Understanding the business perspective has been important in her law career. "I can't imagine having a better education," Doan says.  "The critical analysis I learned and the ability to read a problem or issue were invaluable."

One of Doan's most memorable experiences in COBA was the opportunity to visit with legendary oil industry leader and businessman T. Boone Pickens.

"I got to sit down and talk to him about his business and what he did," Doan says.  Talking with someone who's been on the cover of Fortune magazine made the whole premise of investments real.  I remember coming away from the conversation with the thought that you can be anything you want to be if that's your focus and you have good principles."

Doan talked to Pickens as part of a senior project in a portfolio investments class.  Dr. William J. Petty, then COBA dean, arranged the meeting.

"Dr. Petty was absolutely phenomenal," she says.  "He was such an inspiration.  Anything you were interested in, he would go above and beyond to make sure you had the tools and information you needed -- on any topic."  Petty also taught his students how to mix business and Christian principles.  "He showed us how to manage a business from a Christian perspective without having to compromise," she says. "He wasn't there just to give a grade.  Now I consider him a good friend."