Katherine L. Sermersheim '89

Hometown:  Huntingburg, Indiana

Major: BS, Psychology and Sociology (double major)

Current position: 
Director, Student Development
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

What experiences and/or who at USI inspired you to pursue a career in Student Affairs?
I gained a great deal from all my out-of-classroom experiences at USI!  I was involved in my sorority, Delta Zeta, was an orientation leader as an AMIGO, served as a resident assistant with campus apartments, and was very involved in the Activities Programming Board (APB).

Barry Schonberger, dean of Students, was an excellent mentor and role model and is to be credited for inspiring me to pursue a career in higher education administration.

I believe strongly that the University of Southern Indiana along with the numerous faculty and staff who served as mentors to me, have helped to create the foundation of the person I am today!

What did you do as an undergraduate to increase your student affairs experience before going to graduate school?
As an undergraduate student I tried to take advantage of all the services and opportunities offered to me.  This helped me to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of student affairs and was a catalyst to learning in other areas.

How did you go about researching the field and know where you wanted to go to graduate school?
Through my leadership positions with the Activities Programming Board, I was able to attend national conferences where other students and student affairs professionals were in attendance.  These conferences created the opportunity for me to meet with and ask other student affairs professionals about their experiences and learn how they got involved in the field.

Today, students interested in student affairs have the internet to use as a great tool to gain information regarding a career in student affairs. I'd suggest checking out both ACPA and NASPA Web sites; the national organizations committed to student affairs.

What education have you had since USI?
Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University.

Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education/Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University.

What is your ultimate goal for a career in student affairs?
It honestly depends on the day!  Some days I'd like to be a vice president for Student Affairs, while other days I think being on the "front lines" with the students is the only place for me!

What advice would you give a student interested in the field of student affairs?
Get involved!  Ask questions!  Attend conferences!  Find a mentor!  Research the profession!  And prepare for endless challenging and rewarding experiences, for a plethora await you within the field of student affairs!

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