Christa Molter
Meet Christa Molter, an accomplished professional, dedicated mother, and passionate student in the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program at the College of Charleston. Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Christa balances a dynamic life with her three children, two pets, and her college sweetheart husband. As the Chief People Officer for NCG Cinema, she oversees a team of 1,000 employees while furthering her education through the EMBA program.
Christa first fell in love with the College of Charleston years ago during a visit to Charleston. When she discovered the EMBA program, she knew it was the perfect fit. “The curriculum aligns seamlessly with my professional career,” she explains. “Ron Magnuson, the program director, is incredibly passionate about providing real-world education that enhances leadership skills. The timing felt right, and everything about the program—the leadership, the curriculum—just clicked.”
A Day in the Life of an EMBA Student
The EMBA program at the College of Charleston is an 18-month immersive experience, blending in-person learning one weekend a month with asynchronous coursework. For Christa, balancing work, family, and academics requires structure and discipline.
“I start my mornings working out with my husband, then get the kids ready for school before heading into my workday. In the evenings, I dedicate a few hours to coursework about three nights a week, and on weekends, I fit in study time around my kids’ sports schedules and other family activities.”
While the coursework is rigorous, Christa appreciates that the program’s expectations were clearly communicated. “There haven’t been any surprises— though we were all a bit nervous before our recent accounting exam!”
Leadership, Career Growth, and Networking
Among the diverse courses in the program, Christa’s favorite has been Leadership and Management with Dr. Carrie Messal. “As a Chief People Officer, this class has been incredibly applicable to my role,” Christa shares. “We covered topics like ethics, decision-making, influence, authority, and change management. I’ve already implemented many of these lessons, especially in revamping our training and development department.”
Beyond coursework, the networking opportunities have been a significant bonus. “Ron has introduced us to so many community leaders, giving us exposure to various industries and professions. The College of Charleston attracts accomplished yet humble professionals, making it an enriching experience.”
These relationships have expanded Christa’s professional circle beyond what she imagined. “I know I’ll be reaching out to my classmates and industry connections for insights and collaborations both during and after the program.”
Advice for Future EMBA Students
Christa encourages future students to embrace the transformative experience of the EMBA program. “The relationships formed in this cohort are truly special. Even after just a few months, I’ve built connections that I know will last a lifetime.”
She also stresses the importance of time management. “The coursework requires dedication, but it won’t take over your life. Come into the program knowing that your contributions matter—your perspectives will be valued by your cohort.”
