Nana Adu

Track: Higher Education Administration

Current Employment: Graduate Assistant for Residential Leadership and Sustainability Initiatives, University Housing

Bio: As the student treasurer for my residence hall during my undergraduate study, I actively participated in various committees and boards advocating for students’ interest. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for the crucial role student affairs plays in shaping the overall student experience. After college, I served as a teaching assistant, supporting students through diverse challenges, from academic difficulties to mental health concerns. My commitment to student affairs extended beyond academics; I immersed myself in various campus roles, including facilitating orientation programs, assisting with exam proctoring, and engaging in community service. These experiences solidified my decision to pursue a career in student affairs and a graduate degree in this field.

USC's Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) program stood out to me for several reasons. As an international student, I received exceptional, personalized assistance from the faculty during the application process. The program coordinator provided intentional support, making my admission and graduate assistant application process smooth. Moreover, USC's HESA program boasts a strong reputation, bolstered by its robust course structure and notable alumni network. These factors convinced me that USC is the ideal institution for my graduate education in student affairs!

Chrissy Hoof

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Track: Student Affairs Administration

Current Employment: Graduate Assistant for Gamecock Entertainment

Leadership Role(s): Student Personnel Association President

Bio: I attended Mississippi State University for four years studying Interior Design. In those years, I found my passion for creating the student experience and knew that pursuing a degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs would give me the best opportunity to give back a fraction of what was given to me. My love for student activities and working with student organizations allows me to be creative and also advise undergraduates who want to make an impact on their peers' experience. Choosing to leave the university that I like to say "built me" to learn this field was a difficult decision, but my first year in the HESA program was educationally challenging and professionally rewarding in exactly the way I wished it to be. 

As a second year in the program, I am looking forward to the opportunities HESA and my assistantship have given me to grow as a professional, like teaching University 101 and presenting at a national conference. More than that, I am excited to learn every day from exceptional professors and create memories with my cohort as we figure out how to be the type of practitioners students need! 

Gavrielle Jacobson

Hometown: Margate City, NJ

Track: Student Affairs Administration

Current Employment: Graduate Assistant for Academic Integrity, Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

Leadership Role(s): Director of Professional Development for the Student Personnel Association

Bio: The journey to my career in student affairs is one that found me! After years of being a student leader at Appalachian State University, I knew that I wanted to make an impact on a larger scale. When looking for a graduate program, HESA stood out as it was that perfect balance of experience and education. The guidance from professionals and support from peers is what makes this program so special.

I am incredibly thankful for HESA for not only the opportunity it has given me, but the network and community it provides. I could feel it from the first time I stepped onto campus that I was meant to be a Gamecock. My passions for student advocacy, undergraduate leadership, and the first-year experience have only grown, and I am so excited to see what comes next!

Chris Miles

Hometown: Wagener, SC

Track: Student Affairs Administration

Current Employment: Assistant Residence Life Coordinator for the Park Place Residence Hall

Leadership Role(s): Selected as the Graduate Coordinator of the Year (23' - 24') for University Housing, Participated in a summer internship with the Operations division of University Housing, Upcoming Advisor for the Blossom Street Residence Hall Association (RHA)

Bio: I am a second-year graduate student in the Higher Education Student Affairs program. I earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Education from the University of South Carolina. During my undergraduate experience, I served as a Resident Assistant and had the opportunity to serve as a valuable resource to several students, helping in their transition to the University of South Carolina. I truly found joy in the work that I was doing which led me to this program. I know that I want to continue my work with college students and my goal post-graduation is to continue working within Residence / Student Life, potentially stepping into a full-time Residence Life Coordinator role. 

Sean Smyth 

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Track: Student Affairs Administration

Leadership Role(s): NODA Regional Leadership Team Graduate Intern 

Bio: Hey y'all! My name is Sean Smyth and I am a second year in the HESA program at the University of South Carolina. I completed my underrated degree at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH with a bachelor's in Sports Management. During my first year in the HESA program, I enjoyed the hands-on experience that my assistantship gave me alongside living in the wonderful city of Columbia! When I am not studying you can find me either checking out all the great local restaurants Cola has to offer or enjoying a long walk on the riverwalk! USC is such a special place, and I can't wait to start my second year in the HESA program, Spurs up!!

 

Eric Grabski

Graduating Year: 2023

Current Position: Captain for Community Services, University of South Carolina Police Department

HESA was the answer for my desire and passion to better serve students and more deeply understand higher education administration. My experience in the program not only provided invaluable knowledge and skills, allowing me to grow in my current position, but also gave me the opportunity to become a more skilled critical thinker and grow personally. I was so positively impacted by the HESA program that I decided to continue my education and am currently a PhD student in the Education Administration program, at the University of South Carolina.

Sara Furr, Ph.D.

Graduating year: 2004

Current Position: Dean of Students, Diversity, & Inclusion, School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago

The HESA program gave me a strong foundation of putting theory to practice that has informed my entire professional career.  Additionally, I’m thankful for the personal and professional relationships I made that created a strong network in the field.  It is not uncommon to meet Carolina HESA alum at every institution I visit. 

Patricia A. Whitely, Ph.D.

Graduating year: 1982

Current Position: Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Miami

I received a terrific background at USC/HESA. The academic work and the assistantships built a solid foundation for my Student Affairs career.  I could not have asked for a better experience.

Caleb E. Morris

Graduating year: 2019

Current position: Exploratory Advisor and Instructor (UNIV 101 and UNIV 401) at the University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is committed to providing a holistic, engaging, and purposeful experience for students, both within and beyond the classroom. In addition to #1 ranked academic programs such as International Business and University 101, USC is a frontrunner in experiential learning, through innovative programs such as Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD) and My USC Experience. In HESA, I was able to get first-hand experience with many of these nationally recognized initiatives through internships and practica, which greatly enhanced my employability, and gave me many stories to share in interviews. USC is a fine institution, and HESA is a fantastic program, and I am so thankful to count myself among the expansive network of Gamecock alumni. Go Cocks!