Ambassadors

Ambassadors are current SAA students who are available to answer your questions about SAA and MSU. Please contact any of the students listed below if you are interested in exploring the program from a student's point of view.

If you have general questions, please contact the HALE program directly. Remember: To help us keep you informed about the latest admissions updates and upcoming recruitment events, alert you to recruitment events and the latest admissions updates, please send your contact information to haleadm@msu.edu.

Greetings! My name is Andrea Sell and I am a second-year student in the Student Affairs Administration Program. I received my B.A. in political science and public relations from Western Michigan University. My undergraduate experiences fostered in me a passion for student development and experiential learning.  Having completed my first year in the SAA program, I can reflect on previous semesters and marvel at the intellectually challenging and rewarding experiences. I am thrilled that I chose MSU to pursue my graduate studies.

Before joining the SAA program, I worked full-time in residence life at Southern Oregon University. I pursued an assistantship as an Assistant Hall Director at MSU to enhance my understanding of residence life and have benefited from this practical experience.  Theory-to-practice is a hallmark of the SAA program and with the combination of an assistantship, practicums, and coursework, I continue to grow as a student affairs professional and educator. I completed my first practicum experience at the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement and chose to complete my second practicum experience in the United Kingdom at Keele University’s Centre for Learning and Student Support. During my second year as an SAA student, I will co-instruct an undergraduate leadership course and select electives that fit my professional aspirations.  I love sharing and swapping stories with prospective SAA students and would be pleased to provide a student perspective or answer questions you may have about SAA or life at MSU. SPARTY On & GO Green!

- Andrea Sell, SAA Class of 2012

Hi all! – My name is Austin Sweeney and I am a first-year cohort member in the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) program. I graduated from Miami University (OH) with a Communication degree and worked in supply chain management for a year-and-a-half before coming to MSU. My undergraduate experiences in fraternity life, peer education and camp counseling were all major factors contributing to my decision to go into student affairs.

While I am only getting started, my time at MSU has been nothing short of awesome thus far. This being my first experience at a school of MSU’s size, I am constantly in awe of the diverse range of people, groups and interests that come together in meaningful ways on this amazing campus. Through my graduate assistantship with the Department of Student Life’s peer education program, I have been able to work with many outstanding undergraduates in positively contributing to the MSU culture. Additionally, the rigorous coursework of the SAA program has allowed me to thoughtfully reflect on my assistantship and future in the student affairs field in many ways.

Having gone through the application process only a year ago, the experience is still very fresh in my mind. As you look into applying to MSU, or any other programs, please feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts. Thank you for considering the SAA program and best of luck!

-Austin Sweeney, SAA Class of 2013