Why FSU?

I was born in Tallahassee, and my father is a two-time graduate of Florida State University. He graduated with his doctoral degree from the Higher Education Program in the FSU College of Education, and as soon as I started my master's degree, I knew my ultimate goal was to be the next Dr. Haggard from FSU. I have great respect and appreciation for this program, its community of faculty and students, and I wanted to be a part of it.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I have a passion for inclusion, student leadership and success, assessing LGBTQ+ inclusivity and success, student-based services, and continued education. I would like to be a vice president for Student Affairs so that I can make the biggest impact on all of my passion areas. The best way to accomplish that goal is to pursue a doctorate and expand on my knowledge and competencies to be able to impact students in a practitioner role.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My current research topic, which I will hopefully be starting to fully contribute all of my time toward once I complete my preliminary exam in May 2023, is to explore how Presidential Scholars at Florida State University make meaning of their leadership identity. The study would aim to understand how shared educational experiences through educational enrichment opportunities in the Presidential Scholars cohort contributes to and affects the development of leadership identity. The goal of the study will be to examine the contributors to leadership identity development and connect any common themes from the participants.

Career aspirations

As stated above, I would like to be a vice president for Student Affairs at a public research one institution. I love serving our students and have worked in higher education for eleven years in many different capacities. My most recent role in Student Affairs, working in the Student Conduct and Community Standards office, has been the most rewarding work thus far.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

My advice is to take time before applying. The best thing that I could have ever done was take three years after my undergraduate degree to get work experience and find a passion and direction I wanted to go career-wise. After my master's, I also took time off to gain more work experience and decide whether a doctoral degree was the next step to assist with career development. Taking your time to find your pathway and become ready is OK!

Accomplishments during graduate career

I published a book review on “Supporting Success for LGBTQ+ Students: Tools for Inclusive Campus Practice” with the Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention (2022). Moreover, I am a Hardee Center for Leadership and Ethics in Higher Education Fellow (2021 and 2022).