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?  I have worked in the field for 25 years, and my primary focus has been all kinds of student activities:  Greek Life, Residence Life, Union management, Student Government, etc. etc. etc.  Currently, I oversee a department out of which the following functions occur:  Intramurals/Rec Sports, Greek Life, Campus Ministry, Registered Student Organizations, Student Media (newspaper, literary magazine, feature magazine, and radio station), Student Center management, etc.  Still loving it after all these years (most of the time)!

Words to live by:  “The more you know, the more you know you don’t know!”

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 – played a significant role in my undergraduate experience & Student Support – enjoy helping students overcome obstacles and hardships

Words to live by: N/A

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:  I chose UGA because of the strength of the program and faculty.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? My main interest is within the area of Student Activities, programming, Union Administration and facilities.  I am a programmer at heart and will always be one!

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 chose UGA because of a life-long friend that went on and on about how wonderful the school is. 

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? I mostly interested in the use of technology and anything else housing related.  I’ve always been interested in technology, computers, and the role they play in student affairs and in the world.  I’ve been working in housing for more than 6 years now, including my time as an RA and Graduate Staff member, and I’ve really enjoyed my experiences in working with students in the residence halls.

Words to live by:  “Do whatever makes you happiest and do it like there’s no tomorrow.”

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:  Instructor at another campus

Why I chose UGA:  Great school for this field and wonderful faculty.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Student Motivation and Campus Environments

Words to live by:  “You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need.”

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:  _Assistant Director, Center for Leadership & Service

Why I chose UGA:  UGA has a great reputation and tremendous faculty who create

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Leadership development; spirituality; supervision and administration; social justice, advocacy, and activism.

Words to live by:  “We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more.” –William Jefferson Clinton

Gail Cole-Avent

Undergraduate Institution:  Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)

Master’s Institution:  University of California, Los Angeles            

Master’s Degree:  Education

Assistantship or Job:  Doctoral Intern, Residence Hall Education and Services

Why I chose UGA:

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Student Affairs professionals and technology use, graduate student services, and the senior-year experience.

Words to live by:  “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Marc Cordon

Undergraduate Institution:  Emory University

Master’s Institution:  Emory University    

Master’s Degree:  Masters in Public Health

Assistantship or Job:  Associate Director of Multicultural Programs and Services, Emory University

Why I chose UGA:  This program gave me the ability to work at Emory and earn my degree.
  
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Community Building, Leadership Development

Words to live by:  N/A

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 with my job

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Student Conduct, Supervision and Staffing, Greek Life, crisis management, and organizational development (these are areas I have worked in and areas of interest for research)

Words to live by:  “Enjoy life and help others when you can.”

Rick Gibson

Undergraduate Institution:  Indiana State University

Master’s Institution: Indiana State University         

Master’s Degree:  M.S. – College Student Personnel

Assistantship or Job:  Director of RHES (Residence Hall Education & Services) Department of University Housing, UGA

Why I chose UGA:  I was attracted to UGA by the position in Housing and the opportunity to work with the person who was the Executive Director at that time.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  I have worked in university housing at four different universities so I guess you could say this is my area of interest.  To me working in housing provides an opportunity to be involved with and impact many different aspects of student’s lives.  Having the opportunity to watch them develop in a positive way outside of the classroom continues to be very rewarding to me.

Words to live by:  “Do it Right the First Time”, “Unity in Diversity”, “Excellence Together”

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:  UGA has a great reputation and I had a very positive master’s experience

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Diversity, Resident Advisors, Mental Health Issues

Words to live by:  “Just Breathe!”

Marian Higgins

Undergraduate Institution:  Wesleyan University

Master’s Institution:  The University of Memphis

Master’s Degree: Master of Science in Counseling

Assistantship or Job:  Career Consultant/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. 

Words to live by:  “Don’t sweat the small stuff!”

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 Department of Counseling and Student Personnel Services has a long-standing reputation of providing an environment in which I can grow as a professional.  I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that is focused on the development of its students and provides a valued contribution to the field of Student Affairs.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  A position that will allow me the opportunity to align myself with an institution and a department which shares my philosophy of providing a student-centered environment that is focused on increasing student engagement and developing leaders. 

Words to live by:  “Live and Let Live!”

Paula McBride

Undergraduate Institution:  Georgia College and State University

Master’s Institution:  Georgia College and State University    

Master’s Degree:  MPA

Assistantship or Job:  Financial Aid Counselor at Athens Technical College

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?  Academic and Career Advisement.  I spend a great deal of time now advising students and counseling, not just on financial aid, but on class and career choices. I enjoy discussing a student’s plans, goals, and future accomplishments.

Words to live by:  “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.”

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: This was an opportunity to join a dynamic Student Affairs team and work with outstanding students at an excellent institution.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  I am interested in student participation in institutional governance, leadership development, and supervision and management in Higher Education.  These areas are related to my experiences in working with student leaders, as well as supervising staff in student affairs.

Words to live by:  "Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.” – Harold Geneen

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 chose UGA because it has a top notch program nationally, and I was working as an Area Coordinator already.  The time to begin was right for me.   I knew that I really wanted to get the Ph.D…but I also knew that if I did not start it when I had the opportunity to do so, I would actively find a reason to avoid it…the procrastination factor.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  N/A

Words to live by:  N/A

Leigh Poole

Undergraduate Institution:  Wofford College

Master’s Institution:  University of South Carolina 

Master’s Degree:  Student Personnel Services

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, Service Learning, and Higher Education Administration.  I am fascinated by International Education because I love to learn about other people and the way various cultures and societies interact with one another.  It’s exciting to study and try to understand different cultures in order to help build a foundation of peace and understanding amongst nations through student interactions.  I am interested in service learning due to the practical application of theoretical knowledge as well as the connections and linkages give back to the local community, whether in Athens or on an international scale.  Higher Education Administration has always been important to me in terms of understanding how different units and departments interact as a whole across campus in order to better serve the student population.

Words to live by:  “Be the change you wish to see.”  - M. Gandhi

Bryan Rush

Undergraduate Institution:  Erskine College

Master’s Institution:  University of Georgia

Master’s Degree:  M.Ed.

Assistantship or Job:  Coordinator for Judicial Programs

Why I chose UGA:  Wonderful faculty and my wife and I love Athens!
Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  History of the field and higher education as a whole & Supervision of professionals

Words to live by:  “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”  - C.S. Lewis  “If there’s anything that upsets me, it’s having people say I’m sensitive.”  - Barney Fife

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.

Words to live by:  “Now, what can I learn from this?”  “Tomorrow is yet another day.”  - Ms. Scarlet (Gone from the Wind).

Joel Scott

Undergraduate Institution:  Abilene Christian University

Master’s Institution:  ACU  

Master’s Degree:  M.S. Christian Ed

Assistantship or Job:  Office of Student Affairs Assessment

Why I chose UGA:  Who wouldn’t want to be a bulldog?  

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Leadership, academic and student affairs initiatives, consultation

Words to live by:  “Always seek (out) the best in others.”

Beau Seagraves

Undergraduate Institution:  Furman University

Master’s Institution:  Clemson University   

Master’s Degree:  M.Ed. in Counselor Education

Assistantship or Job:  Assistantship in Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

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. 

Words to live by:  “It’s not the destination; it’s the ride.”

Cara Skeat

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:  It is an excellent program that I can attend part-time, and it is close to my home!

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Leadership, Orientation, Transition from high school to college, underpreparedness – all things I encounter on a daily basis with my students!

Words to live by:  N/A

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:  Doctoral Intern, UGA Department of Campus Life (Center for Student Organizations)

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’ve 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 crisis and other campus crisis management issues. Also, as someone who works with student organizations on a daily basis, I also 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 the continued research and development of a traditionally underrepresented institutional type.

Words to live by:  “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48)

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:  The PhD program was the next logical step in my career and I plan to stay with UGA.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Graduate Student Development, Career Services for Graduate Students, Recruitment of Graduate Students

Words to live by:  “The revolution will not be televised”

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:  Graduate Assistant for Dr. Dean and Dr. Mullendore, College Student Affairs Administration

Why I chose UGA:  The reputation of the program, its size, and the faculty.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Decision making, student involvement, supervision, culture of society and how it impacts students, residence life/housing, student leader selection processes – my primary interests deal directly with students, their experiences, and the factors that impact their abilities to succeed. 

Words to live by:  “People don’t care how much you know – until they know how much you care.”
- John C. Maxwell

John "JD" White

Undergraduate Institution:  University of Tennessee

Master’s Institution:  University of Georgia

Master’s Degree:  College Student Affairs Administration

Assistantship or Job:  University Housing- Assessment and Evaluation

Why I chose UGA:  After having spent time at UGA before, I could not think of a better place to continue my education. The in-class experience is tremendous with wonderful faculty and outstanding students. The out of class experience is great with all Athens and the area has to offer. When you combine UGA’s reputation and all that it has to offer, I could not imagine being anywhere else.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Supervision and Management in Higher Education / Organizational Development

Words to live by:  “Attitude is a choice!”

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 location and reputation of the program. 

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  I’m interested in technology and the impact it has on the experience of the college student.  I’m also interested in areas of higher education such as development, athletics, academic partnership within housing departments, as well as campus planning.     

Words to live by:  “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  Mahatma Gandhi

Samantha Wilson

Undergraduate Institution:  Tougalo College in MS

Master’s Institution:  University of MO-Columbia  

Master’s Degree:  Master of Arts

Assistantship or Job:  Associate Vice President for Student Life

Why I chose UGA:  The program offered the foundational coursework I needed to add to my practical experiences as an administrator.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Diversity issues, administration, spirituality and Christian Higher Education

Words to live by:  “Commit to God whatever you do and your plans will succeed.”

Bobby Woodard

Undergraduate Institution:  East Carolina University        

Master’s Institution:  University of Central Florida             

Master’s Degree: Educational Leadership

Assistantship or Job:  Associate Director of Campus Life

Why I chose UGA:  Reputation of faculty and program

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why? Generalist positions

Words to live by:  “Even the snail made it to the Arch by persevering”  Rick Warren

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:  UGA has a great reputation in the field, I have several colleagues who are graduates of either the masters or doctoral program and speak highly of the program, and the faculty  were engaging during my interview.

Areas of Interest in Student Affairs Work and why?  Student conduct, because it affords me the opportunity to have directive, focused conversations with students about their behavior and goals. I am at heart a curious soul, so I enjoy assessment and research for their ability to answer meaningful questions about the impact of our work.

Words to live by:  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” – Margaret Mead