Dr. Chaz Austin, Ed.D. (He/Him)

. . . this class has been extremely inspirational in changing the most basic day to day aspects of my life . . . Relationships in my life, not only those in organizations but also personal, have improved dramatically within the last couple months . . . I am grateful for this learning experience and will apply everything I have learned.
Cristina Chan, Organizational Communication, Chapman University

. . . this has been my favorite course so far. It has changed my character and made me… Show more

. . . this class has been extremely inspirational in changing the most basic day to day aspects of my life . . . Relationships in my life, not only those in organizations but also personal, have improved dramatically within the last couple months . . . I am grateful for this learning experience and will apply everything I have learned.
Cristina Chan, Organizational Communication, Chapman University

. . . this has been my favorite course so far. It has changed my character and made me a better person. Josh Parrick, Critical Thinking, NYFA

Your course was an experience in self-esteem building that every young professional needs to take . . . you have the ability to get the passion and vision of others because of your approach to learning. Eshele Williams (Doctoral Student), How To Market Your Brand, Phillips Graduate Institute

Dr. Austin is a professor who cares about his students! He wants you to be successful in life. . . He is the greatest teacher that I have had at this institution. Jay Jay, College English, Ai-Hollywood

Because I have taken this class, I know that I am willing to do what I have to in order to get where I want to be. Geoffrey Swedlund, Organizational Communication, Chapman University

. . . Chaz is a wonderful mentor/teacher, and any student who works with him truly benefits!
Kasie Okoro, Pepperdine University

I am really grateful for this class showing me the next steps toward becoming an adult.
Roger Thrasher, Critical Thinking, Ai-Hollywood

I thought your teaching process was great and very effective.
Jennifer Connolly, Effective Speaking, FIDM

I was definitely motivated and inspired to set higher goals.
Michelle Lee, Studies in Leadership, FIDM

Thank you for impacting my life in such a profound way, Dr. Chaz.
Luis Mendez, Critical Thinking, Ai-Hollywood

I would honestly even take the course over as a writing exercise if I could.
Trisha Jane Navasca, English, Brooks College











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The first thing I learned from this class is how to become a better writer . . . I also learned something about myself. I actually like to read, more than I ever have before. I want to grow intellectually . . . I can become a smarter person. Michael Pineda, College English, Ai-Hollywood

It is hard getting up Saturday mornings, especially after working all week, but this class made me want to get up . . . This class actually made me feel good about being at this school again.
Deanna… Show more

The first thing I learned from this class is how to become a better writer . . . I also learned something about myself. I actually like to read, more than I ever have before. I want to grow intellectually . . . I can become a smarter person. Michael Pineda, College English, Ai-Hollywood

It is hard getting up Saturday mornings, especially after working all week, but this class made me want to get up . . . This class actually made me feel good about being at this school again.
Deanna Edgar, Music & Society, Ai-Hollywood

Your courses are always a thrill and I can’t wait for the next one.
Alexander Camarena, Critical Thinking, Ai-Hollywood

. . . over these past few months I have really taken what I learned from you and put it into practice . . . thank you for inspiring me and giving me hope.
Cynthia Hurtado, How To Market Your Brand, Phillips Graduate Institute

You have published a book of wisdom, a career bible that allows me to take the next step in my education. This book will be my career adventure guide in my life and I am going to use it throughout my career. Steve Yang; Management, Supervision & Career Development; Ai-Hollywood

I have read your book twice now and the more I read it the more I understand it. This is a book I can and will forever use in my life. Taking your class has been the smartest choice I have ever made. Thank you for taking the time to teach us great knowledge that we can use for the rest of our lives. Monica Sanchez; Management, Supervision & Career Development; Ai-Hollywood
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You make me feel much better every time I walk out of your office with an inspiring hope of a brighter future in my career.
Lilian P. Baghdasarian, Woodbury University

The things that I have learned in this class is that anything is possible to achieve when you give it your all and never give up.
Anthony R. Coleman, Critical Thinking, Ai-Hollywood

The experience I had with this course was an eye opener . . . I never had a professor who had such a unique style of… Show more

You make me feel much better every time I walk out of your office with an inspiring hope of a brighter future in my career.
Lilian P. Baghdasarian, Woodbury University

The things that I have learned in this class is that anything is possible to achieve when you give it your all and never give up.
Anthony R. Coleman, Critical Thinking, Ai-Hollywood

The experience I had with this course was an eye opener . . . I never had a professor who had such a unique style of teaching.
Robert Grant, Professional Practice for Multimedia, Ai-Hollywood

. . . thank you for EDUCATING me about the work world.
Elizabeth Ishii, Career-Life Planning, FIDM

. . . thank you so much for teaching us everything we needed to know about actually getting a job.
Alessandra Apoian, Studies in Leadership, FIDM

. . . this course was one of the best classes I have taken at FIDM . . . I feel much more prepared and confident.
Olivia Lin, Career-Life Planning, FIDM

Prof. Austin gave me broad-based, valuable insights, and a practical introduction to the key ideas that I will be able to use for years to come.
Mychelle Lozano, Management, Westwood College

I learned who I really am and who I will be.
Leandro Ramos, Management, Westwood College

This class really lit a fire beneath me . . . like sitting in on a Tony Robbins seminar twice a week. This class helped motivate me, not only to pursue my career aspirations, but also motivated me to get my schoolwork done.
Franklin Bernstein, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

I’ve learned more about myself in the span of this course and through my journals than I have in the rest of my life combined . . .the knowledge I gained in this course will be with me for the rest of my life.
Samir Akhter, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

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This class was definitely out of the ordinary. I have never been asked what I wanted to get out of a class or had the opportunity to offer my feedback to someone who was genuinely interested in what I had to say.
Liliana Cacique, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

One thing I have learned from being in Chaz Austin's English Composition class is how to write. As silly as that may sound, it is true. I learned how to clearly and cohesively put my thoughts and feelings onto… Show more

This class was definitely out of the ordinary. I have never been asked what I wanted to get out of a class or had the opportunity to offer my feedback to someone who was genuinely interested in what I had to say.
Liliana Cacique, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

One thing I have learned from being in Chaz Austin's English Composition class is how to write. As silly as that may sound, it is true. I learned how to clearly and cohesively put my thoughts and feelings onto paper.
Geoffrey Cascio, English Composition, NYFA

I learned more from simply showing up to your class and listening to your advice than I have reading 300 page textbooks. I took away more lessons that will help me with my future in jobs and family than any final exam could have taught me.
Taylor Dordick, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

This course has been very different from anyone I had ever taken before. I loved the instruction and revolutionary teaching method . . . Overall, this class was a breath of fresh air . . .
Matt Nutting, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

. . . This was my favorite class (and you were my favorite professor) by a long shot . . . I love the way your class approached real world problems, helped me establish contacts, and taught me valuable skills that I will carry with me throughout my entire career.
Kellen Mohr, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

I have found Professor Austin’s Business & Professional Communication class to be one of the most useful courses I have taken in college . . . I am glad that I have taken this course and had the opportunity to be taught by a professor that wants what is taught in the classroom to be directly applied to the real world.
Ali Musica, Business & Professional Communication, LMU
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No teacher believed in me and fought for me like you did . . . Thank you for being an amazing, inspiring, funny, and incredibly passionate person. This class was all I looked forward to every week, and I'm really sad it's over.
Rebecca Lichtig, Effective Speaking, Ai-Hollywood

I truly have learned more from you than any other teacher I have ever studied with . . .You are the first and only teacher to fully grasp my needs as a student and address all my questions… Show more

No teacher believed in me and fought for me like you did . . . Thank you for being an amazing, inspiring, funny, and incredibly passionate person. This class was all I looked forward to every week, and I'm really sad it's over.
Rebecca Lichtig, Effective Speaking, Ai-Hollywood

I truly have learned more from you than any other teacher I have ever studied with . . .You are the first and only teacher to fully grasp my needs as a student and address all my questions accordingly!
Rebecca Davila, English Composition, Argosy University

I know I will use what I have learned in this class for the rest of my life.
Ann Rohde, Effective Speaking, FIDM

Dr. Austin's approach to a college senior's education and preparation for the workplace is unparalleled. No other course has prepared me for life after college more than this one.
Max Burnett, Organizational Communication, Chapman University

. . . your enthusiasm really gave me the will to actually do well.
Stacy Maeng, Effective Speaking, FIDM

This course not only taught me many valuable lessons but it prompted me to take action in my life . . . It really opened my eyes to how the business world works and all the things I need to do in order to succeed . . . this class provided me with tools I will utilize for the rest of my life . . . I am so thankful that I took this class. Dasha Suharev, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

Thank you so much for an incredible class! I have learned so much more about myself and what I want out of life and my own career . . . I am so excited to start my life post college and your class has helped me see that if you really put your mind to it, anything is possible.
Kelly Madera, Training & Career Development, LMU
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I have learned A LOT by taking this class. It is amazing to look back and see how much I have learned and how much insight I now have . . . I can’t thank you enough for the experience of taking this class and helping me find my way in the real world.
Gwen Kelley, Training & Career Development, LMU

Over these past fifteen weeks, I learned some of the most valuable skills that I will forever take with me . . . this class has effectively offered me a foundation for pursuing a career . .… Show more

I have learned A LOT by taking this class. It is amazing to look back and see how much I have learned and how much insight I now have . . . I can’t thank you enough for the experience of taking this class and helping me find my way in the real world.
Gwen Kelley, Training & Career Development, LMU

Over these past fifteen weeks, I learned some of the most valuable skills that I will forever take with me . . . this class has effectively offered me a foundation for pursuing a career . . . I’m very fortunate for everything I’ve learned in this class. Jen Pastore, Training & Career Development, LMU

Your class has relit my love for writing . . . Never would I have expected to evolve into the writer I am today in only 10 weeks. There is not a single thing I would change about this exquisite course you have developed. The only thing that comes to mind is making it 52 weeks long rather than just 10. I will truly miss having this class to look forward to at the end of the week. Thank you for everything, but most importantly for opening my eyes. Christian Macke, College English, Ai-Hollywood

I have never had a professor challenge me or make me think about communication in my own life. This class has been an eye opening experience.
Melissa Boyer, Organizational Communication, Chapman University

I look at everything in a different light now . . . This class has opened a new doorway for me to discover. Molly Bloom, Myth & Symbol, Ai-Hollywood

He makes it his goal to push students to reach their highest potential and tries his best to make them feel comfortable and secure in the process. Jitesh Patel, Effective Speaking, Ai-Hollywood

I believe the skills I learned in this class will help me for the rest of my life.
Stephanie Hess, Training & Career Development, LMU Show less

Thank you for teaching me everything I need to know about getting my foot in the door to achieve my career goals. I honestly feel that I will be taking what I have learned in this course and applying it directly to my life . . . This class is exactly what I needed before I graduated.
Cali Hyde, Training & Career Development, LMU

. . . you gave me a sense of empowerment. . . I gained a lot of confidence in myself.
Gabriela Caro, Marketing for the Modern World, LMU… Show more

Thank you for teaching me everything I need to know about getting my foot in the door to achieve my career goals. I honestly feel that I will be taking what I have learned in this course and applying it directly to my life . . . This class is exactly what I needed before I graduated.
Cali Hyde, Training & Career Development, LMU

. . . you gave me a sense of empowerment. . . I gained a lot of confidence in myself.
Gabriela Caro, Marketing for the Modern World, LMU Extension

His teaching style, and zeal for the subject matter is inviting and infectious, allowing you to move from an “I can’t” to an “I can” stance with ease!
Kenneth Cross (Doctoral Student), How To Market Your Brand, Phillips Graduate Institute

I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and I’m honestly really sad that we only had 11 weeks of it.
Jade Thompson, Effective Speaking, FIDM

I truly looked forward to coming to class every week.
Darrell David, Cultural Studies, Ai-Hollywood

. . . he will be there to help you improve! In the end you will be a different person.
Raquel Quirino, Effective Speaking, Ai-Hollywood

. . . it was completely unlike any class I've ever taken . . . This class has definitely taught me what I need for my future.
Hannah Torrance, Organizational Communication, Chapman University

. . . he believes in us . . . be prepared to learn some advice that you can use all of your life.
Alberto Tamayo; Management, Supervision & Career Development; Ai-Hollywood

. . . you will leave with great knowledge and an edge over anyone you are competing with in the professional world.
Aaron Armas; Management, Supervision & Career Development; Ai-Hollywood

Thank you for your nurturing style of teaching. Thank you for your encouragement and faith.
L. Stephen Phelan, Critical Thinking, NYFA
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As Harvey Firestone said, "It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed."

As an Educator, I can't think of a higher honor than impacting the lives of my students . . .

In your class, I learned how to learn, simple as that.
Katie DiTomaso, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

You really understand how a student’s brain works.
Jennifer Perez, College English, Ai-Hollywood

. . . this experience has broadened my perspective like no other course… Show more

As Harvey Firestone said, "It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed."

As an Educator, I can't think of a higher honor than impacting the lives of my students . . .

In your class, I learned how to learn, simple as that.
Katie DiTomaso, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

You really understand how a student’s brain works.
Jennifer Perez, College English, Ai-Hollywood

. . . this experience has broadened my perspective like no other course that I have taken . . . Thank you so much for being a living example of the concepts that you teach . . . My only regret is not having more time to work with you. Ellen J. Williams (Doctoral Student), How To Market Your Brand, Phillips Graduate Institute

. . . thank you for understanding the needs of the college student. Your approach to teaching this course is far superior to anything I’ve experienced at LMU. You encouraged us to grow, and provided the tools necessary to do so. The knowledge gained and lessons learned from this class will stick with me for years to come, and be of great help in the working world.
K.C. Catullo, Business & Professional Communication, LMU

I will use the tools I learned in this class for the rest of my life . . . It has proved to be the most effective course I have taken in my college career because it has made me realize many things that no other course could have sparked in my mind.
Ryan Wess, Organizational Communication, Chapman University

This course really made me think about how much I didn’t know about my culture and my parents’ lives. It has made me know more about my life and proud to be a strong, hardworking Hispanic.
Melissa Tello, Myth & Symbol, Ai-Hollywood

The way you teach is both eye opening and inspiring.
Ryan Davis, College English, Ai-Hollywood

. . . it’s not the material from this class I will take with me in the future, but the practice of being educated and learned.
Joseph Las Pinas, Myth & Symbol, Ai-Hollywood Show less

* 31st Annual Conference of the Society of Educators and Scholars. Awarded Best Student Paper for an Education Theme Applied to the Author’s Work, 2008
* Nominated Outstanding General Studies Faculty, FIDM 2003 - 2004 and 2004 – 2005