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The Master in Education, Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel (HIED) Program at Kent State University prepares practitioners for the profession. With a strong emphasis on the application of theory to practice, HIED students gain a working knowledge of student development theories, an understanding of various leadership styles and the development of one’s own leadership, multicultural competence, and an understanding of business and the law in regards to college students. The HIED program also provides opportunities for future administrators to gain experience working in the field requiring two practica and placing several students into graduate assistantships while also supporting the professional development of current full-time college administrators and student affairs staff. I chose to pursue a master’s degree in this program in order to gain a theoretical framework for understanding the profession while also developing a skill set that would prepare me for a leadership position within the field of higher education. I had also anticipated that through my interaction with other graduate students and experienced instructors, I would enhance my understanding of various issues affecting college students gaining multiple perspectives to approach these problems while also developing informed decision-making skills necessary to be an effective administrator. Not only has this program reached my personal learning objectives, the HIED program at Kent State University has also taught me the following major lessons: Overall, my experience in the HIED program at Kent State University can be summarized by one word: practical. Throughout every course, from leadership to assessment to business, we analyzed the academic scholarship of each topic yet also focused on the practical applications of the major concepts. While some graduate programs in higher education at other institutions focus on the advancement of academic research, in-depth analysis of specific college student development theories, or counseling approaches, the HIED program at Kent State University has offered me a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses research, theory, and experience in the field. Emphasizing the knowledge and skills required of a higher education professional, I chose to supplement the core HIED courses with two counseling courses in order to further develop my skills and abilities to provide personal guidance and emotional support to students. I view my professional role in higher education as an educator, counselor, and administrator. The HIED program at Kent State University has equipped me with the knowledge, confidence, and experience to fulfill this multifunctional role.
 * 1) Know your institution – its vision, mission, and goals; its leadership and administration; its students; its environment and its culture. Each institution is unique and it conveys meaning that is socially constructed by the members of that school’s community. What works at one institution for their students may not be transferrable to another institution. Focusing on the institution’s purpose and understanding its culture will be the foundation for making effective decisions. [Coursework: Interpersonal and Group Dynamics, Student Affairs Functions, Multiculturalism and Diversity, Students and the College Environment, International Students and American Colleges, Assessment and Evaluation, Practicum, Law, Case Studies and Business.]
 * 2) Know yourself. Establish concrete career goals and map out the steps to achieve them. Choose the type and size of institution that you want to work at that matches your personal strengths and interests. Develop an effective leadership style. Cultivate professional mentor relationships. Take care of your mental and personal health in order to prevent burn-out. Always seek to improve and learn from others. Understand your own identity development and challenge your perceptions of diverse populations. [Coursework: Career Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Leadership, Multiculturalism and Diversity, and Practicum]
 * 3) Know how and when to apply theory. Theory and research provide excellent background information and various scholarly perspectives that enhance our general understanding of college students and may serve as the foundation of higher education administrators’ response to the needs of students. However, theories are not solutions or explanations to a problem. No single theory or research study will be applicable to all populations in all situations. Therefore, an effective administrator will utilize theory and research to provide context to a situation while approaching a problem with the particular institution and students in mind. [Coursework: College Student Development, International Students and American Colleges, Research, Leadership, College Students and the Environment, and Case Studies]