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DeKevious Wilson, SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO’S YOUTH GUIDANCE’S BECOMING A MAN (BAM)
"Those theories that I acquired at Arkansas Tech really help me personalize the trajectory
in which a particular student might go. Do we need to take a couple of steps back?
Do we need to look further into other possibilities? Or, if I don’t have the wherewithal,
I know other individuals who can help in a particular area. That knowledge has helped
me tremendously. I know for a fact it helped change the trajectory of the lives of
students I’ve worked with."
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Victor F. SalDivar, University of the Incarnate Word
"The HESA program prepared and developed me to attain the career path I desired after
graduation. The education I received through the HESA program put me in a position
to not only have a passion for what I do, but also to receive recognition at work
and conferences. Dr. Underwood and the rest of the HESA staff really supported me
from start to finish. Four years after graduation, the support and knowledge that
comes from the program staff is what keeps me in contact with them still today."
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Valerie Breashears, Arkansas Tech University
"Upon completing my HESA degree at Arkansas Tech I felt very confident and competitive
with other young professionals in the field. In my first professional position I was
able to work with several other recent graduates and noticed immediately how well
prepared I was to work with students. If you want a well rounded curriculum with hands
on practicum experience, then this is the program for you."
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David Hamilton, University of south florida
"I have a bit of a unique perspective of the HESA department as I completed both my
undergraduate and graduate degrees at Arkansas Tech University. While I have to credit
my undergraduate experience with teaching me who I am in the world, I believe that
my time in the HESA program taught me how to make an impact on the world. I wouldn't
be who I am without that knowledge. It was great to watch the growth that has occurred
over the last few years. The atmosphere of the courses was great. I really do appreciate
the time and energy put in by the faculty and staff to guarantee that anyone who wants
to be, will be, successful in the program. Also, the quality of students allowed us
all to grow together, personally and professionally, and helped us to push each other
to that next level that makes HESA graduates a hot commodity in the collegiate environment."
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Shanna turney, arkansas Tech university
"When I began the HESA program, I was scared to death of what the future might hold
for me. I had just received my bachelors degree from Tech and truly loved the undergraduate
program I was leaving. I had so many friends there, the faculty and staff could not
have been more supportive and I wondered if I would find this connection in my new
program. I had always been encouraged to follow my heart, wherever it may lead me;
so while I was letting it lead, I was a bit skeptical about what working with a new
program meant. On my first day, all of my fears were wiped away as I started the HESA
program because not only do the faculty and staff in the HESA department teach how
important it is to connect with students; they lead by example. I am very grateful
for the hands-on experience I received while obtaining my degree and feel as though
I am truly prepared for whatever job I may hold in the future. Without this experience,
I would have never found my true calling in the career world and I would never have
had the courage to accept my first job in Student Affairs! Thank you to all the faculty
and staff who made my dream possible!"
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Joseph gilgour, mineral area college
"I am currently president of Mineral Area College in Park Hills, MO. I can honestly
say I would not be where I am today without Arkansas Tech University. I lived in
a rural area with no access to graduate studies and the online program through ATU
was perfect for my schedule. Graduate course work through ATU helped me understand
my calling in life and my passion for student success and higher education."
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Brennae benda wright, university of texas at dallas
"I have been at UT Dallas for 6.5 years currently and started in an entry level events
coordinator position with our university events team. Through some reorganization
at the university, I was able to gain experience in fundraising and alumni relations
from which after a couple of years as an events coordinator, I made the switch to
an assistant director of the annual giving team. While a part of annual giving, my
knowledge of the inner workings of a university (gained from HESA) was vital in fostering
relationships across campus with several offices and in turn allowed my team to become
better fundraisers for our students and the campus. I have had the opportunity to
become the director of annual giving and most recently take on the director of alumni
and annual giving programming responsibilities and I attribute much of this growth
to my education and ability to both know the different offices and their value to
campus and the Dallas-Fort Worth community as well as first-hand understand the importance
higher education plays in our society. My education and experience as a graduate assistant
with campus life and athletics, while at Tech, I believe gave me an edge to not only
succeed in my field, but also lead a team to do the same."
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nichole edwards, arkansas tech university
"My experience in the HESA program was amazing! It was such a hands on program that
taught me so much and really prepared me to work closely with students in an advising
capacity. It gave me the opportunity to not only learn in the classroom but outside
of the classroom as well. My GA position was with the HESA department and I was able
to really learn and network with the faculty through not only contact in the classroom
but in the office as well. As a GA I taught sections of the Intro to College Success
course and worked with variety of student from various backgrounds which was such
a benefit when I started as an advisor for SSS. My practicums with Academic Advising
and the Dean of Students both gave me invaluable experience. With advising I got experience
with incoming students and parents and the official process of advising. My practicum
with the Dean of Students gave me insight into the inner workings of Student Affairs
(which was very different from my GA since it was more academic based). I was able
to see the hiring process from beginning to end on multiple hiring committees and
was allowed to be part of the interview process. I also saw the student conduct and
also programming from Student Affairs. The projects that were incorporated in to the
classroom, while I didn’t know it at the time, were very realistic and great preparation
for working in the field. This program played a major role in my success, through
the connections and network I built with other students in the program, the professors,
and student affairs staff across the campus. I am still in contact with many individuals
that I completed the program with, and can still rely on the faculty to reach out
and talk to anytime."
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danielle jolie, university of arkansas-fort smith
"I remember my 'senior freak out' moment in undergrad when I realized my planned next
step was not the right path for me. Luckily, I had campus mentors that recommended
I look into the HESA program. I remember scheduling a meeting with Dr. Underwood to
discuss what the program entailed. She started the conversation by asking me what
questions I had, to which I replied with 'EVERYTHING.' Within the first few minutes
of our conversation, I immediately knew the HESA program was the perfect path for
me. The HESA program challenged me to grow personally and professionally. I cannot
praise my experience and faculty enough as they lead by example as models of outstanding
HESA professionals. My experience with the program felt more like a gathering of family
and friends rather than a lecture in a classroom. The curriculum is relevant, applicable,
and beneficial regardless of division or department one's higher ed path leads them.
I can easily tell the difference between a professional who went through the HESA
program at ATU versus another institution. I will always recommend this program to
anyone interested in working in higher education.
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shirley shao, fudan university shanghai, china
"I miss those days and the courses I spent at Arkansas Tech University. After working
in higher education in Shanghai for 3 years, I want to thank the faculty and staff
members within the program for giving me opportunities and guidance. It has made a
profound impact on my career."
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