Today's episode is with Dr. Sharra Hynes, newly minted VP for Student Life at Baylor University, and we had a wonderful conversation that ranged from discussion student conduct to the differences (and similarities) to be found working in the many kinds of university contexts there are. As Dr. Hynes steps into the studio with us, you'll be encouraged by her wisdom and encouragement for the good work of student you do on your own campus.

CHAPTERS

0:49 - in which Kara takes her comprehensive exams

3:30 - meet Dr. Sharra Hynes!

5:28 - our “not so fast speed round”

14:03 - Sharra’s higher ed journey

21:46 - a key “yes” for Sharra that has led to today

31:23 - a unique philosophy on student conduct

37:17 - lessons learned across all types of universities

42:04 - a word for the women

sharra_hynes@baylor.edu

Many professionals in our field are somewhere on the continuum of considering doctoral work to completing doctoral work. We recorded this episode for you all. It features advice from professionals who work all over the country. At the end of the day, this is your journey and you get to choose what it looks like. But if you're asking, "How do I know if it's time?" or "How do I start?" or "How do I stay motivated?" you might find something in this episode that speaks to you.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Topic introduction

1:55 How to know if it's time to start

7:37 How to choose a program

15:39 How to apply

18:16 How to adjust to this new level

23:28 How to do the coursework

32:28 How to think about the dissertation

39:45 How to write the dissertation

46:11 How to defend the dissertation

51:10 How to live after graduation

NOTES

The Dissertation Warrior by Guy White

The Dissertation Journey by Carol Roberts

Statistics for People Who Think They Hate Statistics by Neil Salkind

Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer

As always, contact us at scholarship@acsd.org

This month we are joined by Delight Darenya, a MAHE graduate student at Taylor University, who shares about her experience as a student while serving as a Graduate Assistant in both the Taylor University Student Development department and honors college. We also hear from Delight a bit about the role of mentors in her journey, studying and leading in a different cultural context, and how a GA role is helping shape her vision for the future.

00:31 - SuperBowl reflections

03:00 - developing a Student Life internship program

06:00 - introducing Delight Darenya

09:10 - speed round with Delight

11:04 - considering higher ed as a career

17:50 - Mark finally shows up

19:19 - the challenges of leading in a different culture

23:11 - last call for workshop proposals!

24:13 - advice for those who lead GAs

27:29 - advice for the GAs

32:20 - how a GA role prepared Delight for the future

34:35 - what being a Student Life Intern taught Delight

38:48 - the GA role is ending; so what’s next?

40:45 - encouragement for those considering the work of student life