College Student Affairs Administration PhD

Kathy Alday

Undergraduate Institution: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: Student Personnel in Higher Education
Assistantship or Job: I am the Director of the Student Life Center at Kennesaw State University
Why I chose UGA: Reputation
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Spirituality, history, sexual identity, experiences of African-American students

Eric Atkinson

Undergraduate Institution: Troy State University
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: College Student Affairs Administration
Assistantship or Job: Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs
Why I chose UGA: Reputation of CSAA program
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Greek Life and leadership - my two passions

Willie Banks

Undergraduate Institution: Mercer University
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: M.Ed. Student Personnel in Higher Education
Assistantship or Job: Director of Campus Life & Tate Student Center
Why I chose UGA: Great program, great faculty, I could do it part time and keep my job!
\Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Student organizations, facilities, unions, programming, biracial student development

Paul "Ricky" Boggs III

Undergraduate Institution: Marshall University
Master’s Institution: Marshall University
Master’s Degree: Counseling with emphasis in Student Affairs
Assistantship or Job: Residence Hall Director- UGA
Why I chose UGA: I looked at UGA because of a friend of mine that was in the Vet School here. I applied for the program because of the curriculum and faculty.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Housing is my biggest interest in Student Affairs but it's also where all my work experience has been.

Karen Boyd

Undergraduate Institution: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Master’s Institution: Appalachian State
Master’s Degree: M.A. Human Development and Psychological Development
Assistantship or Job: Graduate Assistantship in the department
Why I chose UGA: The faculty, the reputation and a challenge
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Academic and Student Affairs collaborations, student personal and social responsibility, shaping environments to encourage positive student conduct and developing proactive responses to alcohol, sexual assault, campus violence, mental disorders, and academic stress.

T.W. Cauthen

Undergraduate Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: M.Ed. College Student Affairs Administration
Assistantship or Job: Director, Center for Leadership & Service/Associate Director, Department of Campus Life, University of Georgia
Why I chose UGA: Reputable program and faculty
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Leadership development, spirituality, first-year experience, civic engagement

Marc Cordon

Undergraduate Institution: Emory University
Master’s Institution: Emory University
Master’s Degree: Masters in Public Health
Assistantship or Job: Associate Director, Office of Multicultural Programs & Services, Emory University
Why I chose UGA: I can participate in the doctoral program, while having a full-time position. This process has been fun, challenging, and fulfilling.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Organizational development

David Dial

Undergraduate Institution: Duke University
Master’s Institution: LSU
Master’s Degree: Masters in Liberal Arts (Concentration: Student Affairs)
Assistantship or Job: Board of Regents, Student Affairs
Why I chose UGA: Well respected in the higher ed community
Student Affairs Interests: Worked in conduct for 2 years, but I am seeking new areas of interest. I would like to learn more about registrar, admissions, or financial aid as these seem like areas related to my personal interests.

Brandon Frye

Undergraduate Institution: Appalachian State University
Master’s Institution: Appalachian State University
Master’s Degree: MA Student Development
Assistantship or Job: Assistant Dean of Students, Judicial Programs, University of Georgia
Why I chose UGA: Program Reputation, Faculty, and Tuition Assistance for UGA Employees
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Greek Life, student conduct, dean of students

Sheree Gibson

Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Master’s Institution: Bowling Green State University
Master’s Degree: College Student Personnel
Assistantship or Job: Area Manager, Dept. of Housing, Georgia Tech
Why I chose UGA: Because of the proximity and the flexibility of going part time
Student Affairs Interests: Students of Color, black identity development, greek life, leadership and spirituality

Yancey Gulley

Undergraduate Institution: AA, Louisburg College & BA, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Master’s Institution: North Carolina State University
Master’s Degree: Med.
Assistantship or Job: Director of Student Affairs, Athens Technical College
Why I chose UGA: The opportunity to be a part of a learning community that supports expanded visions of Student Affairs practice and theory.
Student Affairs Interests: Enrollment Management, LGBTQ college students, queer theory, collective participation between student and academic affairs, two-year and small colleges

Kayla Hamilton

Undergraduate Institution: Duke University
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: SPHE
Assistantship or Job: Associate Director of Residence Life, Emory University
Why I chose UGA: Because of the quality of staff and students
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Residence Life & diversity issues. These are my passions.

Shauna Hemingway

Undergraduate Institution: Clemson University
Master’s Institution: University of South Carolina – Columbia
Master’s Degree: Higher Education and Student Affairs
Assistantship or Job: Assistant Area Coordinator with University Housing
Why I chose UGA: I chose UGA as a place I wanted to work because of the people and the support and professional experiences I would gain. The College Student Affairs doctoral program is one that will challenge me and prepare me for my future endeavors as a professional in Student Affairs.
Student Affairs Interests: Housing is like the area where you can gain a lot of experience and is all encompassing. You work with programming, judicial affairs, campus life, academics, budgeting, etc. Greek Life is an interest due to my own membership as a Greek and the commitment I have to educating young people, especially females who enter into Greek Life and serving as role model, mentor and leader to bridge relationships among all Greeks and creating partnerships with other functional areas where Greek Life can be incorporated. Intercultural Affairs/Multiculturalism has always been an interest of mine because campuses are diverse in their own aspect, and students from all backgrounds should be knowledgeable of the various cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, etc. and how to develop those interpersonal skills on a collegiate and personal level that will prepare them for entering a diverse workforce upon graduation. Admissions is an area of interest because of the ability to recruit students who not only are intelligent but have unique strengths and talents that can be built upon once admitted to college, and also partnering with high schools administration and guidance counselors to assist with the college preparation process.

Marian Higgins

Undergraduate Institution: Wesleyan University
Master’s Institution: The University of Memphis
Master’s Degree: Master of Science in Counseling
Assistantship or Job:Assistant Director/Diversity Coordinator, UGA Career Center
Why I chose UGA: I chose UGA because I wanted to further develop my knowledge of student affairs and higher education in order to be an effective educational consultant. I was aware that UGA offered an excellent program in Student Affairs Administration therefore I pursued the opportunity to enroll in the program.”
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? I am interested in Career Services and college admissions. I’ve worked in Career Services for several years and have developed a passion for helping students with their career development. I also have some experience with college admissions and would like to continue to assist students with preparing for college and selecting the college that is a fit for them.

Candace Maddox

Undergraduate Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: M.Ed., College Student Affairs Administration
Assistantship or Job: Department of University Housing, Staff Development and Judicial Programs, Doctoral Intern for Adult Education
Why I chose UGA:
The University of Georgia, College of Education’s Department of College Student Affairs Administration has a longstanding reputation of providing an educational environment that allows its students to grow as a professionals and scholars. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that is focused on the development of its students and provides a valuable contribution to the field of student affairs.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Racial identity development; psychosocial development; and organizational development.

Paula McBride

Undergraduate Institution: Georgia College and State University
Master’s Institution: Georgia College and State University
Master’s Degree: MPA
Assistantship or Job: Student Affairs Professional in the School of Law
Why I chose UGA: How can you live in Georgia and not want to go to UGA?? I was impressed with the program and thrilled to find a doctoral program that would complement the occupation I wanted to pursue.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Student development theory, working with At-Risk student populations, student mental health services

Ed Mirecki

Undergraduate Institution: University of New Mexico
Master’s Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master’s Degree: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Assistantship or Job: Director of Student Activities & Organizations at the University of Georgia
Why I chose UGA: The opportunity to belong to a dynamic student affairs team, study in a leading program, and work with outstanding students.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? I am interested in how student affairs contributes to the mission of higher education in terms of developing citizens for a global society. I am focused on the political engagement of college students, and student participation in governance activities.

Scott Oliver

Undergraduate Institution: University of Mississippi
Master’s Institution: University of Mississippi Master’s Degree: M.A., Education
Assistantship or Job: University Housing, Area Coordinator – Creswell Community
Why I chose UGA: I knew that I wanted to work on my Ph.D...and when I got a position in Housing at UGA, I was offered the opportunity to begin that work. It is a great program that offers a great deal of support to its students and that has a tremendous reputation in the field of student affairs.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Housing and Residence Life, student and student staff supervision, history of Student Affairs and practice, advising, student development, training and leadership development in live-in staff, public/private financing

Leigh Poole

Undergraduate Institution: Wofford College
Master’s Institution: University of South Carolina
Assistantship or Job: Associate Director for Intercultural Affairs and Director of International Student Life, University of Georgia
Why I chose UGA: Excellent program and location.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs work and why? International Education / internationalization, senior level administration

Cara Ray

Undergraduate Institution: Guilford College
Master’s Institution: Virginia Tech

Master’s Degree: M.Ed.
Assistantship or Job: Director of Student Life, Gainesville State College
Why I chose UGA: Proximity to home, excellence of program
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Underprepared students, first-year students, leadership development

Jamie Riley

Undergraduate Institution: Tennessee State University

Master’s Institution: Tennessee State University

Master’s Degree: M.Ed Educational Leadership/Administration and Supervision (P-16)

Assistantship or Job: UGA University Housing in the area of Assessment and Evaluation

Why I chose UGA: I chose UGA because of the upstanding reputation of the program and the faculty. In addition, since I began my career in student affairs, graduates from the CSAA program at UGA have always been at the forefront of what's new in student affairs, and have served as leaders within professional organizations or actual positions. I would like to gain that same experience so that I may become trail blazer and leader within the profession.

Student Affairs Interests: I am interested in the identity, social and ethical development of African-American students as leaders and as members of our society. In addition, I have a great interest in strengthening the foundation of student affairs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These passions of mine come from the inert skills and life lessons that I gained from my experience as an HBCU student. I can truly say that without my experience at Tennessee State University, I would not be where I am today. My feeling is that other HBCU graduates have had the same experiences and have benefited from their tenure at their perspective HBCU. Because of this is why I would like to bring some validity to what is called, "The HBCU experience."

Regina Sargent

Undergraduate Institution: Stetson University (DeLand, Florida)
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: Student Personnel in Higher Education (SPHE)
Assistantship or Job: University Housing – Assignments Office
Why I chose UGA: This is one of only a few doctoral programs in the nation that was of interest to me as well it was where I completed my Master’s degree. I have always maintained a close association with the faculty in the program and was the right place for me to be right now. I am very close to my family and friends.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Housing – (that’s where I have always worked) especially in the areas of supervision and staff (all levels) selection, training and development. Student Conduct – I have a significant amount of experience. Also very interested in how institutions are embracing emerging concepts of restorative justice. Budgeting and Facilities Management – new interests of mine.

Beau Seagraves

Undergraduate Institution: Furman University
Master’s Institution: Clemson University
Master’s Degree: M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Assistantship or Job: Assistant Dean for Student Support at UGA
Why I chose UGA: Great Location; High quality faculty; Always wanted to be a Bulldog!
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Housing/Residence Life: I enjoy working with a wide variety of students with a wide variety of experiences. Housing has also allowed me to learn about myself and how student affairs relates to other divisions on campus. Leadership Development: I enjoy watching students challenge themselves and grow from new experiences and opportunities. .

Khrystal Smith

Undergraduate Institution: Winston-Salem State University
Master’s Institution: University of Maryland-College Park
Master’s Degree: M.A., Public Relations Mgmt.
Assistantship:UGA Department of Campus Life Administration
Why I chose UGA: Proximity to home, reputation of the program, faculty
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Risk management, crisis management, Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), student organizations, campus community. I have always had an interest in campus environments and feelings of community, however, following events like Hurricane Katrina and the Virginia Tech shootings; I developed an interest in how campus community is affected by campus crises and tragedies. Also, as someone who works with student organizations, I have an interest in risk management within student organizations and student affairs, in general. Finally, my interest in HBCU’s is grounded in my experiences as a graduate of an HBCU, and a commitment to seeing continued research on this traditionally underrepresented institutional type and the students who attend them.

Lisa Sperling

Undergraduate Institution: Emory University
Master’s Institution: University of Georgia
Master’s Degree: Master of Public Administration
Assistantship or Job: MPA Recruitment and Career Services Coordinator
Why I chose UGA: Good program, TAP
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Student Affairs at the graduate level; how and why students choose careers in the public sector (all levels of government and nonprofits)

Kyle Tschepikow

Undergraduate Institution: Henderson State University - Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Master’s Institution: University of Wales, Bangor – Wales, Great Britain
Master’s Degree: M.A. in English
Assistantship or Job: Department of Student Affairs Assessment
Why I chose UGA: I chose UGA primarily because of the excellent reputation of the CSAA program and its faculty. Additionally, I believed the faculty were the right folks to guide my scholarly journey. Lastly, my wife and I had an inkling that we would love living in Athens and being Bulldogs!
Student Affairs Interests: Conduct Administration: I am fascinated by the work of building and sustaining a healthy community based on shared values. I believe conduct administration is a place where this work occurs acutely. I also believe conduct administration affords practitioners myriad opportunities to assist students in their growth and development. Assessment: I love the question, why? Assessment gives practitioners the opportunity to apply that question to Student Affairs programs.

Jawaan Wallace

Undergraduate Institution: Hampton University, BA History 2000
Master’s Institution: University of Akron
Master’s Degree: Higher Education Administration, 2001
Assistantship or Job: Career Center, TA for ECHD 3050
Why I chose UGA: Initially, I was attracted to the strong reputation of the CSAA program. The faculty are some of the best in the nation and have significant experience as student affairs administrators. I was also impressed by the warmth and helpfulness of the faculty and students I had the opportunity to interact with during my campus visit. I'm very excited to be a Bulldog!
Student Affairs Interests: I'm very passionate about the areas of access and equity in higher education. Having worked in college admissions and with various college access programs, I have been able to witness, first-hand, just how inequitable our educational system can be to certain segments of the population. I am interested in researching programs that not only ensure all students the opportunity to obtain higher education, but also ensure that those same students are equipped with the services and support necessary to successfully matriculate.

Jen Wells

Undergraduate Institution: Albion College (Albion, MI)
Master’s Institution: Michigan State University
Master’s Degree: M.A. Student Affairs Administration
Assistantship or Job: Doctoral Intern, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs; Graduate Assistant, CAS
Why I chose UGA: The reputation of the program, its size, and the faculty.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? I am currently most interested in the relationship between playing video games and social interactions. With the advent of the Wii and other gaming systems, video games are being designed to be played in a group. I'm curious to learn how this plays a role in how our college students interact with each other.

Mark Whitsel

Undergraduate Institution: Anderson University (Anderson, IN)
Master’s Institution: Ball State University (Muncie, IN)
Master’s Degree: M.A. Educational Leadership
Assistantship or Job: Department of University Housing-Area Coordinator
Why I chose UGA: I chose UGA because of the scholarly reputation, the people, and the resources available.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? My current interests are group identification and attitudes of one group toward other groups, athletics and the identity development of high profile student athletes, town and gown relationship in cities which have been identified as "college towns", and safety in conduct offices. As a practitioner my focus is in Residence Life and long-term I see myself as a generalist. I hope to continue as an administrator, post-doctorate, while teaching as adjunct faculty and pursuing research interests.

Samantha Wilson

Undergraduate Institution: Tougalo College in MS
Master’s Institution: University of MO-Columbia
Master’s Degree: Master of Arts
Assistantship or Job: Southern Wesleyan University, Associate Vice President for Student Life
Why I chose UGA: I chose UGA because of the scholarly reputation, the people, and the resources available.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? I am interested in administration and management, leadership development and issues related to spirituality in African American women.

Bobby Woodard

Undergraduate Institution: East Carolina University
Master’s Institution: University of Central Florida
Master’s Degree: Educational Leadership
Assistantship or Job:Associate Director for Campus Life and Director of Facilities and Services
Why I chose UGA: Reputation of faculty, program and also the location
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Generalist, because I feel that it will make me more well-rounded and a better professional

Jonathan Zerulik

Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Master’s Institution: Appalachian State University
Master’s Degree: M.A.
Assistantship or Job: Assistant Director of Student Conduct, Emory University
Why I chose UGA: Why I came? The prestige of the program and the quality faculty. Why I stay? The exceptional community of scholars and learners.
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Student conduct, high risk drinking, socialization and role formation of individuals in different environments