What is your favorite campus setting and why?

Hands down my favorite campus setting is walking under the canopy of trees on McKeldin Mall.  Regardless of the seasons, that memory is emblazoned in my mind and will be for years to come! 

Why is the University of Maryland special to you?

UMD occupies a special place for my family.  Eventually, both my wife and I will be able to say that we are alumni!  It is also special to us because we watched our daughters grow up (or be born) during our tenure here.  Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of UMD has been the people that have surrounded me in my experience as a student -- faculty, administrators, mentors, and peers. 

What has your scholarship meant to you or enabled you to do?

The various scholarships I have received through the College of Education at the University of Maryland have had (and continue to have) a significant impact on my student experience.  I came to UMD in 2006 as a full-time doctoral student, leaving my full-time career behind.  My partner and wife also came back to UMD at the same time and we have three children.  The scholarships and research grants have enabled me to focus on my progress to degree and greatly minimized stress and distraction for financial reasons.  

Why did you choose to attend the University of Maryland?

I chose to attend the University of Maryland because of the quality of the faculty and the curriculum in the Counseling & Personnel Services (CAPS) department in the College of Education.  My degree program (College Student Personnel Administration) boasts excellent faculty, educational practitioners, and researchers.  The learning environment is teeming with growth.  Within the CAPS department, I knew that I would be able to pursue academic and personal growth.  I have been able to grow as a scholar and practitioner.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

My career plans and aspirations include continuing my career as a student affairs educator in higher education administrator.  After four years of full-time schooling, I have returned to the work world as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of Delaware.  I continue to work on my dissertation as a full-time doctoral candidate as well and plan to graduate within the next year.  After I have completed my degree I hope to continue growing as a student affairs educator and eventually serve in a senior position within student or academic affairs on a university campus.