Admissions Office Graduate Assistants
Candace12@live.missouristate.edu
Graduate program: Audiology
About Candace: I graduated from Seneca High School (near Joplin) in 2008. In May 2012 I completed my bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with an emphasis in Audiology from Missouri State. Currently I am pursuing my doctoral degree in Audiology and serving as a graduate assistant in the Office of Admissions. My responsibilities include interacting with high school students, assisting in office projects, and working with high school counselors.
What were you involved with at Missouri State: During my undergraduate career, I was involved in Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, University Ambassadors, Honors College, and Student Orientation, Advisement, and Registration (SOAR).
Best advice for future students: Coming to college can be overwhelming at first. Try not to let your nerves get the best of you though: remember that all of the other students are going through the same experiences. Even though they might be hiding it, they’re nervous too. So relax and realize that you’re not alone in the adventure.
Nyquist11@live.missouristate.edu
Graduate program: Student Affairs in Higher Education
About Sarah: My hometown of Zion, IL is just an hour north of Chicago, which is where I started my undergraduate education. I attended Loyola University Chicago for a year, then spent a year at the College of Lake County, until I stayed put long enough to graduate with highest honors from Illinois State University with a degree in Sociology. I work in the Office of Admissions alongside Dixie Williams, our lovely Transfer Coordinator. As a two-time transfer student, it is very exciting to work with students going through the same situations I did, and I hope I can help make the transition to MSU as stress-free and easy as possible!
Why Missouri State: Honestly, I’m a huge nerd and fell in love with the Meyer Library as soon as I stepped inside of it. After that, I started looking more seriously at the SAHE program. I was accepted and offered a position at a school much closer to my house, but I chose to come to Missouri State because it was my home. Even though I’m from 9 hours away, I felt like I was in my own neighborhood when I walked around campus.
Favorite thing about MSU: MSU has such an amazing bookstore. I went to schools where Barnes & Noble ran the bookstore and gave nothing back to the students. Our bookstore is somewhere I can find things I need and get excellent service, knowing they will give profits back to the students. It was also the place I asked those embarrassing “new guy” questions when I first got to campus.
Best advice for future students: To incoming students, freshman or transfer, I would say to hit the ground running. Get involved in a club, pledge a sorority/fraternity, explore the Springfield area, and open yourself up to every opportunity available, especially if you’re far from home. Every school has internships and programs they are proud of, but you chose MSU for a reason, so why not make it the best experience possible? For returning students, I would say to look into internships, assistantships, volunteer positions, or job shadowing opportunities to bulk up your resume. Those experiences are going to get you farther in a job interview than anything else. Plus, they are usually a great way to meet new people and have a good time.
Hollander280@live.missouristate.edu
Graduate program: Public Administration
About Emily: I graduated from Camdenton High School in 2008, and I finished my Bachelor's of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Health Communication in May of 2012. I am currently pursuing a Master's of Public Administration. I love being involved with the community and being an engaged citizen. My responsibilities as an Graduate Assistant in the Office of Admissions include working with the Campus Visit Desk, helping with special visit day coordination, and interacting with prospective students.
What were you involved with at Missouri State: I was involved with the Department of Residence Life (Hall Council, Residence Hall Association, National Residence Hall Honorary, Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls, and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls), the Honors College, Student Government Association, Dance Bear-a-thon, Relay for Life, University Ambassadors, and Alternative Breaks.
Advice for future students: Don't be afraid to try something new. You will have countless opportunities to meet new people and try out different hobbies. You will definitely have chances to learn about new passions that you didn't even know you had. If a student organization sounds interesting, I suggest you attend a meeting. If you like it, great! You might have found a new circle of friends. If you don't like it, then you can try out something different. The possibilities are nearly endless.