Alumna Spotlight
When and why did you decide to study public policy leadership?
When I was a junior in high school and began visiting college campuses, Ole Miss was at the top of my list because of the Public Policy Leadership major. Being from Texas, I had not found another program that had a focus and integration of leadership and policy. While there are 3 other schools that offer a public policy program, Trent Lott Leadership Institute and the Public Policy Leadership major stood out to me for their dedication to student growth both inside and outside the classroom.
I distinctly remember receiving the email I had finally been accepted into PPL. I was out with my mom shopping for prom dresses and starting screaming with excitement. Public Policy Leadership was the main reason I chose to attend Ole Miss. Public Policy Leadership was a holistic, comprehensive integration of challenging academic rigor and leadership development through involvement on campus.
I distinctly remember receiving the email I had finally been accepted into PPL. I was out with my mom shopping for prom dresses and starting screaming with excitement. Public Policy Leadership was the main reason I chose to attend Ole Miss. Public Policy Leadership was a holistic, comprehensive integration of challenging academic rigor and leadership development through involvement on campus.
Please discuss highlights of your undergraduate experience.
One of the biggest highlights of my undergrad career was being able to serve on the Associated Student Body Judicial Council as a part of the Judicial Branch. It allowed me to serve my fellow students and make an impact through my service and leadership in this organization. As a Council we strived to use Restorative Justice practices and make the process educational and not punitive in nature. It was an incredible experience to support Ole Miss’s educational mission and creed. I learned to resolve conflict by practicing conflict resolution. Most importantly we tried to restore the community while providing opportunities for my fellow peers develop and learn.
Other highlights included other organizations, such as Student Alumni Council, Kappa Delta Sorority, Freshman Council, Chancellor’s Leadership Class, and a few others. One of my proudest accomplishments and highlight was being named Who’s Who of the University in recognition for academic excellence, leadership and service.
Other highlights included other organizations, such as Student Alumni Council, Kappa Delta Sorority, Freshman Council, Chancellor’s Leadership Class, and a few others. One of my proudest accomplishments and highlight was being named Who’s Who of the University in recognition for academic excellence, leadership and service.
Please talk about your path since graduation and career goals at this point.
After graduating in December 2017, I started my Masters in College Student Development at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. My career path is in higher education as a student affairs professional. Student affairs is the practitioner-based side in higher education. Think of it as being focused on administrative and leadership, not so much the teaching or academic side. My career started as the Welfare Coordinator for the Dean of Students Office at St. Edward’s University.
My short-term career goal in the next 3-5 years include presenting at a national conference such as (HECMA, ASCA, NASPA), gaining a mentor to help me grow as a young professional, obtaining a Grant Writing Certification, and applying to start in an EdD program (Education Doctorate Degree).
My long-term career path goals; to serve as a Dean, Provost, or Vice President in Student Affairs and serve as adjunct faculty to teach masters level students in Education Policy, Legal & Ethical Issues or some related topic in the future.
My short-term career goal in the next 3-5 years include presenting at a national conference such as (HECMA, ASCA, NASPA), gaining a mentor to help me grow as a young professional, obtaining a Grant Writing Certification, and applying to start in an EdD program (Education Doctorate Degree).
My long-term career path goals; to serve as a Dean, Provost, or Vice President in Student Affairs and serve as adjunct faculty to teach masters level students in Education Policy, Legal & Ethical Issues or some related topic in the future.