The long and illustrious history of Graduate Programs in Student Affairs at The University of Iowa means decades (literally) of distinguished graduates to honor and celebrate. We are proud of that history and of the professionals we have contributed to the world of postsecondary education and beyond.

Alumni Newsletters (PDF)
2008 Alumni Newsletter

Jump to a section:

2008 MA Graduates

Outstanding MA Award
Recent PhD Graduates
Albert Hood Award
Congratulations go to ...

Click here to read profiles of GPSA graduates and find out why they chose student affairs and Iowa.

2008 MA Class

2007 Graduation

Megan Lyons (2008)

We recognize Megan Lyon’s outstanding achievements in service, leadership, and academics. Of particular note is Megan’s eagerness for learning. She steps up to take on new tasks and meet new opportunities. She is solution-focused, but remains a caring shepherd for the learning process and a willing foot soldier to advance the agenda of a working group. Megan’s commitment to her profession is evident in her participation as presenter, member, and leader with the Office of Student Life, Iowa Student Personnel Association, and the National Association for Campus Activities. Megan’s optimism, kindness, sense of fun, and commitment to leave things better than she found them have all contributed significantly to her learning community.

Jerri Drummond (May 2007)
Doctoral thesis: A Study of Locus of Control Orientation, Racial Identity Attitudes, and Faculty-student Interactions of African-American Students
Previous degrees: BS, Frostburg State University, Political Science; MA, Southeast Missouri State University, Guidance and Counseling with Emphasis in Student Affairs
Work experience: Program Coordinator for Diversity, College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences at University of Maryland College Park (Present); Manager Afro-American Cultural Center - Office of Student Life at UI; Student Development Coordinator, Iowa Alliance for Graduate Educationa for the Professoriate (AGEP grant) at UI; Research Assistant Center for Evaluation and Assessment College of Education at UI; Assistant Director Intercultural Programs at Loras College
On-going research interests: Faculty-student interactions, African-American students experiences with good practices, retaining minority students in STEM fields, leadership development in minority students.
SAAR experience: My experience was shaped by the cohort model. The group of doctoral students who entered the program with me became my family. They offered support and challenge as situations required. The faculty created a collegial environment and encouraged us all to be active members of our learning community. I was able to continue my professional development by gaining diverse experiences outside the classroom.

Tricia Seifert (December 2006)

Doctoral thesis: Effects of College Major and Its Context on 21st Century Knowledge Economy Competencies

Previous degrees: B.A. Sociology and Political Science, Illinois Wesleyan University; M.A. College Student Services Administration, Oregon State University

Work experience: Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Center for Research on Undergraduate Education (CRUE) at the Univeristy of Iowa (Present); Research Assistant, College of Education at the University of Iowa (2003-2006); Graduate Assistant in the Office of Greek Life, Oregon State University (2001-2003); Assistant and Associate Director of Residential Life, College of Santa Fe (1999-2001).

On-going research interests: The impact of college experiences and
institutional contexts on student learning; The role of organizational
culture and processes in diversifying the academy.

SAAR experience: The faculty were incredibly supportive in encouraging
my wide-ranging research interests. I often felt like Charlie when he
first peered inside of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I was given a
great amount of freedom to explore different research interests and
methods. The other amazing part about the SAAR program is that I
wasn't alone in my wanderings. I had a phenomenal cohort of
colleagues who supported me on the days that I needed it and
challenged me on the days that I needed an extra push. I feel
fortunate to have been part of such a dynamic community.

Angela Kellogg (December 2006)

Doctoral thesis: Critical Incidents in the Racial Identity Development of Multiracial College Students

Angie and her family moved from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse where she had served as Student Activities coordinator. While at Iowa, Angie was awarded the prestigious Bush Leadership Fellowship and UI Graduate Merit Fellowship. She was involved in several major research projects, and conducted more than 20 presentations. Angie served as GSDA President, and was instrumental in helping ACPA set up the Standing Committee for Multicultural Affairs. She co-taught the Multiculturalism class and the Capstone Seminar while she was here, and was a valuable mentor and supervisor to MA students. Angie shared the honor of 2006 Hood Emerging Scholar with SAAR classmate Jerri Drummond. Her dissertation was recently named the ACPA Burns Crookston Doctoral Research Award. Deb Liddell chaired.

Karla Christine Carney-Hall (December 2004)

Doctoral thesis: Parent Involvement with and Expectations of their College Student and a Liberal Arts College

Previous degrees: B.S.-General Studies, Louisiana State University; M.S.-Higher Education Administration, Florida State University

Work experience: Vice President for Student Affairs, Hendrix College, Conway, AR (2008-present); Dean of Students, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA (2005-2008); Associate Dean of Students, Cornell College (2000-2005); Director of Orientation and Transition Programs, University of North Carolina at Wilmington (1995-2000); First Year Advisor/Hall Director, Miami University, Ohio (1993-1995).

On-going research interests: Parent involvement, first year student transition and retention, professional development for student affairs staff

SAAR experience: I couldn't have asked for a better group of student and faculty colleagues throughout this experience. The cohort experience, even as a part-time student, was probably one of the most rewarding parts of doctoral work. The faculty are amazingly supportive and willing to help you get the experiences you would like to have.

Becki S. Elkins Nesheim (December 2004)

Doctoral thesis: College Students and Safety Issues: Effects on
Learning Outcomes in the First Year of College

Previous degrees: B.S.-Journalism (Public Relations), The University of Kansas; M.S.-Professional Studies in Education (Higher Education), Iowa State University

Work experience: Director of Institutional Research, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA (2005-present); Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Research on Undergraduate Education (CRUE), The University of Iowa (Fall 2005); Research Assistant, College of Education, The University of Iowa (1999-2004); Coordinator of Gender Issues Education Services, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (1996-1999); Area Coordinator, Texas A&M University (1995-1996); Hall Director, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (1993-1995)

Graduate teaching and research experience: Co-taught the MA Student Services Administration course; TA'd for such courses as Qualitative Research Methods, Multiculturalism in the Helping Professions, the College Transition, and Human Relations for the Classroom Teacher. Involved with several research projects including: Boyer Partnership Assessment Project (a FIPSE-funded national study examining the impact of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs partnership programs); a study of the experiences of new student affairs professionals; an evaluation of the impact of the College Transition course on the experiences of first-year students at The University of Iowa; and, an NSF/Pew Charitable Trusts-funded study to determine the effects of a new Chemistry program on student learning.
On-going research interests: Effects of violence on student
learning, the experiences of graduate students, the experiences of new
student affairs professionals, college student learning, and the racial
identity development of white students.

SAAR experience: I could not have asked for a better doctoral experience than the one I received. The SAAR program offered a multitude of opportunities: to be involved in national, grant-funded research projects; to pursue my own research interests; and to explore a variety of teaching experiences. The unique blend of exceptional faculty and doctoral student colleagues provided a rich and rewarding educational experience filled with challenges, possibilities, and some good laughs along the way.

2008: Mike Dannells (Ph.D. 1978)

Dr. Dannells has served as a professor in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. His recent publications and presentations have focused on judicial affairs, legal issues, as well as faculty governance and professional development.

Dr. Dannells has held many leadership positions in both ACPA and NASPA, most recently sitting on the editorial board of the Journal of College Student Development. He is a long-term member of the Commission for Professional Preparation. Just recently, Dr. Dannells accepted a position at Eastern Oregon University, where his wife will serve as Vice President for Student Affairs.

Mike Dannells & Al Hood