Student Affairs in Higher Education

​Leadership born...

​

I was born for student leadership—I’m an ENFP, and I am dedicated, gregarious, and a motivated leader.



I am a graduate student in the Higher Education MEd Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I’m inspired to work with students from all walks of life and cannot wait to begin my life as a Student Affairs professional.

 

Below are a some aspects of Higher Education and Student Affairs that I have become quite enamored with over the last few years.

 

For more examination on these topics, visit my blog!

Or click the topic headings!

 

Authenticity...

I am an advocate for authentic leadership. Yet, I struggle in some regards, because the student affairs field sings the praises of motivating students to be authentic by constantly saying, "just be yourself!" how often do we stand by this notion in our own personal expression as administrators (and budding administrators—like myself)? Student Affairs professional must be comfortable in the discomfort because authenticity thrives in the vulnerability of recognizing your insecurities can be used to motivate you beyond your fears.

 

Masculinities...

I have developed a calling in conversing with men about their identity and how to explore the idea of healthy masculinities. I facilitate conversations with sports teams, fraternity men, and male student leaders about violence, privilege, oppression, alcohol, relationships, and sexual assault. 

 

I am a devout feminist and I believe men need feminism. Men need to be open to a discourse which challenges them to consider others before themselves.

 

Because if men are to ever make a conscious change for the future of the social structure and welcome a discourse that supports gender equity, we must weed out all of our cultural misinformation in favor of actual education of facts regarding the reality of benefits that feminism brings to gender equity.

 

Social Media...

I consider myself a messenger. I want to share the good word and make sense through the chaos. In the Higher Education realm there are always going to be issues that arise and need a strong voice to deliver and spread information. I want to be this voice. Social media and blogging allows for this voice.

 

And in order for us to keep up with our students, who are undoubtedly very well-versed in social media and technology, we need to do the same by incorporating social media outlets and certain forms of technology into our classroom discussions now. This way we can engage in conversations and maintain meaningful interactions with our students beyond simple face to face communication. 

 

 

Tattooed...

I unapologetically identify with tattoo culture and I am proud to be a future student affairs professional. Tattoos are an essential aspect of my WOO, and they are directly tied to my authenticity as a leader.

 

Tattoos create conversation starters that intersect gender, racial, and class lines—these connections are important. Tattoos instantly transform skin into a story. 

 

I made the conscious decision to go below my elbows on both arms because I have a story I want to share on my body. I am comfortable defending the tattoos I possess and genuinely love telling the stories behind my ink.

 

There is always a story.

 

Students engage in this story. Students are curious to learn the significance of each of my pieces.

 

With these tattoos, I make connections with students. I am human to them. I am authentic to them because I am not hiding.





Accomplishments/Experiences:

- Social Media Manager, StudentAffairs.com, March 2014 - Present

- Grennan award For Outstanding Graduate Service to the UMass Amherst Higher Education Program | May 2015

- Emerging Leader & Embodies #SAChat Spirit | #SAChat Awards | Student Affairs Online Community | April 2015

- Richard F. Stevens Outstanding Graduate Student for the state of Massachuseets, NASPA Region 1

- Graduate Assistant for Center for Health Promotion, UMass Amherst, Sept 2014 - May 2015

- Social Media Manager, UMatter at UMass, Jan 2014 - May 2015

- Graduate Assistant for Not Ready for Bedtime Players, UMass Amherst, Jan 2014 - May 2015

- Graduate Summer Intern for Student Activities, Towson University, Summer 2014

- Graduate Assistant for Men's Health and Masculinity Programming, UMass Amherst, Spring 2014

- Campaign and Events Coordinator, Graduate Student Senate, UMass Amherst, 2013-2014

- Social Media/Marketing Intern, Campus Recreation, Willamette University, Summer 2013

​- Oregon State University Memorial Union President, 2010-2011

- OSU Student Affairs Intern, 2011-2012

- Listed as 7th most influential member of the OSU community in 2011 by The Daily Barometer.

​- Ambassador to the OSU College of Education, 2010-2012

- Presented at OSU Leadership Conference, Feb. 2012

- Created the Campaign for Understanding, 2010

- President of the Oregon State Musicians Guild, 2008-2010

- Entertainment Editor, OSU Daily Barometer, 2008- 2010

- Resident Assistant, OSU, 2008-2010