“My decision to pursue the SAA MA Program at Michigan State was made much easier due to the amount of acceptance and belonging I felt while going through the admissions process and attending Spartan Preview Days (SPD). During SPD, I saw first-hand how the program’s cohort model provides a support network and community of like-minded individuals who lift each other up and support one another’s accomplishments. This community has made such an impact on my experience as I progress in my education and pursue all of the opportunities the program offers.”

Since graduating from the SAA MA Program in 2023, Jonathan has continued his career in residence life and education. Jonathan earned the 2023 Louis C. Stamatakos Award for Outstanding Second-Year Student, which is awarded to one student per year by the SAA MA Program and recognizes a second-year student who demonstrates exceptional promise through scholarship and professional commitment.

“The SAA MA program prepared me for my career by providing me with multiple opportunities to craft my graduate experience and take ownership of my success. During my time in the program, I was challenged, motivated, and felt an ample amount of guidance and support from the faculty. This balanced approach contributed to my overall sense of belonging and growth as an individual and new professional in the field. Above all, the program taught me the importance of being intentional, knowing my worth and values, and putting theory to practice. As I continue to advance in my career, my pride as an SAA MA Alum and Spartan will forever serve as a reminder of the invaluable lessons learned in the program.”

Since graduating from the SAA MA Program in 2022, Elizabeth has gone on to a student affairs career leading orientation programming and parent and family engagement. She continues to give back to the SAA MA Program as an alum through participation in alum panels for current and prospective students, and also is helping to plan the 75th-anniversary celebration of the SAA MA Program. Elizabeth earned the 2022 Louis C. Stamatakos Award for Outstanding Second-Year Student, which is awarded to one student per year by the SAA MA Program and recognizes a second-year student who demonstrates exceptional promise through scholarship and professional commitment.

“The SAA MA program prepared me for my career by providing me the opportunity to connect with world-renowned faculty, have multiple practical learning experiences both in and out of the classroom, and receive the support and guidance I needed to learn and thrive. The program also provided a wonderful contextual framework, theoretical foundation, and space for reflection that prepared me to be thoughtful, intentional, and effective in my career. My experiences prepared me to take on all that comes in my career because I was taught, supported, and empowered to do and implement what I was learning in my classes.”

Dr. Henning graduated from the College and University Administration program, the former title of the now Student Affairs Administration MA Program, in 1993. Since then, Dr. Henning has gone on to have an incredible career as a student affairs administrator and higher education scholar, including serving as the past president of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and as the past president of ACPA–College Student Educators International. Dr. Henning has made important contributions to the field of student affairs and higher education and has been recognized through the receipt of NASPA’s George D. Kuh Outstanding Contribution to Literature and/or Research Award and ACPA’s Annuit Coeptis award and Diamond Honoree awards. In 2022, the SAA MA Program awarded Dr. Henning the Cynthia K. Helman Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring his contributions to the field.

“Like many people, I had never intended on going into student affairs as a career. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t even know such a career even existed. But, with the encouragement of mentors at MSU during my undergraduate years, I applied and was accepted into the College and University Administration (the name of the program at the time) master’s program and found an academic path program to further my goal of helping students realize their personal and professional potential, as others had helped me. I would not be the person or professional I am today if it weren’t for MSU faculty and staff. I’m a proud Spartan (with ankle tattoo to prove it!) and am honored to be a member of the Spartan community.”