Although the MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) program enrolls new students each quarter, the majority of full-time students begin each summer and fall quarter. With fall quarter 2016 underway, we wanted to profile the newest class of MSHE students.
Collectively, MSHE students comprise an outstanding new class with 20+ undergraduate majors, top academic and department honors, alongside leadership and service awards. Our new students are also marathon runners, cross-country cyclists, swimmers, ballroom dancers, bassoonists, photographers, stage performers, lacrosse players, and martial artists to name a few.
They also bring a variety of experiences to the program, both within and outside of higher education. Some have professional backgrounds in residence life, admissions, career services, orientation and first-year experience offices, multicultural student affairs, disability services, academic program administration, and more. Others held positions as a reference librarian, an Eagle Scout, a community organizer, a legal assistant, marketing account executive, professor, policy expert, barista, window installation expert, writing coach, civic reflection facilitator, fiscal resource manager, a StrengthsQuest advisor, event planners, and one student spent a semester living at sea.
These students have also given themselves in service in a variety of endeavors such as selection committees and advisory boards to a Dean of Students, a Provost, and an Illinois governor. They have also volunteered in countless organizations, from the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Chicago Park District, Lollapalooza, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Imerman Angels, and YoungLife. They have served as ministry and worship leaders, fraternity and sorority professionals, and health educators. They have spearheaded a mental health week and nutrition fest, and they have founded and contributed to organizations advancing gender equality, championing diversity and social justice, and facilitating campus inclusion.
Moreover, together our new students can fluently speak over 10 languages and have studied, worked or traveled to over 25+ countries. We are so proud of these talented MSHE students and are excited to see their continued growth over this next year.