Michigan State University Student Affairs Administration Master of Arts (SAA MA) Alum go on to careers in student affairs, higher education, and beyond. Engage with the SAA Alum Spotlights below to learn about the careers of some of our alum and what they have to say about their time as SAA MA students. Continue on to learn about ways in which alum may connect and contribute to the SAA MA Program after graduation.
Announcement: Complete Alum Survey for the SAA 75th Anniversary
The MSU SAA MA program will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024! More information is to come.
SAA Alum Spotlights

Jonathan Washington
Since graduating from the SAA MA Program in 2023, Jonathan has continued his career in residence life and education. Jonathan earned the 2023 Louis C. Stamatakos Award for Outstanding Second-Year Student, which is awarded to one student per year by the SAA MA Program and recognizes a second-year student who demonstrates exceptional promise through scholarship and professional commitment.
āThe SAA MA program prepared me for my career by providing me with multiple opportunities to craft my graduate experienceĀ and take ownership of my success. During my time in the program, I was challenged, motivated, and felt an ample amount of guidance and support from the faculty. This balanced approach contributed to my overall sense of belonging and growth as an individual and new professional in the field. Above all, the program taught me the importanceĀ of being intentional, knowing my worth and values, and putting theory to practice. As I continue to advance in my career, my pride as an SAA MA Alum and Spartan will forever serve as a reminder of the invaluable lessons learned in the program.ā

Elizabeth Sanchez
Since graduating from the SAA MA Program in 2022, Elizabeth has gone on to a student affairs career leading orientation programming and parent and family engagement. She continues to give back to the SAA MA Program as an alum through participation in alum panels for current and prospective students, and also is helping to plan the 75th-anniversary celebration of the SAA MA Program. Elizabeth earned the 2022 Louis C. Stamatakos Award for Outstanding Second-Year Student, which is awarded to one student per year by the SAA MA Program and recognizes a second-year student who demonstrates exceptional promise through scholarship and professional commitment.
āThe SAA MA program prepared me for my career by providing me the opportunity to connect with world-renowned faculty, have multiple practical learning experiences both in and out of the classroom, and receive the support and guidance I needed to learn and thrive. The program also provided a wonderful contextual framework, theoretical foundation, and space for reflection that prepared me to be thoughtful, intentional, and effective in my career. My experiences prepared me to take on all that comes in my career because I was taught, supported, and empowered to do and implement what I was learning in my classes.ā

Dr. Gavin Henning
Dr. Henning graduated from the College and University Administration program, the former title of the now Student Affairs Administration MA Program, in 1993. Since then, Dr. Henning has gone on to have an incredible career as a student affairs administrator and higher education scholar, including serving as the past president of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and as the past president of ACPAāCollege Student Educators International. Dr. Henning has made important contributions to the field of student affairs and higher education and has been recognized through the receipt of NASPA’s George D. Kuh Outstanding Contribution to Literature and/or Research Award and ACPAās Annuit Coeptis award and Diamond Honoree awards. In 2022, the SAA MA Program awarded Dr. Henning the Cynthia K. Helman Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring his contributions to the field.
āLike many people, I had never intended on going into student affairs as a career. As a first-generation college student, I didnāt even know such a career even existed. But, with the encouragement of mentors at MSU during my undergraduate years, I applied and was accepted into the College and University Administration (the name of the program at the time) masterās program and found an academic path program to further my goal of helping students realize their personal and professional potential, as others had helped me. I would not be the person or professional I am today if it werenāt for MSU faculty and staff. Iām a proud Spartan (with ankle tattoo to prove it!) and am honored to be a member of the Spartan community.ā
Connect with Us!
We value the involvement and experiences Student Affairs Administration alum bring to our program. There are several ways for alum to stay connected with the SAA MA Program long after graduation.
Update Your Alum Profile
Please update your alum profile by logging into the MSU Alumni website so that we may connect with you about upcoming events and program updates.
Follow Us!
Click on the icons below to follow SAA on Instagram and check out the SAA Linktree.
Share Your Achievements
We love to celebrate our alum! Reach out to the SAA MA Program Ambassador, Maryann Orawczyk (orawczyk@msu.edu) to provide updates and share your achievements. Tag us in your posts on Instagram (@saa_msu) so that we can repost or highlight you on our stories.
Let Us Know About Job Openings and Internship Opportunities
The Spartan Network is strong! Email the SAA MA Program Ambassador, Maryann Orawczyk (orawczyk@msu.edu) to share opportunities for jobs and internships in your unit with current SAA MA students.
Attend Upcoming Events
The SAA MA Program and the HALE Unit host several socials for MSU alum at major conferences. Check back here for information about upcoming events.
ASHE Friends of Michigan State University Social
2023 ASHE Annual Conference – Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 16ā18
Date/Time of MSU Social: TBA
NASPA Friends of Michigan State University Social
2024 NASPA Annual Conference – Seattle, Washington
March 9ā13
Date/Time of MSU Social: TBA
ACPA Friends of Michigan State University Social
2024 ACPA Annual Convention – Chicago, Illinois
March 18ā21
Date/Time of MSU Social: TBA