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Brad Huggins
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"In
a step-by-step manner, the SAA curriculum introduced me to the
people, literature and theory that comprise the history and evolution of
student affairs. In seminar discussion, I was able to learn from
others' insight and experience, while also having the opportunity to share
my strengths with my colleagues. The student-centered core of
the program allowed me to delve deeply into areas that would develop my
individual career interests in international student advising and study
abroad. I am pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of public and
private sector areas in which I am now qualified to work."
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Samantha Armstrong
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"In
an increasingly interconnected world I sought a masters program
that would help me learn how to aid students in building bridges between
their classes and the outside world. I felt that it was important for me
to seek out a student affairs administration masters program that not only
exposed me to theory, but how to apply theories in a real-world setting. I
looked hard to find a program that exposed me to varying viewpoints and
encouraged engagement with professionals outside of the institution I was
attending. Knowing early on that I wanted to pursue a career in student
affairs, I spent a great deal of time researching different higher
education programs. In the end, Western Washington University rose to the
top of my list because of how it combined a small cohort classroom
experience with outside internships and graduate assistantships/positions.
The staff and faculty connected with the program challenged me as a
budding professional, but they also supported me and continue to support
me as I grow professionally beyond the program. I felt very prepared
taking my first position at Washington State University as the Assistant
Director for the Center of Fraternity and Sorority Life." |
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Stacy Nelson |
"The
SAA program was a time of real growth for me -- both professionally
and personally. The internship and classwork equipped me with skills
that will aid me in my student affairs journey, and the learning
community allowed me room to discover my own strengths, goals, and
ideas. I am very grateful for the learning I experienced in this
program!"
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Raelyn Axlund |
"Western’s
SAA program provides a unique and meaningful integration of (a)
coursework; (b) internship, assistantship, and graduate position
experiences; (c) individual research; and (d) special components
such as attending regional conferences and participating in
university committees. Looking back, I feel lucky to have had such a
wealth of opportunities by which to explore student affairs
administration, develop my own knowledge and skills, and discover
new passions…and all within a supportive cohort-based community.
Susan and Pat were both wonderful mentors throughout the process,
and continue to be supportive colleagues today. I started the SAA
program with a background in community-based program management, but
have since gained so many skills and understandings that will allow
me to be a more intentional and effective leader. Additionally, I
developed a strong passion for research and assessment, which has
greatly impacted my career path since graduating from the SAA
program. I am now able to combine my two primary passions by
managing assessment and research projects for community- and
experiential-based student affairs programs at WWU." |
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Patrick Lynch |
"The
SAA program went above and beyond my expectations from the very
first day. The combination of theory and practical internship
experience will serve me well throughout my professional career.
Also, the cohort learning model created sustained opportunities for
growth and developing lasting and meaningful relationships." |
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Tina Wang |
"The
SAA graduate program was an invaluable educational and professional
experience. It equipped me with foundational knowledge and
understanding of student affairs in both theory and practice. I
gained a rigorous education, lifelong friends, and a deeper sense of
purpose in my work. I also acquired the transferable skills to work
in any field related to student affairs and graduated as a highly
competitive candidate with this degree in hand. The relationships I
developed as part of this cohort continue to be a source of support
and inspiration. My mentors and friends challenge me to be a
lifelong learner, to be intentional in my work, and to improve my
practices as a student affairs professional." |
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Kathy Mullins
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"It
is not an overstatement to say that the SAA
program was a life-changing experience for me. After nearly ten years of
working in nonprofit organizations, I started the SAA program because I
was ready to focus more intentionally on my passion for education. Earning
my M.Ed. in Student Affairs gave me the credential I needed to change
careers, but the knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained were far more
important. Through a carefully and expertly crafted curriculum that
combined theoretical and experiential learning, I became a student
affairs professional. Now that I am working in the field, I am even more
aware of the excellence of the SAA program at Western,
from the cohort model and outstanding faculty to the incredibly
supportive student affairs division on campus and the deep commitment to
learning that embodies the Western experience. I have always done good,
meaningful work, but now I can say that I love coming to work every
day!" |
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Kelsey Laffey
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"The
SAA program has been a wonderful opportunity for professional and personal
growth. The coursework has supported my internship and I feel confident in
my abilities to be a student affairs professional. The continued support
and encouragement from Susan has been invaluable. When I began this
program I was very unsure about everything, but I am now so grateful for
the experience.
My
internship was an experience where I had an opportunity to learn about
student affairs in great depth. The staff at Skagit Valley College were
very supportive and helpful in my growing experience." |
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