Narrative: One of the most transformative experiences I had during my Master's program in Higher Education Administration was in Dr. Denton's Multicultural Issues course. In this class, we engaged in an art project designed to explore our individual social identities, and throughout the semester, we collectively developed a diversity dictionary. What started as a simple assignment soon transformed into a deeply personal journey of reflection, dialogue, and critical self-examination. I can approach complex and diverse environments with a deeper appreciation for nuance and context. The Diversity Dictionary was more than an academic exercise—it became a living resource and a reminder to remain open, reflective, and actively engaged in creating more equitable spaces in higher education. It reinforced that my role as a higher education professional isn’t just to manage or administer, but to advocate, educate, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive institutional cultures.
NASPA/ACPA Competency Met: Personal and Ethical Foundations, Social Justice and Inclusion (SJI), Values, Philosophy, and History (VPH)
Supporting Courses: Introduction to Higher Education and Student Affairs, History of Higher Education, College Student Development, Multicultural Issues in Higher Education
Artifacts: Autoethnography, Social Justice Project, History of Higher EducationReflection Paper, Silent Struggles: Understanding Mental Health Stigma in Higher Education Paper & Presentation, Diversity Dictionary
Narrative: Throughout this program, I have developed and strengthened my ability to connect theory and research with professional practice meaningfully. This learning objective has been especially evident in the ways I have approached complex challenges and opportunities within my professional role. In Multicultural Issues, we learned to apply theoretical frameworks like Astin's Theory of Student Involvement, Scholsserg's Transition Theory, and critical race theory to real-world scenarios. By grounding my daily work in these student development theories, I can approach administrative decisions and student support initiatives more holistically, considering both systemic factors and individual student needs.
NASPA/ACPA Competency Met: Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (AER), Student Learning and Development (SLD), Personal and Ethical Foundations (PPF)
Supporting Courses: Research Methods. History of Higher Education, College Student Development, Administrative Issues in Higher Education, and Program Planning and Evaluation
Artifacts: Responsibility Centered Budget Models Research Brief, Residential Life Assessment and Evaluation Presentation, Central Texas College Profile Presentation
Narrative: Reflecting on the journey I have undertaken and the myriad challenges I have faced to complete my undergraduate degree successfully, and now pursue my master's degree, offers profound insight into what truly matters to me. Delving into Student Development theory has deepened my understanding of my experience in higher education, illuminating my personal aspirations and professional ambitions. This exploration has not only enriched my academic path but also shaped my identity and purpose as I continue to grow and learn.
NASPA/ACPA Competency Met: Personal and Ethical Foundations (PPF), Student Learning and Development (SLD)
Supporting Courses: Research Methods, Introduction to Higher Education and Student Affairs, Community College, Internship I in Educational Administration, and Administrative Issues in Higher Education
Artifacts: Autoethnography, Educational Autobiography, Community College Reflection Paper, Program Assessment and Evaluation
Narrative: My experience working in both K-12 and postsecondary settings has reinforced the critical importance of fostering aligned educational pathways. Primary and secondary education directly influence access and success in postsecondary education. Through this program, I have a deeper understanding of how disjointed systems can inadvertently marginalize underserved populations. In contrast, P-20 frameworks promote smoother transitions, especially for first-generation college students and students from historically excluded communities.
NASPA/ACPA Competency Met: Advising and Supporting (A/S), Student Learning and Development (SLD), Social Justice and Inclusion (SJI)
Supporting Courses: History of Higher Education, Partnerships for College Readiness, Multicultural Issues
Artifacts: Incarcerated College Students Handout, Transformative Partnerships Presentation, Transformative Partnerships Paper
Narrative: Throughout my years in higher education, I have had the privilege of enhancing my administrative and leadership skills in both formal and informal settings. I participated in programs such as the Women's Professional Advancement and Synergy Academy, as well as Leadership UTSA. These experiences allowed me to deepen my understanding of higher education while refining my leadership abilities. My growth in these areas continued with my Master's program in Higher Education Administration, where courses like Administrative Issues, Research Methods, Program Assessment and Evaluation, Higher Education Law, and Internship I and II provided me with diverse perspectives on higher education. They equipped me with the knowledge and skills to effectively research topics of interest and implement new programs and processes.
NASPA/ACPA Competency Met: Personal and Ethical Foundations, Assessment, Evaluation and Research, Law, Policy, and Governance, Leadership, Organization and Human Resource
Supporting Courses: Research Methods, Internship I in Educational Administration, Administrative Issues in Higher Education, Internship II in Education Administration
Artifacts: Research Brief - Budget Models, Career Roadmap, Reverse Interview Challenge, Klesse Connection Program Assessment and Evaluation
Narrative: The insights gained from my internship experiences have proven to be invaluable. Balancing the demands of my academic studies, a full-time job, and my internship was no small feat, but the effort was worth it. Each challenge offered me a unique opportunity to broaden my understanding and sharpen essential skills. I delved into the intricacies of data analysis, honed my ability to deliver impactful presentations, and developed engaging marketing materials. Additionally, I learned the art of preparing for and effectively communicating with media outlets, enriching my professional toolkit in ways that will serve me well in the future.
NASPA/ACPA Competency Met: Leadership, Law, Policy, and Governance, Organizational and Human Resource, Technology, Assessment, Evaluation and Research
Supporting Courses: Internship 1 in Educational Administration, Internship II in Educational Administration
Artifacts: Archer Fellowship Infographic, SACUBO Presentation Proposal
Narrative: This program has helped me cultivate a sense of belonging and has significantly boosted my confidence in engaging with various professionals in higher education. Additionally, Cohort 6 has established a supportive network in which members share information, provide recommendations, and offer mentorship to one another. This encouragement has empowered me to complete the College Business Management Institute, a three-year program that equips higher education professionals with essential financial, operational, and leadership skills through specialized training.
Through my internship with Academic Affairs Resource Management, we are developing a comprehensive leadership development framework that outlines key initiatives and deliverables across weekly, monthly, and quarterly timelines. The knowledge I gained from Dr. Sansone in Program Assessment and Evaluation has been crucial in developing this tool, including setting key goals and measurable outcomes to evaluate its implementation effectively.
NASPA/ACPA Competency Met: Law, Policy and Governance (LPG), Personal and Ethical Foundations (PEF)
Supporting Courses: Program Planning and Evaluation in Higher Education, Internship I and II in Education Administration
Artifacts: SACUBO Fall Workshop Presentation Proposal, College Business Management Institute,