20+ years of experience into the classroom. From leading national ad campaigns to founding a brand that supports the homeless, his journey is fueled by purpose, strategy, and impact. As a CLD professor, Tim blends real-world experience with a passion for teaching, encouraging students to lead with both heart and vision. He believes being a leader and a strong communicator is something everyone can learn — and he’s here to help students do just that. #UTCLD #ProfessorSpotlight #LeadershipInAction #CLDProgram #MeetTheProfessors

Congratulations to all our CLD graduates who crossed the stage this past weekend! We’re so excited to see all the great things you’ll accomplish next. Hook ‘em! 🤘🎓

Some moments stuck in time from graduation day 🎓 See the full Flickr album of photos at the link in our bio! 🤘

Singing out as a #TEXASMoody student and signing in as a Moody alum 🖊️ 🎉 Congratulations, #UT26!

No two CLD journeys look the same, even on the same campus. 🧡 Happy last day of classes, CLD — you did it! 🤘

Going into broadcast news after graduating from the Forty Acres, here’s our next @utexascld student feature, senior Paisley Porter! This Houston native is a double major in CLD and @utjschool , fulfilling her dream of being a Longhorn since 3rd grade. Paisley chose CLD at #TEXASMoody because the program looked like a good program to start with and then serve as a “launch pad” for her journalism degree. Three words to describe her UT experience so far? “As a Moody major, every day is, as my close personal friend Matthew McConaughey says, ‘Alright, alright, alright!’” If Paisley had to pick her favorite class, she would pick Interpersonal Communication with John Daly! She said his lectures were always fun and engaging, making her excited to go to class. Outside the classroom, she was involved with @tstvnews and did several internships with KXAN and KUTX! Rockstar Bagels, Swedish Hill, and Chuy’s are three of her favorite restaurants to eat at close to campus. When she’s not at one of those spots, she’s whipping something up in her apartment because she loves to cook! Her advice to future CLD students: “Explore double majors and minors! CLD is very interdisciplinary, and a lot of the skills and issues courses cross over with other degrees’ requirements. I am a BIG advocate for learning all that you can while you’re here, and if you have an interest in something, getting a minor or double major in it is very doable! We can’t wait to see you reporting for your community, Paisley! Hook ‘em! 🤘

There’s one really right answer, but as long as you didn’t choose D, you’re on the right track! Finish the semester strong, CLD!! 📚💪

Our next #MoodySpotlight of the spring semester is Sasha Jones, a @utexascld senior from Houston, Texas!   Sasha chose to study Communication and Leadership to learn how people connect, share ideas and influence one another. “I love learning about the power of messaging and how it shapes relationships, media, and society. I also appreciate how versatile the major is and how it prepares me for so many different career paths.”   When looking at colleges, Sasha said Moody was the one that felt like home. “I love it here because everyone genuinely cares about one another and wants to see each other succeed, it’s such a supportive and uplifting community.”   Outside of Moody, Sasha is a Resident Assistant and served on the orientation advisor leadership team for @utorientation . Her favorite Moody memory was getting to see incoming #TEXASMoody students excited to begin their journey at @utaustintx . When she’s not studying at her favorite study spot on the 5th Floor of the DMC, you can find Sasha grabbing a coffee, getting work done at Merit Coffee or shopping at Trader Joe’s!   This semester, Sasha said she’s looking forward to graduating and is feeling all the emotions about it. Her Moody experience has truly shaped her college experience. “I’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely care about one another and constantly support each other’s goals. Through leadership roles and community involvement, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. I’m proud to be a UT student because of Moody!”

The #TEXASMoody Communication and Leadership Degree is marking 10 years of empowering students, promoting ethical communication practices and inspiring future leaders to pave the way for positive change. From the interdisciplinary curriculum to real-life applications, the degree is helping shape the next generation of impactful leaders. “You can let your imagination run free and run wild, and the limits are what you put on yourself,” Natalie Tindall, director of the communication and leadership degree program says. Read more at the link in our bio!

Our next @utexascld faculty feature is Houston-born-and-raised Larry Schooler! He attended Yale University for his bachelor’s degree and Nova Southeastern University for his master’s and doctoral degrees. Schooler contributes significantly to students’ internship and professional development. His expertise is in conflict resolution, “bridging divides through dialogue across difference, restorative justice, facilitation and facilitative leadership, and communication and leadership.” Right out of college, he first was a reporter and news anchor at @npr , which eventually led him to KUT 90.5 (@kut_austin ). Later, he served as an aide to a politician, doing facilitation and mediation work. This led him to his Ph.D. in Conflict Resolution, his UT career, and his role as a consultant mediating and facilitating for public and nonprofit clients. One of his favorite stories as a reporter was when he reported on the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission. “That was the spark that sent me on a discovery of my eventual calling to work in conflict resolution and to write my dissertation and first book about truth and reconciliation. “ Favorite UT memory? His first guest lecture at UT, when he had his students reply to a poll question digitally, and one student typed, “How much hair gel do you use??” If he had to choose a favorite spot to eat by campus, he would say Kerbey Lane, but he also enjoys Halal Bros and Roppolo’s!

With a goal to pursue a sports industry career, specifically Major League Baseball, here’s @utexascld and sports media student Maggie Ovalle from Farmers Branch, TX! Maggie chose CLD at #TEXASMoody because of the many paths the program could take her after graduation! Three words to describe her UT experience so far? Fruitful, exciting, and unforgettable! If she had to pick a favorite professor, it would be none other than Dr. Schooler. “He truly wants the best for his students beyond the classroom. He made it a joy to be in his class, so much so that I took three classes with him!” This is where her #1 piece of advice for incoming CLD students comes into play: Get to know your CLD professors. They are a valuable resource and the kindest people you’ll meet. Off campus, Maggie’s a member at the University Catholic Center. She also has impressive internship experience – she interned with the Round Rock Express baseball team for the 2025 season, and is currently in Dallas interning for the Texas Rangers! You can find her studying on the 4th floor of the DMC, which she deems the most underrated study spot on campus. For her go-to place for a bite to eat near campus, she says you “can’t go wrong with Cabo Bob’s!” We are excited to see what you do next, Maggie! Hook ’em! 🤘

Last week’s CLD Week was a blast! From inspiring panelists and speakers to delicious coffee and donuts, we had so much fun celebrating 10 years of CLD with y’all! Hook ‘em! 🎉🧡🤘