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Student Affairs Administration

After beginning a new chapter in my life after graduation, it is time to learn new skills to better my professional development! I was enrolled in the Student Affairs Administration program at Arkansas Tech University. What I have understood is how my undergraduate degree in education relates so much to what is done in student affairs in higher education.

Philosophy Statement

I was drawn to the idea of this profession after being offered a position as the Coordinator of New Student and Family Programs at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. It wasn't the path I was going to at first, but I believe in a God who knows where I need to be in order to grow closer to him and better myself. Through accepting this position, I've grown and learned so much to better myself professionally and as an educator.

The idea of even going into this field stems from wanting to end in higher education long-term. I would like to be a professor at a university if that is my path and a great way to get there is by having experience in a university system. I worked as a student worker and held leadership roles that shaped my mind toward success. The professionals played the role of guiding me to find my success and helping me by shaping my thoughts along the way. It's very much what a teacher does in the classroom and how I would like to be! Taking on this role allows me to grow in that skill before practicing it in public education. Student affairs play a role in understanding the students. The staff that is working alongside them through events, day-to-day activities, and office tasks know what is going on in the student body more than anyone on campus. The university benefits from talking with this staff to know what students are doing and needing in order to be successful.

I see myself in the future helping students in whatever capacity that may be. It is important that we work for the people and students who are growing individuals that are the future of society. We must always be pouring into the younger generation with knowledge and care. We should desire their growth and hope they do not get stuck in the same problems as older generations. That is the growth of a culture.

Professional Competencies

Assessment, Evaluation, and Research - Intermediate

I am able to perform assessments on programs and policies to understand if they are meeting the goals set before them.

I can research new and old methods of understanding in my area.

I can grow by better evaluation of my work and compare to greater practices.

Organizational and Human Resources - Intermediate

I have an understanding that we must meet people's needs before we ask for further tasks.

I can keep myself and my workspace organized for the sake of efficiency.

I can apply a range of strategies available for motivating others.

I will grow in this area by best understanding the roles that each position plays within the larger system and why they exsist.

Leadership - Intermediate

I can maintain a position in leadership and make a team feel valued.

I have guided a group through tough situations and come out the other side with success.

I continue to find opportunities to lead as a chance to grow in skills.

Advising and Supporting - Intermediate

I can appropriately challenge and support students and colleagues

I can conscientiously use appropriate nonverbal communication

I can utilize virtual resources and technology to meet the advising and supporting needs of students.

I can grow in my understanding of best practices of advising and knowledge of supportive resources that students can use.

Personal and Ethical Foundations - Intermediate

I can explain how one’s professional practice aligns with both one’s personal code of ethics and ethical statements of professional student affairs associations.

I can explain the process for executing responsibilities dutifully and deliberatively.

I can grow by taking the time to grow myself in daily reflection practices to create self wellness.

Values, Philosophy, and History - Foundational

I can describe the foundational philosophies, disciplines, and values of the profession.

I can describe the roles of faculty, academic affairs, and student affairs educators in the institution.

I can work on contributing research to the profession and grow my historical knowledge of the field.