Author: Ryan Baldassario

Felix (’08) Graduates with Doctoral Degree from BGSU

We would like to congratulate an alumnus of our program, Vivienne Felix (HESA Class of 2008), on receiving her PhD in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University. Our program is always proud to see graduates continue on their respective journeys as scholar practitioners, and we are excited to follow your continued contributions to the field, Dr. Felix!

 

 

“Bringing Theory to Practice” – Hunter (’14) Starts STEM Student Mentoring Program

Truth Hunter (HESA Class of 2014), Assistant Director for Bard Educational Opportunity Programs at Bard College, started a peer mentoring program called “Bringing Theory to Practice.”

Hoping to help historically underrepresented students who are pursuing majors in the STEM fields, Hunter hopes that the program can provide students the opportunity to build “soft skills,” such as working effectively in groups and building networks, as well psycho-social skills that will increase students’ success in the classroom.

Hunter hopes that conversations with the Bringing Theory to Practice participants can minimize the stigma related to asking for help, encourage students to utilize their available resources, and spur students to create a network of support that serves as a source of motivation. A more detailed write up about Hunter’s efforts can be found in an article in the online magazine Oblivion, available at the following site: https://oblivionpub.wordpress.com/2016/04/08/bringing-theory-to-practice-creating-a-culture-of-support-and-collaboration-in-stem/.

Here at UConn HESA we are always proud to hear about the efforts of our graduates and the impact that they are able to make as their careers progress. We wish Truth the best of luck in her continued efforts at Bard, and appreciate her call to bring theory to practice in the field of student affairs.

 

Price (’17), Smith (’17), and Nix (’17) to Present at NACADA CT Conference

NACADA Drive In 2016 Smith Price Niimo Nix NEW

 

Christian Price (HESA Class of 2017), Abigail Smith (HESA Class of 2017), and Jeronima “Niimo” Nix (HESA Class of 2017), will be presenting at the 2016 NACADA CT Drive-In Conference. The theme of the conference is “The Greatest Advising on Earth: Mastering the Balancing Act.”

Price and Smith will be presenting, “Beyond Academic Advising: An Approach to Supporting African American Male Student Athletes at Predominantly White Institutions.” The pair will focus on the contexts and lived experiences of African American male student athletes, and how to assist students in maximizing their potential as both students and young adults.

Nix’s presentation will focus on incorporating social justice theory with academic advising philosophies. Using case studies and some interactive activities, Nix hopes to highlight the importance of embracing cultural differences in advising practices, and share resources that may prepare students and advisors to build more engaging relationships.

Additional details about the NACADA conference can be found at the conference website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-nacada-ct-drive-in-conference-tickets-21017743637.

Harney (’16), Lee (’15), and Rodriguez (’15) Take First Place at MSAC Case Study Competition

Maryland Student Affairs Conference - Harney Lee Rodriguez Post 2.9.15

As part of the 39th Maryland Student Affairs Conference, Tina Harney (HESA Class of 2016), Jackie Lee (HESA Class of 2015), and Eileen Rodriguez (HESA Class of 2015) were selected as finalists in the Case Study Competition.As finalists, Tina, Jackie, and Eileen were tasked with defending their case and fielding a question and answer session with a three-person review panel. Members of the panel include Dr. Andrea Goodwin, Dr. Deb Moriarty, and Mr. James Felton.

After defending their study and facing a rigorous Q & A round, the trio took first place in the Case Study Competition!

Congratulations once again to Tina, Jackie, and Eileen on your success!

Rapoport (’11) Selected for NACA Mid Atlantic Regional Conference Planning Committee

Elizabeth Rapoport (Class of 2011)  was recently selected to serve on the NACA Mid Atlantic Regional Conference Planning Committee as the Volunteer Center Coordinator; her fourth consecutive year serving as a part of the RCPC for this region. Elizabeth would be more than happy to connect with any students who are interested in a career in Student Activities to share with them how to leverage NACA as a graduate student and young professional!

DiGorio (’13) Presents #CSAM14: Moving into Your Role as a New Professional

 

Rollins College

Jeremy DiGorio, a 2013 graduate of the UConn HESA program, collaborated with colleagues from NASPA, Oregon State University, and University of Miami to present the ” #CSAM14: Moving into Your Role as a New Professional” webinar.

This dynamic webinar  incorporated the viewpoints of five new professionals in the field of higher education and student affairs who shared their confessions, job searching tips, and  lessons from their first few years in the field. Free to  both NASPA and non-NASPA members alike, this type of support for undergraduates, graduates, and new professionals bolsters interest our field and further backs the supportive nature of related professional organizations.

We are proud to recognize Jeremy’s contribution to the field and join him in celebrating “Careers in Student Affairs Month!”

http://www.naspa.org/events/csam2014-moving-into-your-role-as-a-new-professional