The SAA MA Program has two cohorts of graduate students (commonly referred to as the first-year cohort and the second-year cohort). At any given time, there are 30–40 SAA MA students enrolled in the program between both cohorts. Each incoming class brings together an experientially diverse group of 15–20 students. Students take seven core courses together, hold graduate assistantships in a range of functional areas, and can participate in the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA), a student-led organization that hosts a number of professional and social activities throughout the academic year for SAA MA students.
Our students come to the SAA MA Program from all over the United States and the world. They bring diverse perspectives, have experience in different functional areas of student affairs and higher education, range in career aspirations, and take part in various professional, academic, and social organizations related to their identities and interests. The SAA MA Program is honored to be a part of the educational journeys of these future student affairs professionals.
Meet Our Students!
Click on the profile names below to learn why our students chose the SAA MA Program.
First-Year Cohort
Enock Agyei
(he/him)
“I chose MSU’s SAA MA Program based on the conglomerate of experiences of current students. The faculty remained responsive to my needs and made sure I had everything needed to succeed in grad school. This convinced me that I would receive strong support in a community committed to student success.”
Anapaola Almaguer-Morales
(she/her)
“I choose the SAA MA Program at MSU because of the faculty’s unwavering devotion to supporting their students in succeeding. From the moment I spoke with SAA faculty and students, I felt an incredibly warm and welcoming community.”
Justin Babbitt
(he/him)
“I chose the SAA Program because I strongly believe in the work that MSU has been doing to support students in and out of the classroom. I wanted to be a part of a program that challenged me and gave me the tools to support as many students as possible as they navigate the university system in the United States.”
Samantha Bautista
(she/her/ella)
“This program aligns with my goal of becoming a Student Affairs paraprofessional. I will develop the knowledge to create an inclusive, multicultural educational environment. As a first-generation Latina student, I value the cohort size for fostering community. I’m eager to build connections and enhance students’ sense of belonging and development.”
Abbey Eggleton
(she/her)
“I chose Michigan State to continue my education because of the SAA program’s commitment to growth and inclusion. I was met with consistent care and engagement through the application process, which made me feel I belonged. The curriculum, cohort model, and opportunities for professional development promote student success.”
Regina Morales
(she/her/ella)
“I chose Michigan State University’s SAA MA Program because I truly felt like the supportive community would allow me to succeed in my academics and beyond.”
Luke Nelson
“With SAA program being one of the top student affairs programs in the country, I knew it would prepare me for both short-term and long-term career goals.”
Abigail Osei
(she/her)
“During my visit to MSU through the Reeves Scholars Program I had the opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty members who possess extensive experience. The experience filled me with confidence that my academic and professional development will be greatly enhanced at MSU. I am proud to be a Spartan.”
Oksana Ostashchenko
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA Program at MSU to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to improve student mental health support systems. My passion stems from personal and observed struggles in higher education, and I aim to implement effective, compassionate solutions in universities around the world, inspired by American best practices.”
Lauren Sargent
(she/her)
“The SAA MA program and the mission of MSU spoke to me more than other schools I was interested in. When I attended virtual SAA events, I felt an even stronger connection to the faculty, my cohort, and the campus. I just knew it was the right fit for me.”
Juanita Silva
(she/her)
“I wanted to challenge myself to come to a larger institution to grow as a student and professional as well as learn from the talented professors and faculty in the SAA Program.”
Rileigh Thompson
(she/her)
“Michigan State is such a welcoming environment and the program is well renowned. The SAA program offers a variety of opportunities to build my professional scope of experience.”
Tina Wang
“MSU’s SAA MA program provides me with valuable opportunities to study higher education and student affairs with top professionals while connecting with a diverse cohort and learning from their experiences and expertise.”
Second-Year Cohort
Maria Jose Arauz Santamaria
(she/her)
“During the SPD weekend, I was impressed by the passion and commitment toward serving students and the campus community. This inspired me to choose the SAA Program at MSU, where I hope to work alongside like-minded colleagues and mentors who share my drive to improve Higher Education.”
J.C Elliott
(she/they)
“I chose the SAA MA program at MSU due to how much I fell in love with the program when I visited during Spartan Preview Days. I immediately felt like I was at home here and everyone in the program has made me feel welcome.”
Isabella Figueroa
(she/her)
“The SAA MA Program makes it clear how much they care about and support students in the program. I am excited to meet and work with my cohort and professional staff!”
Emily Gerber
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA Program at MSU because of the environment created during visit weekend by the 1st- and 2nd-year cohorts and the way the faculty took the time to get to know all of the prospective students during visit weekend.”
Ri Korchmit
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA Program because the coordinators provided an amazing opportunity to connect to the program and future cohort while being the world apart.”
Yexin Li
(she/her)
“I liked the curriculum layout and the amount of hands-on experience I could get throughout the program. When I came for Spartan Preview Days, all the staff members were so welcoming, caring, and friendly.”
Jakaira Lynn
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA program at MSU because I was a part of undergrad at MSU and I worked under a lot of great professionals such as Dr. Joy Hannibal, who made MSU more of a home for me, so I felt it would be the best place to further my education.”
Laurel McGerty
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA program at MSU because it immediately felt like home. From the moment I expressed interest in the program, SAA students and faculty were reaching out to me and offering support and answers to questions I had. I’m so happy to have found a community here!”
Taylor Meechan
(she/her)
T”From the moment I stepped on campus I knew that I belonged at Michigan State. I felt welcome when I came to Preview Days and made strong connections with students and faculty. I was also drawn to the challenging and progressive academic experiences, as well as the important practical work exposure the program offers.”
Emiley Mills
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA program at MSU because I wanted to be challenged academically and exercise classroom concepts in a real-world experience. I felt that MSU’s program would best allow me to integrate my undergrad background of sociology. The variety of assistantships, campus, and curriculum drew me to MSU!”
Heidi Pineda
(she/her/ella)
“I chose the SAA MA program because, in interactions with program faculty and students, I felt welcomed and was easily able to envision myself as a part of the SAA family. As a first-generation student, having a supportive community to learn from and with was something important to me in a program, and I found that here!”
Matt Prominski
(he/him)
“I love being involved with the university and working with students, so this seemed like the perfect fit for me!”
Serenity Pulido
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA program at MSU because they provide a fun and safe environment to explore different opportunities for experiential learning.”
Kennedy Robinson
(she/her)
“MSU has a commitment to DEI that is present throughout the institution. That was of high importance to me when looking for a program!”
Andrew Sharp
(he/him)
“I chose the SAA program because it immediately made me feel at home when I first came to campus and everyone else in the program made it feel so welcoming and inviting!”
Kylee Shimono
(she/her)
“I chose the SAA MA program at MSU because I wanted a program that allowed me to gain practical experience in the field while learning more about how to best support students in a university setting.”
Kamola Sunnatullaeva
(she/her)
“I am excited about advocating for education and self-development, combating injustices, and promoting diverse and equitable student opportunities.”
Andrew Sweeder
(they/them)
“I chose the SAA MA program at MSU because student success is near to my heart and I have the opportunity to not only learn about how to help students succeed in a great environment but actively work towards that both in and out of class.”
Chloe Weigel
(she/her)
“I developed a passion for student affairs during my undergraduate career and I knew I wanted to pursue my Master’s in Higher Education. The SAA program at MSU is amazing, and throughout the application process it became clear that this is where I was meant to go for grad school.”
Justin Weller
(he/him)
“MSU felt like home when I toured for Spring Preview Day. The rigorous academic environment and hands-on experience in student affairs work was what sold me. Go Green!”
Hannah Wright
(she/her)
“I wanted a graduate program that would allow me to gain direct experience in the field while further grounding my practices in theory and literature. “
Julia Zemmol
(she/her)
“I am excited for the diverse opportunities available within the program and on campus to gain experience working in higher education. I was drawn to the sense of community that exists among the 1st- and 2nd-year students and am eager to learn alongside our faculty and my cohort.”