Michaela completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara where they majored in Communications and Sociology. Michaela decided to pursue a degree in student affairs administration to increase educational accessibility for Native American, Indigenous, and other BIPOC students. Identifying as a multiracial Native student, Michaela knows how difficult it is to persist in colonial institutions of higher education. She hopes to empower and support other Indigenous students so that they may achieve their future goals.

During their time in the program, Michaela has completed two practicum experiences. As a practicum student in MSU’s Office of Prevention, Outreach, and Education (POE), Michaela created the foundation for an alumna engagement network that pairs current peer educators with graduates of the peer ed program to foster connection and post-graduate success and to advance POE’s mission of prevention and education. Her second practicum experience was in MSU’s Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC), where Michaela created a series of events known as Community Conversations in which LGBTQ+ identifying students meet in groups with a facilitator to engage in discussions of identity and intersectionality. In addition to their two completed practicum experiences, Michaela holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Tours Office, is involved in ACPA where she serves as the Social Media Chair for the Indigenous Student Affairs Network (ISAN), and serves as the Outreach Chair for MSU’s Indigenous Graduate Student Collective (IGSC).

Michaela aspires to work in an office of Native student support services or a multicultural center and hopes to focus on serving Indigenous students. They plan to advance issues of social justice, diversity, and inclusion by challenging and dismantling settler-colonialism imbued in higher education.

Julia completed her bachelor’s degree at Michigan Technological University where they majored in Scientific and Technical Communications. As a graduate student in Student Affairs Administration, Julia is interested in learning how different systems of higher education affect students, particularly in the areas of mental health and accessibility. She wants to find the best resources to support students while they pursue their degree, but also wants to makes sure that she knows how to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of those resources.

As a first-year student in the SAA MA Program, Julia brings their experiences working in Residence Education and Housing Services as a Senior Resident Assistant and in her undergraduate institution’s Writing Center as a Learning Center Coach. They have also served with several student organizations with a variety of missions including advocating for housing equity, mental health and well-being, and LGBTQIA+ safe spaces. During her time in the program, Julia holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director where she supervises resident assistants and helps serve students living on campus.

Julia is looking forward to exploring the many career options a degree in Student Affairs Administration offers. They recently visited South Korea with their study abroad program and has developed an interest in supporting study abroad students. She is also interested in the student support and accountability work done in dean of student offices, citing the impactful experiences she has had with student affairs professionals in similar positions.

Raven finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia where she majored in American Studies and minored in English. She decided to pursue a graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration because of the inspiring student affairs professionals who aided her in pursuing higher education. As a student who holds multiple underrepresented identities in higher education, Raven wants to represent a pathway for students like herself and aid all students in navigating higher education institutions while staying true to themselves.

As a second-year student, Raven has completed two practicum experiences at MSU. In her first practicum, Raven worked with MSU’s Office of Student Support & Accountability where she gained experience facilitating conduct meetings and hearing boards, as well as grading and course evaluations. Her second practicum experience was with MSU’s Honors College as an academic advising associate. Raven had the opportunity to advise over forty students about their program requirements, pathways, and class options. She also gained experience with teaching and curriculum development as well as new student orientation and programming. In addition to her practicum experiences, Raven holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Writing Center where she serves in dual roles: Campus Engagement Coordinator and Education Abroad Coordinator. She is also involved in ACPA’s Pan African Network (Foundations Mentoring Program Mentee) and Multiracial Network Team as well as MSU’s Black Graduate Student Association.

Raven aspires to work in academic support services such as writing centers, tutoring services, student success centers, etc. She finds herself draw to spaces where academics and student affairs are blended.

“While not always traditionally thought of as student affairs positions, I believe these services are critical for students’ experiences and these services’ frameworks (and ideologies) play a key role in how learning is perceived.”

Anthony completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he majored in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies. He is pursuing a degree in Student Affairs Administration for his Latinx community.

“Too often, Latinx folks are not represented adequately in the field of higher education. Mi gente and my academic familia are the reasons why I’ve been able to pursue graduate studies and I want to continue that for the next generation of scholars and practitioners! ¡Si se Puede!”

Anthony identifies as a first-generation Chicano scholar-practitioner who is the oldest of five siblings and comes from the historic west-side of Las Vegas. He cites his siblings as the sole reason why he continues to work hard to help them have better opportunities to pursue their degrees and to be proud of where they come from.

Anthony has completed two practicum experiences during his time in the SAA MA Program. His first practicum was with MSU’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) as a College Transition Advisor. Anthony was able to support and advocate for the academic and personal needs of CAMP students, gain experience with assessment development, and assist with the development of a week-long study abroad program in Hualtulco, Mexico. In his second practicum, Anthony worked with MSU’s Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative (NSSC) Pathways Programs in TRIO Student Support Services where he helped organize and facilitate a 3-week summer bridge program for first-generation TRIO students at MSU. In addition to his practicum experiences, Anthony has held two different graduate assistanships. In his first year, Anthony worked as an Assistant Community Director for Residence Education & Housing Services. In his second year, Anthony switched to an assistantship with CAMP to continue his work as a College Transition Advisor.

Anthony plans to continue to support students from low-income communities with marginalized backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education. He is interested in pursuing a career in functional areas such as academic advising, admissions, educational abroad programs, graduate and professional student programs and services, multicultural affairs, and TRIO and college access programs.

Orville earned his bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Ethnic Studies from the University of Utah. Orville is excited to be a first-year student in the SAA MA Program. He is pursuing his graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration to learn how he can best serve tribal communities and underrepresented students.

As a first-year student, Orville brings to the program his significant experience supporting and advocating for students from marginalized communities as a Multicultural Student Success Coordinator at the community college level and as a College Admissions Coach for the American Indian College Fund. Orville is an active member of NASPA, and has also been a member of ACPA, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), and the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). During his time in the SAA MA Program, Orville plans to become involved in the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) and the North American Indigenous Student Organization (NAISO) at MSU. He also holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Writing Center.

Orville hopes to grow and learn at various higher education institutions in his future career as a student affairs professional. He aspires to continue serving first-generation and underrepresented students and eventually take on leadership positions within the field.

Juliann earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Merced where she majored in Psychology and minored in Natural Sciences Education. She decided to pursue her graduate education in Student Affairs Administration to prepare her to provide a support system to all students and aid them in achieving their dream careers. Juliann is aware of the many education and career preparation paths one may take to meet their goals and she wants to create an environment where students do not feel pressured to take only one path to get there.

Juliann is a first-year student bringing to the SAA MA Program her excellent experiences in tutoring, financial aid, orientation leadership, mentorship, alumna relationships, residence education and housing services, and Chicano/Hispanic student services. She plans to explore involvement opportunities with NASPA as well as MSU’s Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA). Juliann holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Office of Student Support and Accountability.

Juliann aspires to one day be a dean of students. In the meantime, she plans to support and uplift students and is open to where that work leads to in her future career as a student affairs professional.

Lia is an MSU alum and earned her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science and Secondary Education. She is pursuing her graduate education in Student Affairs Administration to help her advance in her student affairs career so that she can continue to support and work with non-traditional college students. Lia identifies as a military spouse and finds working with veteran and other non-traditional students incredibly rewarding. She is excited to learn more about how to support this student population.

As a first-year student, Lia is bringing to the SAA MA Program incredible experience working with military-affiliated college students, adult learners, and other non-traditional students. She has additional experience with teaching/learning in the United States and abroad. Lia holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Writing Center. She is looking forward to exploring involvement opportunities during her time as an SAA MA student.

As a military spouse and education advisor, Lia has seen the difference that accessing and understanding how higher education works can impact a student. She would like to continue to work with military students and other non-traditional students in tandem with her husband’s military career advancement.

Reva is an MSU alum with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Leadership in Integrated Learning. As a first-generation college student, Reva is aware of the endless opportunities and immense personal and professional growth her education has offered her. She believes in the power of education as she has seen it transpire in her own life, yet she also acknowledges the barriers and challenges that come with it. Reva decided to pursue her graduate education in Student Affairs Administration to become an individual who supports, guides, and empowers students as they navigate post-secondary education. She hopes to advocate for students and to create more inclusive and supportive spaces within institutions of higher education.

Reva holds a graduate assistantship with the Registered Student Organizations (RSO) in the Department of Student Involvement and Leadership. In her assistantship she creates resources, provides support, and helps to coordinate the large student involvement fairs for the RSOs on campus. Reva completed her first practicum experienced over summer 2022. She secured a NODA internship with Florida Atlantic University’s New Student Transitions and Family Engagement program where she worked alongside FAU’s orientation team to facilitate the college’s large-scale orientation programming for incoming students. She gained experience with orientation development and implementation as well as supervision of student orientation leaders. As an SAA student, Reva is active in the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) where she holds a position as the SPD/Outreach Chair. She plans to become more actively involved with ACPA during her second year with the SAA MA Program.

Post-graduation, Reva plans to pursue her student affairs career in advising, new student orientation, student activities and involvement, or pre-college programming. Wherever her path takes her, Reva hopes that she will always work directly with students, making an impact on their college journey.

Katie is a recent MSU alum and earned her bachelor’s degree in Global and International Studies with a focus on International Development. She also minored in Environment and Health as well as Peace and Justice Studies. Katie describes student affairs work as “home.” Her experiences working as a resident assistant as well as coordinating student travel and managing camps made her fall in love with strengthening the student experience. Katie is passionate about ensuring that campus feels like an inclusive community for students to thrive both personally and academically.

“I am at my best when I am helping students grow, and I cannot wait to continue my learning at an institution I already adore!”

As a first-year student, Katie is bringing to the SAA MA Program her many excellent experiences working in residence education & housing services as well as commercial residence support, programming and coordination, leadership, and teaching English as a foreign language. She holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Writing Center where she will gain new experiences in academic student support services. Katie is looking forward to exploring her many opportunities for involvement and professional development during her time as an SAA student, including going to conferences and getting involved in both NASPA and the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA). Outside of student affairs, Katie is an avid reader, concert-goer, baseball fan, and traveler. She is currently on a quest to visit all 50 states and all 30 MLB ballparks, which she tries to incorporate into any student affairs opportunities that come her way.

Katie hopes that her graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration will complement her bachelor’s degree in Global and International Studies by attaining additional experience in international student services, education abroad programming, residence life, community engagement, and advising. Post-degree, Katie aspires to experience student affairs in different parts of the country. She has a goal of working overseas eventually for American universities and wants to develop a diverse set of experiences in various departments that will aid in her career advancement and education.

Will earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University where he majored in Strategic Communications and minored in both Social Psychology and Higher Education Student Affairs. Having experience struggling to find his own path in life, Will wants to support students in a variety of ways and believes that pursuing his SAA MA degree will help him reach his career goals.

Will is a first-year student with the SAA MA Program and holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education & Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director. Before beginning the program, Will served as a college guide with AmeriCorps where he gained experience in mentoring and advising as well as outreach development. Will is also bringing the SAA MA Program his experiences in residence life and event planning. He is looking forward to the many opportunities for involvement and professional development he will encounter at MSU.

Will’s ultimate career goal is to become a president or provost of a unitersity, because he wants to be in a position where students and faculty can come to him with their needs/concerns and he will be “the person” to best help them.

“I don’t want to hand something off to someone higher than me and hope that their concerns are addressed – I want to address them.”

Will finds one of the most important things in life is to find at least one reason to smile every day and to the be the reason that at least one other person smiles every day as well.

Skye earned her bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California where she majored in Anthropology. Skye decided to pursue her MA in Student Affairs Administration in an effort to offer support to students who carry minoritized identities, are first-generation, and to continue to push for accountability of the institution when it comes to implementing DEI efforts/changes.

During her time in the program, Skye has completed a practicum experience with MSU’s Inclusive Campus Initiative, where she assisted with multiple DEI initiatives across the campus in direct response to student needs. Over summer 2022, she completed her second practicum with MSU’s Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance (OARC) working on projects related to Clery Act compliance. Additionally, Skye holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD), and she serves as the 2022–2023 Vice President for the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA).

Skye plans to begin her student affairs career working in housing and residence life. Eventually, she plans to pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D. and endeavors to work in higher education administration. Wherever her path takes her, Skye plans to travel the U.S. with her cat companion, Khaleesi, and hopes to experience student affairs in different areas of the country.

Elisa completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of California Merced where she majored in Political Science. She decided to pursue her graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration to continue learning about educational policies that impact post-secondary education and further enhance student need programs into higher retention rates amongst students of color. Elisa wants to further educate herself in the foundation of higher education to better serve student success initiatives across various communities.

In her first year as an SAA student, Elisa holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Honors College where she works as an Admissions Associate, assisting with admissions recruitment and programming. Elisa brings to the SAA MA Program her experience in college advising, mentoring, leadership, orientation programming, and residence life. She has over four years of working in nonprofit organizations, higher education, college readiness, and after school programming. Elisa is excited to explore her options for involvement and professional development, and plans to get involved with MSU’s Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA).

In her career, Elisa plans to continue dismantling barriers amongst first-generation college students and students of color by curating new initiatives that assist students in their higher education journeys.

Ken completed his bachelor’s degree at Central Michigan University where he pursued a double major in German and Political Science: International Relations and minored in History. Ken decided to pursue his graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration because of his love of working with students and working in a university setting. His experience as an international student and witnessing his wife’s experience as an international student has instilled in him a specific interest in international student experiences in both the U.S. and abroad.

Ken is a first-year student who brings to the SAA MA Program his significant experience serving and supporting international and domestic graduate teaching assistant preparation programs with MSU’s Graduate School, tutoring both English and German, assessment and evaluation, as well as residence support. Ken holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD). He is looking forward to exploring the many opportunities the SAA MA Program and MSU has for involvement and professional development.

Ken is still at a point where he is interested in exploring the many directions that a career in student affairs can take him. That said, he hopes to continue working in and gain additional experience in areas of support for international students as well as academic advising.

Anna completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay where she majored in Environmental Policy and Planning as well as Philosophy. She decided to pursue her graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration because she wants to be a part of supporting students who feel left out or at a disadvantage in the higher education system.

“I joined the SAA MA Program at MSU to gain a better understanding of the variety of students I could be working with and the career paths I could take to ultimately help these students feel valid and capable in their education.”

Anna is a second-year student and holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education & Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD) for Spartan Village. In addition to her assistantship, Anna completed a practicum experience with MSU’s Undergraduate Research Office, where she assisted with the planning of the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum as well as workshops and panels. This year, Anna plans to become more involved in both NASPA and ACPA. She is also working on a research project in the fall that she plans to present during the Graduate Research Colloquium.

Anna enjoys working one-on-one with students and would love to pursue a career in academic advising. Supporting students with disabilities is also important to her, so working at a resource center for persons with disabilities is another career aspiration.

Shaina completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan where she majored in Sociology and minored in Community Action Social Change. She decided to complete her graduate education in Student Affairs Administration to gain a further perspective of higher education and student affairs from a social, historical, and multicultural perspective. The SAA MA Program will give Shaina the opportunity to build her knowledge and skills from past experiences in the classroom with a cohort of others who will continue to challenge and support her everyday.

As a first-year SAA student, Shaina brings to the program many excellent experiences, including admissions counseling, workshop development and coordination, course facilitation, learning and development programming, residence support, and language tutoring. She holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Office of Student Success in the College of Social Sciences where she will work in student support. Shaina plans to get involved in NASPA and the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) during her time as an SAA student.

As a first-generation college student, Shaina has lived and seen that support through the college journey provides ample growth opportunities for confidence, problem-solving, and bringing lifelong memories. Shaina would love to work in career services to help empower students for their future in their own field.

Josh earned his bachelor’s degree from DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania where he majored in History and completed a certificate for Education in Social Studies. His four years working in various functional areas of student affairs inspired his love for the field. Student affairs truly makes Josh happy, and he is excited to be pursuing his graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration and begin his professional journey.

As a first-year student, Josh brings to the SAA MA Program his remarkable experiences supporting students and his community. Josh has knowledge and skills in mentoring, career development and advising, residence life, programming, event planning, and admissions. He demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion through his several years of service with the Pennsylvania Eastern Special Olympics Committee. Josh currently holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education & Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD). During his time in the program, Josh plans to explore getting involved in NASPA and the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA).

Inspired by his work in career services at his alma mater, Josh aspires to begin his professional journey in career services and development, eventually rising to the executive director role.

Hannah completed her bachelor’s degree at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where she majored in marketing. Hannah served as a resident assistant in undergrad and fell in love with student affairs and residence life. Her experience as an RA and her leadership roles in other student organizations gave Hannah the passion for leading and helping other students navigate such an impactful time in their lives.

Hannah brings significant knowledge and skills to the SAA MA Program, including experience with conduct, communication, programming and event planning, leadership, and community building. Hannah holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education & Housing Services (REHS) in Residential Learning Programs which will give her the opportunity to gain skills in benchmarking, research, programming, as well as program evaluation and assessment. She is looking forward to opportunities for involvement in areas such as NASPA, ACPA, and the Student Affairs Graduate Association.

Hannah is excited to explore the different functional areas of student affairs during her time in the SAA MA Program. She is looking forward to learning how her practicum experiences, graduate assistantship, and coursework influence her ultimate career decisions.

Catherine earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she majored in Public Relations and minored in Political Science. Catherine decided to pursue her graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration to enable her to be a part of creating more spaces for students where they feel encouraged, supported, and seen as their most authentic selves. She wants to be the same encourager and support system for other students that was instrumental to her own success throughout her undergraduate education.

As a second-year student, Catherine has completed two practicum experiences. Her first practicum was with MSU’s Residential Business Community where she assisted in teaching, programming efforts, and created a facilitation guide for a community-wide book club. For her second practicum, Catherine worked at Johnson & Wales University in their Admissions Office as an orientation intern where she assisted in the planning and execution of new-student orientation. In addition to her practicum experiences, Catherine holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD). Catherine is also a member of ACPA and is serving as the 2022-2023 President of the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA).

Catherine aspires to work in academic advising, student accessibility services, and/or transfer student services. She also has a passion for teaching and hopes to include that interest within her career trajectory.

Annabel earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College where she majored in Graphic Design and minored in Communication, Studio Art, and Art History. Annabel is pursuing her MA in Student Affairs Administration to build a strong knowledge and foundation in higher education before beginning her career. She knows that working with college students can take many shapes/forms that require different skills, and believes that is important to engage in theory and practice with the guidance and support of professors and supervisors before entering the professional field of student affairs.

Annabel holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD). As an SAA MA student, Annabel has completed a practicum in MSU’s Office of Undergraduate Research where she worked with undergraduate research student ambassadors to plan and host workshops. She has also completed a practicum with Women*s Student Services (W*SS) at MSU assisting with several student support projects including planning the WILD conference. Annabel is a member of ACPA, is the Social Media Chair for the Student Affairs Graduate Association, and serves on the Spartan Preview Days (SPD) Committee.

Annabel plans to pursue a career in housing and residence life, which has been her passion since working as a resident assistant at her undergraduate institution and is what inspired her to pursue her career in student affairs.

Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles where she majored in Anthropology and minored in Spanish Language and Education Studies. Stephanie chose to pursue her graduate education in Student Affairs Administration because she is passionate about supporting first-generation, low-income college students who struggle to flourish in higher education despite the lack of accessible resources available.

Stephanie is a second-year student who holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD). She completed her first practicum with the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT) where she assisted with the MAGIC 25th Celebration in 2022. Stephanie serves as the social chair for the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA).

Stephanie’s ultimate goal post-graduation is to open a nonprofit organization in low-income communities populated by BIPOC in Los Angeles as well as to conduct research about higher education in order to fill holes within current student development theory that she believes fails to capture first-generation college student experiences.

Matt completed their bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee Knoxville where they majored in Industrial Engineering. Matt had a number of mentors in the field of student affairs who connected them to their passions. Matt wants to do the same to help students connect to their own futures.

As a first-year student, Matt brings their excellent experience in residence life as well as their skills in leadership, training and development, programming, and student support to the SAA MA Program. Matt holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) in Residential Learning Programs. They plan to get involved with the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA), and plans for summer experiences with ACUHO-I or NODA for internship/practicum opportunities. In addition to their work in student affairs, Matt identifies as a “dog dad” and also enjoys water polo, reality TV, and casual gaming.

Post-grad, Matt aspires to work in programs that focus on first-year experiences, orientation, leadership development, service learning, and DEI work. They are most interested in student-facing roles for their future.

Kinsley earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University in Ethnicity, Race, & Migration Studies. Kinsley is completing a degree in student affairs administration in order to provide himself with a solid foundation to become a more effective leader in student affairs who aids students in pursuing their purpose and growing their potential.

Kinsley holds a graduate assistantship as the Student Affairs GA for MSU’s Honors College. In his first year, Kinsley completed a practicum with MSU’s Career Services Network where he was able to gain experience in undergraduate career advising and developing and assessing career development activities. He completed a second practicum during summer 2022 with MSU’s Office of Student Support and Accountability (OSSA) where he reviewed and assessed the current language and issues in students’ understanding of the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities (SRR). Kinsley served as the 2021–2022 Professional Development Chair for the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) and also is an active member of His House Christian Fellowship and Element Church.

Kinsley plans to pursue a career in university career services. He hopes to take on a role as a director of a career services center and plans to eventually work his way up to a Dean of Students role.

Nicole completed their bachelor’s degree at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where they double majored in Media & Culture and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. Nicole is pursuing a degree in Student Affairs Administration because she wants to continue her undergraduate work as an advocate for the success of marginalized students, especially queer and trans-BIPOC. As someone with multiple intersecting identities of oppression, Nicole understands how difficult it is to achieve a college degree. Therefore, they want to champion the development, visibility, and belonging of these students during their journey in higher education.

Nicole is a second-year student who holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) in Communications. They have completed two practicum experiences. In her first practicum with MSU Career Services Network’s Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals, Nicole led the creation, research, and design of the Consortium’s 2022 Needs Assessment as well as co-facilitated a workshop on improving resources and supporting queer graduate students. Their second practicum was with MSU’s Prevention, Outreach, & Education Department (POE), where Nicole developed skills in peer education, developing online training modules, group facilitation, community building, and assessment and evaluation. In addition to their assistantship and practicum experiences, Nicole is a member of the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) and attends events put on by the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA).

Nicole’s main goal is to work as a professional staff member in student centers that specifically do work within social justice advocacy and education, namely DEI centers. Aside from DEI-specific spaces, Nicole is also passionate about student success, disability and access services, and student wellness. She believes that as long as she can effectively incorporate her values and passion for DEI into her work as an SA professional, she will succeed in her charge.

Justice completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana where he majored in Mathematics Education. His interest in pursuing graduate education in Student Affairs Administration is to obtain deeper knowledge, and skills in students’ career guidance service, academic coaching service, students’ conduct, and the general welfare of students in higher learning institutions. Justice hopes to develop the skills needed to solve contemporary student affairs issues.

As a first-year SAA student, Justice brings to the program his impressive six years of experience working as an Assistant Head Teacher and a guidance counselor with the Ghana Education Service. Through this work, he has developed skills in education administration and student support services. Justice holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) in Training and Learning Development where he will gain skills in website development, creating e-learning modules, accessibility and access analysis, data analysis, as well as program evaluation. Justice also hopes to become involved with NASPA during his time with SAA.

Justice aspirest to bring out the best in every student, regardless of their individual socioeconomic background. He has an interest in guiding international and domestic students to achieve academic success in their chosen field of study through academic success coaching, career guidance, and welfare-related services. Justice’s ultimate goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education to broaden his academic prospects in student affairs and higher education.

Dallin earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University with a major in International Studies emphasizing in Peoples and Nations and double minors in Spanish and Organizational Communication. Dallin developed a passion for higher education through the numerous positions he held in undergrad and through his work with student organizations. His job as an academic advisor solidified his decision to pursue a graduate degree in Student Affairs Administration to help his professional and career development.

Dallin is a first-year student and holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Office of Spartan Experiences in Campus Programs and Student Government. Dallin brings to the SAA MA Program his professional experience as an academic advisor as well as his numerous undergraduate experiences in peer advising and peer mentoring, orientation leadership, programming, and event coordination. He is looking forward to exploring his many options for involvement and professional development during his time as an SAA student.

Dallin believes that the first-year experience is crucial to a student’s development and success, where they develop an identity as a college student, adult, and new professional. He hopes to pursue a career where he can work with students during their transition to the first year of college.

Keith is an MSU alum who majored in Spanish and completed study abroad experiences in Ecuador and Spain. Keith is aware that entering college is a transformative factor in anyone’s life. It is where students learn about themselves, not only in a major or career path but also in lifestyle and identity. The decisions students make impact the rest of their lives, and Keith sees himself as someone who has guidance to offer in making these decisions. He finds watching a student develop through their college career incredibly fulfilling, and he looks forward to continuing to learn and adapt as student needs change.

Keith is a second-year student and holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD). He has had the opportunity to complete two practicum experiences. His first practicum was with MSU’s Lyman Briggs College where he gained skills in academic advising. In his second practicum, Keith worked with MSU’s Career Services Network (CSN) as a career advisor for all majors, developing skills in advising, programming, and workshop assessment. In addition to his assistantship and practicum experiences, Keith is a member of ACPA.

Keith hopes to work as an advisor in Career Services after graduating. He wants to build relationships with students through 1-on-1 meetings and develop ways to meet students’ individual and unique goals.

“While administration is something I can see myself being a part of in the future, for time being I want to focus on forming relationships with students and being a direct support system.”

Jonathan earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University where he double majored in Psychology and Sociology. Jonathan has a passion for student success, leadership, and development, and he believes that education is a gateway to more opportunities for those who choose to pursue it. He attributes his desire to be a student affairs professional to a mentor who saw Jonathan’s potential and never gave up on him.

“I want to be that person, and most of all, I would like to share my knowledge and increase access to higher education to students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. To be specific, as someone who is a Black first-generation college student coming from a low socioeconomic status background I am highly interested in working with first-generation programs and initiatives.”

Currently, Jonathan holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) as an Assistant Community Director (ACD). During his time as an SAA MA student, Jonathan has completed a practicum with the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions at MSU, and another practicum with the New Student and Family Programs Office at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jonathan participates in the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) and the Spartan Preview Days (SPD) student committee. Additionally, he is taking on a teaching apprenticeship for EAD 315: Student Leadership Development in Fall 2022 and will also do fieldwork as the SAA Program Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator, which is an important role assisting with admissions and SPD.

Jonathan plans to begin his student affairs career in housing and residence life. He hopes to work at multiple institutions of higher education during his career, taking on projects dedicated to improving the success and transition of first-generation college students, endeavoring to become a well-rounded practitioner. Eventually, Jonathan plans to pursue a position as a director of first-generation programs at a large, public university.

Ladell is an MSU alum who majored in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science Education. Ladell is pursuing a graduate degree in Student Affairs administration in an effort to increase the representation that students deserve. He hopes that by placing representation at the forefront of his work as a student affairs professional that he will be able to help students discover their future.

“During my undergraduate career, it was rare to see professionals that look like me. This lack of representation was a driving force as students deserve to see communities and people represented at their university.”

Ladell is a second-year student and holds a graduate assistantship with MSU’s Office of Spartan Experiences assisting with Fall Welcome and Student Leadership Development. During his time in the SAA MA Program, Ladell has completed two practicum experiences. His first practicum was with MSU’s Fraternity and Sorority Life where he gained an understanding of the Panhellenic and National Panhellenic Council communities and developed skills in risk management. In his second practicum, Ladell worked with MSU’s College of Engineering as a New Student Orientation Advisor. In this practicum, Ladell learned about academic advising, collaboration, working with STEM students, and conducting virtual appointments. Additionally, Ladell is involved with the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Ladell enjoys exploring the various functional areas of student affairs. His overall career goal is to learn about as many functional areas as possible, ultimately finding the one that not only fulfills his happiness but allows him to help students with their achievement of happiness.

Audrey completed her bachelor’s degree at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan where she majored in History and minored in Communications. Audrey has been passionate about education and student leadership since she was a kid, and stumbling into the field of student affairs felt like her perfect match. During her time in the SAA program, Audrey hopes to better understand student development, leadership styles, and higher education as a whole.

Audrey is a first-year student and brings to the SAA MA Program her extensive experience with orientation, first-year and peer advising, academic success coaching, working with parents and families, mentoring, as well as leadership, and teaching and learning. Audrey holds a graduate assistantship with Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) in Outreach where she will develop skills in recruitment, training, assessment, program coordination, supervision, and assessment. She is looking forward to getting involved with the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA), the Council of Graduate Students (COGS), as well as NASPA and NODA. She is also planning to join the MSU Running Club to connect with another group of people with a shared passion.

Audrey has a strong interest in student-athlete experiences, honors programs, and working with prospective/new students, which she hopes to continue to do in her professional career. She is looking forward to learning about herself, the field of higher education, and where her skills and passions align with the field.