Inside the Executive PhD: Courtney Stine’s story is motivation that we can do hard things

Courtney Stine is living proof that you can do anything you put your mind to if you really want it, even if you have a lot on your plate already. 

Stine is a faculty member at the University of Louisville, working as both the director of the Bridwell Art Library and the University Libraries’ interim director of Organizational Effectiveness, a role in which she oversees assessment, communications and web services, as well as the libraries’ strategic plan.

Her dual role as associate professor with tenure and administrator in the libraries would be more than enough for some people, but for Stine, she wanted more simply for her personal growth. That’s when she started considering PhD programs.

Stine has a masters in library and information science — the terminal degree for her field — and a bachelors in classical archaeology and Latin, but was interested in pursuing more for the direction she wants to take her career in the future.

It wasn’t until UofL’s Executive Online PhD program was announced that Stine decided to commit and go after it. The program is designed to give working professionals an opportunity to further their education while still balancing a career.

“The thought of quitting my job and going back to being a full-time graduate student was not appealing for a variety of reasons, so I hadn’t pursued that option,” Stine said.

So, earlier this year, she began her journey in the Executive Online PhD program in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (ELOD). The program has an emphasis on Higher Education and Workforce Development (HEWD). 

However, for Stine, the program interested her beyond just the option to continue with her current career. She’s also a toddler mom who’s expecting another child in February 2027. During the process of applying to the program, she made it very clear that her family is an important nonnegotiable.

“I disclosed that I was not done starting my family when I interviewed for the PhD,” Stine said. “The response that I got was very supportive, and the faculty, they understand this stage of life that you are in… They are willing to work with you.”

Not only is the faculty supportive, but Stine also said that the program being online with just one 8-week course a semester gives her a lot of flexibility. Figuring out how to work the program into her already busy schedule was a major challenge in the beginning, but one she’s been able to find a good balance in.

The way Stine describes it, she has a 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. that consists of getting her 3-year-old ready for the day, and a 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. that’s focused on spending time with her family and enjoying dinner. 

This is all in addition to Stine’s traditional work hours during the day. Despite the challenge of finding a schedule that works for her, she’s been able to keep herself motivated by knowing the content she’s learning will directly impact her work as a professional.

“Only having to focus on one class makes it a lot easier when you are a working professional and you have a very full schedule and a life outside of work,” Stine said.

The message Stine has for anyone interested in the Executive Online PhD ELOD-HEWD program is simple: You can do hard things. All it takes is a little self belief and determination to see something through for yourself.

“That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy,” Stine said, “but the way that this program is structured makes it a lot easier to work on a PhD when you also have a career and a family.”