Director's Perspective

Grant P. Sherwood, Ph.D.

Director

Student Affairs in Higher Education

Graduate Program

It was almost 35 years ago, the summer of 1964 to be specific, when the Dean of Men at the College of Wooster called to ask me if I would consider a Head Resident position at the College. "What's a Head Resident?" I exclaimed. The response was not that clear or reassuring, however this exchange put me on a career path called student affairs.

Our students of today tell similar tales. Rarely does one attend undergraduate school with the goal of becoming a student affairs professional. Experience, mentors, and fate all influence the decision to pursue a Master's degree in our field of many namesstudent affairs, college student personnel, student development, or higher education administration.

Today, applicants for our SAHE Program seem to reflect similar experiences. Many academic majors are represented, however students speak to their unique individual experiences as a dominant reason for applying. Some have been admissions guides, some program for diversity, some are community volunteers, some resident assistants, while others are leaders in clubs or campus organizations. In some way, most have been paraprofessionals in a position to help others and contribute to the campus culture during their undergraduate years.

As Master's candidates in our Program, students bring an excitement to continue this type of work, a passion for helping others, and a curiosity about higher education and new technology. The challenge for our faculty is to take this energy and help them develop the skills and understanding that allow for progressive work in our discipline. Our faculty members are committed to this role as evidenced by our work underway to review/revise this core curriculum. As we enter the new millennium, our Program is relevant and is responsive to change and our faculty is dedicated to this effort.