Sociology/Anthropology Major – Sociology
What co-curricular or extracurricular activities were you involved in?
During my time at Truman, I was active in several activities including Bacchus & Gamma, Blue Key International Honor Society (President 2006), Detours Magazine, Lambda Pi Eta National Communications Honorary, National Residence Hall Honorary (President 2005), Psi Chi National Psychology Honorary, Residence Life staff member, and Residence Hall Association. I was also honored to be on the 2005 Homecoming Court and inducted in the Omicron Delta Kappa Student Hall of Fame in 2006.
What are you doing now?
I am currently Manager of Admissions and Enrollment Services at the Meramec campus of St. Louis Community College. I am responsible for campus-level oversight of College enrollment processes related to admissions, registration and management of student records according to federal, regional, state and institutional policy. Serving as the lead admissions officer, and official steward of student academic records at the campus level, I am responsible for the day-to-day management of an effective Admissions and Enrollment Services unit on the campus by providing exceptional student-centered support and service. I work in close collaboration with colleagues in Advising, Financial Aid, Assessment, Academic Affairs, Orientation and Student Transitions, and Campus Life among others to ensure services provided to students go smoothly.
I also serve on the Truman State University Alumni Association Board of Directors and am heading into my 16th year at the Muny, the oldest and largest outdoor theatre in the nation
How did you get to this place in your life/ career?
Truman was influential in helping me gain confidence in myself and my skills so I could pursue opportunities that may not always be given to a young professional. I have taken several leaps toward positions at institutions that I never “thought” would be of interest to me which have given me a more diverse range of experience. This has helped me advance in my career with a wide network of colleagues who support me. At this point, I have worked in five functional areas at three different institutions: a public highly-selective institution in a rural environment serving a predominantly white and upperclass population, a large research institution in a rural environment with predominantly lower socioeconomic and largely minority/underrepresented student population, and a large community college system in an urban setting.
In addition, I credit volunteering for leadership roles within professional organizations such as NODA: The Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education, the Truman State Alumni Association, and presenting at regional and national conferences with helping me give back to communities that have supported me along the way.
Have you been to graduate school? If so, where did you go? Did you go right after graduating from Truman?
After I graduated from Truman State University, I went immediately to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where I earned a Master of Science in Education focused on College Student Development and Administration. I was a graduate assistant working in Coate Hall where I helped oversee first-year experience efforts as well as the adviser to the Growth and Development student committee where I chaperoned two international trips (Italy & Greece and England, France, Switzerland, & Italy), the UWL NRHH Chapter, and President of the Student Affairs Administration student organization. I also had a graduate student internship through the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) at the University of Notre Dame.
I am currently working towards my Doctorate in Education.
Do you have any advice for Truman students who are interested in going to graduate school?
Explore a graduate program that will help you gain experience in the field to enhance the foundational education you receive inside the classroom. With this combination, you will be able to demonstrate how you can connect knowledge with skills and experience when applying for future positions. Also, be aware of your learning style and be confident in what you need in an environment so you can find a graduate program that offers you the best option for you to be successful.
How has the education you’ve received from Truman helped you?
Truman was home for a significant part of my life and I value my experiences because of the community of friends and educators who helped me find myself while in Kirksville, MO. The professors invested in me by helping me learn the course content but focused on how I could apply it to future jobs, life, or capacities that were not restrictive. For me, this was helpful as my career path did not have a linear trajectory – I was gaining skills and experience that could be applied in many different ways. While this could have caused anxiety and uncertainty, my Truman community and support systems demonstrated how this was opening doors for countless opportunities. This lesson has stayed with me and is applied as I work with my own students as they explore educational pathways that may change or evolve as they understand more about their identities.
Is/are there any particular class(es) that you’re glad you took? Did you like it/them at the time?
I think Social Problems was really interesting and helped open my eyes to broader social problems that I had not personally experienced. It has been impactful as I’ve worked at a variety of institutions to support students in different ways rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. I don’t explicitly remember the details of the course, but I know I was pushed hard in the class to elevate my critical thinking and dive deeper into the issues of the global society.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Truman?
I have so many great memories from my time at Truman. One recent memory, although not during my undergraduate time, that resonates with me is being selected as the 2018 Bulldog Forever Volunteer of the Year. I have been part of the St. Louis Chapter of the Truman State University Alumni Association since returning to St. Louis in 2015. When selected for this honor, I was able to return to campus for Homecoming to receive the award, ride in the parade, and connect with fellow Bulldogs through the years. The best part, however, was spending time talking to current Blue Key members about their experiences and where they are planning to go in the next couple of years. These individuals are inspiring, and I was truly humbled to be connected with them while we drove in the parade, attended the football game, and see them volunteer time to escort alumni to various parts of campus throughout the weekend.
Why is Truman a good school at which to study?
As more institutions are focusing on career and technical programs or quick degrees; Truman has a uniqueness to highlight in its Liberal Arts education and high retention and graduation rates. Kirksville is a community that supports students on their journey, allowing Truman to be a destination for education. In my opinion, Truman shines when it owns its identity and shares its story for future students to hear since there are fewer graduating high school students across the country.
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to go into the same line of work as you?
In my opinion, I have been fortunate to advance because I have taken positions outside of one functional area that has broadened my skill set, allowed me to partner with academic, institutional, and student affairs employees, and keep students at the center of the work I do. I would encourage someone seeking this career to be open to exploring options at a variety of institutions, a variety of roles, and a variety of unknowns as the terrain of higher education is changing rapidly.
What do you miss most about campus life/ living in Kirksville?
Fortunately for me, I get to enjoy being on a college campus every day. Although, at times I miss living in a small college town that has unique shops, restaurants, and small businesses.
If you could teach current students one thing, what would it be?
I believe it is helpful to be adaptable and strategic to the needs of the organization and the main constituents. It is not uncommon to experience change, so being able to navigate a change-oriented environment with a positive attitude and understanding of the “why” allows you to be able to approach work from a more balanced place.
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