About

My graduate student and academic experience closely mirror what many students face today. While pursuing my doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin, I worked as a teaching assistant for a large class and later taught my own Public Speaking sections as an assistant instructor.

After earning my doctorate, I became an undergraduate advisor and led Freshman Interest Groups. Six years later, I took on the role of graduate coordinator at UT Austin, where I stayed for more than a decade. During that time, I taught Critical Thinking to undergraduates and coached over one hundred master’s and doctoral students through their final projects. 

I’ve worked with enough students to understand how things can go awry and how to work through the problems. Let me help you.

Transition to Coaching and Diverse Career Path

Since retiring from the university, I have focused my energy on coaching doctoral students, combining my academic background with a rekindled passion for writing. My career has spanned diverse areas, including medical technology, biochemistry research, and academic student support for both undergraduates and graduates. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my husband, two adult children and their spouses, and my six grandchildren.

My Writing and Publishing Journey

I’m also an avid writer and publisher. I self-published Hallowed Ground, Sacred Space, in which I transcribed and rewrote a Bible study by Rick Diamond on the translation of the Lord’s Prayer from Aramaic to English. My husband John and I have been members of JourneyIFC, a unique faith community founded by Rick Diamond in 2005. 

In 2019, I won third place in the Story Circle Network’s writing contest for my essay, “Uncertain Heart,” which chronicles my granddaughter’s heart transplant journey.

Another essay, “The Tale of Two Committees,” was published in the 2019 Real Women Write anthology, themed Growing/Older, and appears in my book, Dear Dissertation Writer: Stories, Strategies, & Self-Care Tips to Get Done.

I contributed a chapter titled “Coaching Lessons” to the Greater Austin ICF chapter’s 25th-anniversary book, Explorations into the Doing and Being of Coaching, in October 2021.

I also write regularly on Substack, and have posted on Substack every week since January, 2025.

Graduate Career Timeline

  • 1994 
    • Completed Master’s in Communication Studies at UT Austin.
  • 1998 
    • Started working as an undergraduate academic advisor for the College of Communication at UT Austin. 
    • Graduated with doctoral degree.
  • 2000 and 2002 
    • Received the James W. Vick Excellence Award in Academic Advising from Texas Exes. 
    • Began role as Graduate Coordinator in the Communication Studies Department at UT Austin. 
  • 2004 
    • Graduated from CoachU. 
  • 2009 and 2013 
    • Honored with the Outstanding Graduate Coordinator Award from the University of Texas Graduate School. 
    • Retired from UT Austin. 
  • 2016 and 2022 
    • Founded Corbin Dissertation Coaching and earned the ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation. 
    • Achieved the PCC credential from the International Coaching Federation. 
  • 1994 
    • Completed Master’s in Communication Studies at UT Austin. 
  • 1998 
    • Started working as an undergraduate academic advisor in the Communication Studies Department at UT Austin. 
    • Graduated with doctoral degree. 
  • 2000 and 2002 
    • Received the James W. Vick Excellence Award in Academic Advising from Texas Exes. 
    • Began role as Graduate Coordinator in the Communication Studies Department at UT Austin. 
  • 2004 
    • Graduated from CoachU. 
  • 2009 and 2013 
    • Honored with the Outstanding Graduate Coordinator Award from the University of Texas Graduate School. 
    • Retired from UT Austin. 
  • 2016 and 2022 
    • Founded Corbin Dissertation Coaching and earned the ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation. 
    • Achieved the PCC credential from the International Coaching Federation. 

The Susan D. Corbin Excellence Fund

The University of Texas at Austin, Moody College of Communication

After more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Department of Communication Studies in roles ranging from graduate student to Graduate Coordinator, Susan Corbin retired in May 2013. For a decade, she was the welcoming voice to prospective students, the guiding hand for incoming graduate students, the unwavering support for current students, and the celebratory presence for graduates moving forward.

In keeping with her passion for supporting graduate students, Susan created a legacy that extends well beyond her tenure: a Communication Studies Graduate Excellence Fund. This excellence fund is devoted to providing in-state tuition waivers. Additional funds are allocated to support graduate student research and travel expenses for conferences or research-related activities.

Make a Donation