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 (2007-2009); 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.