A Teaching Approach That Makes the Method “Click”
About This Series
Choosing a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program can feel overwhelming. This series brings clarity by sharing real insights from three UNC Charlotte Green Belt graduates who’ve used their Green Belt skills across very different industries: Jacob Denenberg (procurement and supply chain), Melanie Witherspoon (finance and operations), and Brenda Hornsby (public service and policy). Their experiences appear throughout this series as guides to help you understand what Green Belt is really like, and whether it’s the right next step for your career.
Inside UNC Charlotte’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: A Teaching Approach That Makes the Method “Click”
If you’re researching Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, one of the biggest questions you probably have is: Will this actually make sense for someone like me?
At UNC Charlotte, many graduates of Green Belt say yes, and that clarity comes down to how the program is taught.
Designed for working professionals, the Green Belt program delivers practical, supportive, and immediately usable Lean Six Sigma training — not a dry, technical lecture series. It blends real-world projects, simple case studies, interactive learning, and a forward-thinking mix of Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, and change management.
The result? A learning experience that feels approachable, even if it’s been years since you last stepped into a classroom.
1. Real Project Coaching (A Rare Strength in Green Belt Programs)
One of the most powerful differentiators? Hands-on coaching throughout a real-world project. Unlike many Green Belt programs that stop at theory, UNC Charlotte’s includes direct guidance from Master Black Belt instructor Dr. Jonathan Mayhorn. “Most programs skip this crucial step,” said Jonathan, “but the methodology usually clicks for everyone when they finish a real-world project.”
This isn’t just about learning DMAIC or DMADV. It’s about applying those tools immediately to your workplace. And when you see your own project improve in real time, the confidence boost is real.
2. Simple, Relatable Case Studies That Build Early Confidence
Before learners tackle their own workplace challenges, they get to warm up with two guided case studies. These aren’t overly complex or abstract. They’re built around simple, familiar environments, like restaurants, to reduce intimidation and build momentum.
“We use two simple but powerful case studies so that each participant can touch every tool and go through a simulated project from beginning to end,” said Jonathan.
The reward? Confidence grows one step at a time before real stakes are on the line.
3. A Modern Blend of Lean, Six Sigma, Agile & Change Management
Today’s workplaces aren’t stuck in 2005, and your Green Belt training shouldn’t be either. That’s why UNC Charlotte’s curriculum intentionally weaves together Lean, Six Sigma, Agile principles, and change management strategies.
“It’s about adapting the teaching to what industry needs today,” said Jonathan.
For UNC Charlotte Green Belt graduate Brenda Hornsby, Legislative and Policy Manager at the Virginia Department of Social Services, this balance of theory and application was a game-changer. “The integration of academic learning with the required practical application… was highly valuable.”
4. Interactive Learning That Makes the Material Stick
If the words “final exam” make your palms sweat, UNC Charlotte has you covered. The program includes interactive learning tools, like a Jeopardy-style review game, that help learners reinforce what they’ve learned in a fun, engaging way.
The payoff? “The result is being prepared to take the final test,” said Jonathan. “And we have never had anyone fail the final exam as a result.”
That’s the kind of prep that helps learners walk into test day with confidence.
5. Teaching That Feels Real and Relatable
Students consistently describe the teaching style as one of the most impactful aspects of the experience.
“Dr. Mayhorn was an exceptional professor who brought the content to life,” said Jacob Denenberg, Manager II – P2P Center of Excellence at Ahold Delhaize USA. “He made the lessons incredibly relatable.”
“Whenever I reached a roadblock in processing the concepts and determining the best path forward, I was always reassured by a timely and thoughtful response from Dr. Mayhorn, said Brenda. “He challenged me to carefully think through each decision point.”
A Green Belt Experience Designed for Working Adults
When professionals compare Lean Six Sigma programs, they want one that’s clear, modern, and doable with a full-time job. That’s what UNC Charlotte delivers: a program where the method clicks through hands-on coaching, relatable teaching, and tools built for today’s workforce.
For those ready to lead smarter projects, drive efficiency, and make meaningful change, this isn’t just a certification. It’s a launchpad.