Alumni Ambassadors

What you can do with a Higher Education and Student Affairs degree 

Do you love college? Make it your career! Our Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs  degree is preparing the next generation of professionals in higher education.

Meet some of our alumni to find out how our program helped them succeed!

Want to learn more?

We're happy to connect you with our alumni, so you can learn more about their experiences in our program and in the field of student affairs! 

Email your request and contact information to hesa@binghamton.edu.


Emily Whitaker
Emily Whitaker

Emily Whitaker, MS SAA 2022

Academic Advisor, Binghamton University

"I love meeting with so many different students, learning about all the majors offered and helping students pick which fits their interests best! After I interned in academic advising during my undergraduate years, I knew this was the career for me. My advice is to join SAGA, do more than one internship and pick electives you like! But don't burn yourself out."


Julia Rumsey
Julia Rumsey

Julia Rumsey, MS SAA 2022

Assistant Director of Graduate Programs, Providence College

"Think about how the course materials and your assignments are applicable to your Graduate Assistantship, internship, and future career. No one in the workplace will make the connections between theory to practice for you, so its an important skill to have if you want to utilize skills from the program. My advice for students interested in pursuing this degree to meet with faculty, staff, and current students to talk about the program. Everyone in SAA is super supportive and wants to see students succeed!"


Bernard Fleming
Bernard Fleming

Bernard Fleming, MS SAA 2022

Program Specialist, Binghamton University

"I went into this program because I wanted to make a difference in college students' lives, like those had done for me. My advice for those considering the SAA program is to make sure it's your passion and something you know you want to do. Trust the process and make the most of your time in the program."


Madalyn Petherick
Madalyn Petherick

Madalyn Petherick, MS SAA 2022

International Services Coordinator, SUNY Brockport

"I had a really great experience in undergrad and had amazing mentors who helped me discover who I am. I wanted to be that person for other students. SAA brings so many opportunities to create positive change in the lives of students. It is such a rewarding field to be a part of."


Caitlin Wuest
Caitlin Wuest

Caitlin Wuest, MS SAA 2022

Admissions Counselor, Binghamton University

"I love working with college students and this degree gave me the opportunity. I would suggest talking to people in the student affairs field to learn about all of the different functional areas you could go into. There are some amazing professionals in the field, so don't be afraid to ask them questions. I would recommend that students go to events hosted by the program, have a graduate assistantship and do a few internships, because you never know when any of the skills you learned from these will become helpful in the future."


Jessica Appleby
Jessica Appleby

Jessica Appleby, MS SAA 2020

First-Year Experience Coordinator, Paul Smith’s College

"My goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of others, specifically college students, and I get to do that everyday! In just a year in my role, I got to revamp and assess existing processes in academic programs like First-Year Seminar (which I get to teach and oversee the common curriculum for) as well as Orientation, Welcome Week, and our academic success programming for new students! Working at a small private college was never on my radar in graduate school, but I’ve really loved the impact I’ve been able to make in my role!"


Kayla Krause
Kayla Krause

Kayla Krause, MS SAA 2020

Academic Advisor, Binghamton University

"I absolutely loved being in college and thought that could be a nice middle ground of working with students, but not being a teacher or professor. Know that there are so many different offices you have the opportunity to work in, which means a multitude of ways to work with students and help them on their academic journeys! Don’t be afraid to apply to graduate assistantships and internships outside what you were originally interested in, because you might discover another good fit for a future career and gain some great transferable skills that could help you down the road."


Victoria Lococo
Victoria Lococo

Victoria Lococo, MS SAA 2020

Admissions Counselor, SUNY Purchase College

"I love being able to interact with new students on a daily basis and help them figure out what they want to do with their future. Being able to assist them in applying to college and continuing their dreams of earning their degree makes it all worth while. Having an SAA degree helps with being more knowledgeable and being able to bring that to my team and all students I interact with. The best way to get experience is to make long-lasting connections. Some partnerships can help you land jobs, so grow your connections and learn from others."


Zachary Lomas
Zachary Lomas

Zachary Lomas, MS SAA 2019

Program Coordinator for Office of Student Involvement, Rutgers University - Camden

"I pursued an SAA degree because I knew I wanted to be involved in higher education. I was so touched by the student affairs professionals in my life as a student, that I wanted to ensure future students could have those same experiences. What I love best about my job is seeing students learn, grow and bring their events to life, all while developing confidence and skills they can apply to their careers. My advice is to think about the various functional areas in student affairs and consider yourself open to exploring them."


Reginald Gardner
Reginald Gardner

Reginald Gardner, MS SAA 2015

President of Associated Graduate Students/Adjunct Lecturer, University of California  Irvine and University of Southern California

"Do it if you love it! There's plenty of room to grow and find out what aspects of college life you're most interested in. What I enjoy most about my job is working with students and making research content accessible. My advice for students entering the SAA program is to read everything at least once, even if you think you can go without. You'll be better with it!"


Gregory Diller
Gregory Diller

Gregory Diller, MS SAA 2010

Coordinator of Transition Programs, SUNY Cortland

"I love that I get to work as both an academic advisor and with our orientation program, combining what I love to do in higher education. I get to work with wonderful student leaders and connect with students who need help with their transition to college. My advice to students considering this program is to diversify your experiences. Don't get involved only in one area that you feel comfortable in. The more areas you work in, the more experiences you get, the more you'll learn about how all parts of a college work."