Graduate Advisor highlights MS Human Resources Management Program

The UTA College of Business offers a variety of graduate programs. Through these programs, students learn skills, network with future employers, and create opportunities to build their resumes.

Dr. Lesley Regalado is our new Graduate Advisor for the Master of Science in Human Resources Management (MSHRM) program. As a subject matter expert on the program, we sat down with her to learn about her background, job and benefits to pursuing and earning an MSHRM degree. Here is our conversation:

Master of Science in Human Resources Management Graduate Advisor Dr. Lesley Regalado poses for a photo. (Courtesy photo)

1. Can you explain the role of a Graduate Advisor?

   By offering both academic and personal support, graduate advisors are responsible for helping students select courses and plan their schedules to meet degree requirements. I offer support when it comes to obstacles that may present a barrier to degree completion, provide resources for personal and professional growth, monitor progress, and guide students through the administrative process of their education such as registration, filing for graduation, or addressing any other concerns they have.

    

2. Can you explain your background?

   My background is a blend of entrepreneurship, human resources, and higher education. Shortly after graduating from Baylor with my undergraduate degree, I started a small business with a focus on talent acquisition and college and career strategy. My firm, Career Resource Services (CRS), supports companies of all sizes in acquiring talent and building college and military recruiting programs that further the success of each client. We also serve individual clients who are looking to change careers, earn academic credentials, and further develop their professional skill set through one-on-one coaching.

    

   In my mid-30s I went back to school to earn a master’s degree with a focus on women’s studies and diversity from Texas Woman’s University, and upon graduation I started teaching at Dallas College. I fell in love with school all over again during that time and continued forward with a second master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of Alabama, a certificate in college counseling from UCLA, an education specialist degree, graduate certificate in management with a concentration in human resources, and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction, all from Liberty University. I’ve been teaching now for 15 years at some amazing and diverse colleges and universities which also include Collin College, Tulane University, the University of Alabama, and now the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). At UTA my teaching focus in the College of Business is on career preparation, student success, and human resources.

    

3. What made you want to be a graduate advisor?

   I am a problem solver. I found early on in my career that I have a gift for setting goals and achieving them, as well as simplifying cumbersome processes. I also love to see other people win. When I combined advising with the joy of seeing people reach their goals of graduating, I knew I was on to something that was a great fit for me.

    

4. Which program do you advise? Can you explain the program?

   I serve as the Program Director for the MS in Human Resources Management (MSHRM) degree. The program is a 36-credit-hour in-depth master’s degree that covers all aspects of human resources management.

    

5. What will students learn progressing through the program?

   In the MSHRM program, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of HR functions including compensation, benefits, recruiting, employee relations, training and development, human resources law, metrics and analytics, business strategy, and consulting. Overall, students will learn how to align HR strategies with organizational goals that drive employee satisfaction and retention, as well as business success.

    

6. What makes your program stand out from the crowd? What can you get here that you can’t get anywhere else?

   The MSHRM at UTA stands out due to its unique combination of academic rigor, practical preparation, and support system. We are aligned with the Society for Human Resources Management’s (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook, and we offer excellent faculty and staff support for all students. UTA offers a direct connection to the DFW job market and a high-quality education at a reasonable cost, making it a solid return on investment.

    

7. What are some outcomes of the program you advise?

   A master’s degree in HR Management offers more than just an academic credential. Graduates of our MSHRM program are equipped for advanced career opportunities, enhanced earning potential, and a deeper understanding of HR’s strategic role in driving business success. They also develop stronger leadership skills, improve their employability, expand their professional networks, and gain access to diverse career paths, including consulting, university teaching, and specialized roles in the global economy.

    

8. How do you define success for your students?

   Success looks different for every student, but I’d say that academic mastery, professional readiness, and personal growth is first and foremost. To me, success is about empowering students to grow into confident professionals that are prepared to not only achieve their goals but also to contribute meaningfully to the world. Part of my role is to guide them in discovering and pursuing what success means to them.

    

9. What do you like most about being a graduate program advisor?

   The thing I like most about being an advisor is the opportunity to get to know my students, see them reach their goals, and give them the encouragement and support they need to achieve their personal definition of success at UTA.

    

10. Why did you choose to advise the program you do?

    I was asked to take over this role when our previous advisor was ready to move on. I feel that it was a logical fit because of my background in HR and college and career strategy. I hold a certificate in college counseling from UCLA and have been an independent academic advisor for many years, so I bring a track record of success to UTA.

     

11. How do you define success for yourself?

    Success for me is walking in my purpose and doing something that I love. Every day, I want to make an impact on my community and give people the hope and encouragement that they can live the life of their dreams, both personally and professionally.

     

12. What advice would you give a prospective student who’s on the fence about pursuing a graduate degree/your program?

    Pursuing a graduate degree is a personal decision. Take the time to reflect on your motivations, consider your goals, evaluate the timing, and think about the ROI. If you find a program that aligns with your goals and values, it’s a step that can profoundly impact and shape your future.

     

13. How can a graduate degree open doors and benefit students?

    A graduate degree is an investment in one’s future. It equips them with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive professionally. In addition to the professional credibility that they’ll gain and an opportunity to build an amazing network, grad school increases earning potential, prepares you for higher level roles in a variety of industries, and can distinguish graduates in a competitive job market.

     

14. In your opinion, why do companies want to hire UTA COB graduates?

    UTA is a proven local academic brand that offers DFW employers access to well-prepared graduates.

               

15. What is your vision for the future of the program?

First and foremost, I would like to see every student who enters the program graduate. I want to ensure a system that will surround our students with the necessary tools and support to reach their goals. In an ideal world, I’d like to see us diversify the models we use to teach in grad school. I want to attract a broader cross-section of students while meeting the needs of today’s evolving workforce. We need to build our reputation in the HR academic space, both locally and globally, and ensure long-term relevance in an increasingly competitive and digital educational landscape.

  For more information about the MSHRM program, visit the program website, or email hrm@uta.edu.