Why FSU?

I am a two-time graduate of Florida State University and work full-time in the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement. I love this institution and would be proud to earn a Ph.D. in Student Affairs from the FSU College of Education!

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I am passionate about improving awareness, policy, and support for college students with a history of foster care alumni and/or homelessness. When institutional structures adjust to provide appropriate and adequate support, the students thrive! Continuing my work in this area and developing the research skills to add to the literature motivates me.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Literature suggests that college students with a history of foster care or homelessness are far less likely than their peers to earn a college degree. However, those outcomes, in my estimation, are attributable to insufficient institutional awareness and support, not the students. I have seen firsthand that this student population, with broad institutional support, completes a degree at the same or higher rate than their non-foster care/housed peers at Florida State. I want institutions around the country to build similar programming and serve this frequently invisible student population.

Career aspirations

In addition to serving as a faculty member, I aspire to continue working with students that experienced foster care or homelessness in a higher education setting.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Take time to consider which program best fits your life and interests, then go for it! Remember, grad school is like a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient with yourself and be sure to take care of yourself along the way.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I was a key contributor to the development of a national toolkit that provides instruction to postsecondary institutions on building a campus support program for students experiencing homelessness. I presented at multiple state and national conferences on research and campus practice related to foster care alumni and students experiencing homelessness in higher education. I accepted an invitation to join a team of multidisciplinary practitioners and scholars to complete a research project on foster care alumni in postsecondary education. One of the scholars on this team is a nationally recognized scholar in my area of study and practice. I was appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families to serve on Florida’s Independent Living Services Advisory Council; the council is required by state statute to report annually to the Florida legislature on independent living issues impacting the well-being of foster youth leaving the child welfare system.