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While pursuing an advanced degree, it is integral for students to remain involved in the community and current with new practices within their fields. One significant way to meet the mark on both accounts is through participation in national professional organizations.

At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) students Darien Wilson, Michelle Black and Lindsy Perry are investing in themselves and their field through service opportunities.

“Our goal is to develop scholar-practitioners in the CSPA program—so for our students to gain meaningful experiences with professional organizations throughout their time in the program is amazing,” said CSPA Co-Program Director Candace Hall, EdD. “I am proud of the initiative our students take to explore opportunities that suit their interests and budding expertise.”

Wilson and Black are serving as student ambassadors for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). As ambassadors, they serve as a liaison between ACPA and SIUE to update educators on conferences, job openings, and upcoming ACPA events. Additionally, ambassadors are responsible for hosting monthly events on campus and connecting fellow students with professional development and networking opportunities.

“These experiences allow me to form connections with other entity groups and professionals nationally,” said Wilson. “This position has also allowed me to serve in a wide variety of leadership roles that serve as stepping stones for future roles within ACPA.”

In the future, Wilson aspires to serve as a director of students and inclusion, and hold a leadership position within ACPA.

“These experiences add value to my education in several ways,” added Black. “Through ACPA, I am able to expand my professional network and develop my professional identity. ACPA emphasizes social justice through these offerings as well, aligning with my personal and professional values.”

Upon graduation, Black hopes to blend her background in social work with student affairs and pursue her doctoral degree. “I am passionate about helping students overcome barriers to success,” she said. “Students have lives outside of attending classes, and any challenges they might be facing, such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, poverty or abuse, do not end simply because they are a student.”

Perry is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ (NASPA) Graduate Associate Program (GAP). As a graduate associate, she provides leadership and outreach to SIUE by delivering information about upcoming NASPA programs, events and resources to fellow graduate students and college personnel colleagues.

“This experience allows me to connect with graduate and student affairs professionals around the world,” Perry said. “This will be helpful to obtain a job and references upon graduation. Also, this experience provides tools to excel as a future student affairs professional.”

After graduation, Perry hopes to serve as a diversity and inclusion coordinator or fraternity and sorority life coordinator. She aspires to later pursue her doctoral degree and eventually become a vice president of student affairs.

Photo: (L-R) SIUE College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) students Darien Wilson, Michelle Black and Lindsy Perry.