Empowering future leaders to thrive in various fields
This fall marks the ten-year anniversary of Moody College of Communication’s innovative Communication and Leadership degree. Designed as an interdisciplinary program, it brings together courses from multiple departments. Students are drawn to its flexibility and the ability to tailor their studies, empowering them to become effective, ethical leaders and communicators. Nearly 500 students have graduated with a CLD degree since the major began.
The interdisciplinary curriculum offers students frameworks and concepts related to leadership, communication, and ethics, along with practical experience applying these skills in real-world contests, highlighting its comprehensive approach to preparing effective leaders.
Graduates of the Communication and Leadership degree are making an impact as nonprofit leaders, HR professionals, marketing experts, teachers, attorneys and sales representatives. Their achievements showcase the program's effectiveness and inspire pride among our community members.
Get to know some of our CLD alumni:
Name: Clarke Benson
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Graduation Year: 2023
Like many 17-year-olds faced with choosing a major, Clarke Benson felt uncertain about her future. She knew she enjoyed taking on leadership roles at school but struggled to find a major that matched her interests. Ultimately, Benson chose CLD because it allowed her to explore different career paths while building a strong educational foundation.
“What makes this major truly unique is its personalized and adaptable nature, allowing each student to shape their experience around their individual aspirations. At its core, the program provides a strong foundation in essential skills, including ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, and effective leadership. These competencies are universally valuable and have prepared me for success in any industry.”
After graduating from Moody College with her CLD degree, Benson went on to complete her master’s degree in human resource management from Texas A&M University. Benson is currently part of a rotational leadership development program at Owens Corning, a Fortune 500 company, specializing in building materials for both residential and commercial construction.
Benson collaborates with colleagues at all levels of the company—from senior leadership to prospective candidates. Her degree equipped her to communicate effectively and appreciate diverse perspectives.
“CLD taught me how to listen actively, lead with purpose, and create spaces where people feel valued and heard. These are the kinds of skills that make a lasting impact on both organizations and the individuals within them.”
During college, Benson developed a deep passion for working with nonprofit organizations. The CLD program offered numerous opportunities to apply what she was learning in real-world settings with various organizations across Texas. These hands-on experiences made a significant impact on her readiness to enter the workforce, allowing her to gain practical skills while contributing to causes that were personally meaningful.
Professors in communication and leadership played a pivotal role in helping Benson align her passions with her skillset. Through their guidance, she realized she could make a difference by helping others through human resources.
“CLD taught me that leaders are developed through experience and reflection, and that leadership can look different for everyone. It showed me that I could lead in a way that feels authentic to who I am,” said Benson. “As a Longhorn, I carry the belief that what starts here truly has the power to change the world. That belief inspires me to create workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered.”
Name: Rohit Goswami
Hometown: Kingsville, TX
Graduation Year: 2020
Rohit Goswami recently completed the 15th iteration of Exercise Lightning Strike in Singapore. As an Army officer and leader of an infantry platoon, he is entrusted with the successes, challenges and well-being of 45 soldiers.
Goswami chose to study CLD for its broad opportunities and the numerous doors it could open for his future.
“My CLD degree positioned me perfectly to pursue graduate studies at UT’s LBJ School, which prepared me for long-term success in international affairs,” said Goswami. “CLD gives students the flexibility to chart their own course, build a strong professional network, and appreciate the importance of interpersonal connection.”
Goswami applies his CLD skills daily. As a leader in the armed forces, he balances being firm, compassionate and adaptable. His communication abilities help him connect with his team. “The biggest takeaway is the importance of empathy. Without empathy, you’re not a leader, you’re just a manager.”
Thanks to the flexibility of the degree, Goswami became fluent in Arabic, studied abroad in Jordan and minored in government. He acknowledges that college can be challenging and encourages students to seek purpose rather than validation from prestigious programs. The degree empowers students to explore and discover what truly makes them happy.
“Helping others is the hallmark of a good person, especially when it’s difficult or comes at a personal cost. For me, it brings a fulfillment that nothing else can match.”
Name: Mariel Calara
Hometown: Harlingen, TX
Graduation Year: 2021
Growing up in Harlingen, TX, Mariel Calara never imagined she would one day work in one of the world's largest cities. Today, she is a copywriter at the renowned advertising agency Droga5 in New York City, where she crafts scripts and develops campaigns for major brands such as Meta and the United Nations.
Mariel looks back fondly on her CLD experience and is grateful for the supportive professors she encountered at Moody College. Although she didn’t pursue an advertising degree, she is proud to have studied CLD, as the skills she gained are integral to her daily work.
“Relationships are key in advertising. I rely on these skills every day as I collaborate and problem-solve with my art director partner, creative director, film directors, editors, designers, producers, and clients,” said Calara. “I’m passionate about my career in advertising and about using the skills I gained as a CLD major to build relationships and create ads that make people feel seen.”
Calara believes the best part of the CLD degree is the freedom it provides to explore and shape your own path. She enjoys seeing her former classmates thrive in diverse leadership roles and encourages all students to take a CLD course for its unique perspective on communications.
“I think people underestimate the importance of understanding both their own communication and leadership styles and those of others. This self-awareness is crucial for building relationships, establishing trust, and managing conflict. Many of the world's biggest challenges stem from misunderstandings or miscommunication, so it’s essential to prioritize growth as communicators and leaders.”
Calara is proud to be a Moody graduate and a Longhorn. “I’m honored to be part of a community that values communication and leadership as much as I do, and that continues to advocate for these principles wherever we go.”
Name: Hunter Beaton
Hometown: Boerne, TX
Graduation Year: 2022
Inspired by his adopted siblings, who joined his family with only a trash bag to hold their belongings, Hunter Beaton established an Eagle Scout project to donate 100 bags to children in foster care. Building on this effort, Beaton founded Day 1 Bags and Backpacks, where he now serves as CEO. By 2025, the nonprofit has distributed over 285,000 bags to children in need.
He chose to study CLD because he wanted a degree that combined leadership development with strong communication skills and offered the flexibility to tailor his coursework toward nonprofit management. As someone already involved in mission-driven work, CLD allowed him to build practical, real-world skills he could immediately apply, while still giving him room to explore his long-term career path.
“I was looking for a degree that really targeted leadership skills, but also how to effectively communicate within those leadership roles, and this degree fit exactly where I was at the time.”
Beaton applies lessons from his communication and leadership courses every day as he leads the nonprofit and raises funds. “The flexibility was invaluable. I tailored my degree toward nonprofit management, and I still rely on documents I created in college in my work today.”
Beaton encourages every student, whether or not they major in CLD, to take at least one CLD class during their time on the Forty Acres, emphasizing that learning to be an ethical leader is essential in any career. “Communication and leadership are only becoming more important. Transparency, empathy and understanding how systems work truly matter now.”
“It’s really meaningful to see how quickly the impact of this program shows up in the real world. I have a lot of pride in being part of it.”
