Current Students
2nd Year Cohort----------------------------------------------------
Ah Ra Cho
Hometown: Orange, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University
Apprenticeship: Global Community Living Learning Center
What have you loved about your experience in the Baylor HESA program?
I have loved the opportunity to be more than "just a graduate student.” I have had the opportunity to do research with one of my professors, get experience in teaching as a Teaching Assistant through practicums with my professors, and be involved with the Division of Student Life on a work team. Also, I am in the process of working on a master's thesis which has been such an enjoyable experience. This has helped to create a truly unique experience in my program based on my own personal interests.
Favorite Quote: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jared Dauenhauer
Hometown: Pearland, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University
Apprenticeship: New Student Programs
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
I chose Baylor because I wanted the opportunity to continuing growing in a Christian environment as well as have the opportunity to seek a deeper understanding of the university experience.
Favorite Quote: “Lord I don’t know which way I am going, which way the river gonna flow. It just seems that upstream I keep rowing. Still got such a long way to go.” –Coldplay U.F.O.
Grant Deyong
Hometown: Shawnee, Oklahoma
Undergraduate Institution: Oklahoma Baptist University
Full-time Staff Member: Coordinator for Housing Information Systems (non-cohort model)
What is your favorite thing about the Baylor HESA program?
One of the best parts about the program are my fellow students. I enjoy learning from and interacting with them in and out of the classroom.
Favorite Verse: "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" - Proverbs 20:24
Jennifer Groves
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University
Apprenticeship: Fine Arts Living & Learning Center
Amanda Horton
Hometown: Monroe, North Carolina - but a Wacoan since 2003
Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina State University
Full-time Staff Member: Assistant to the University Chaplain (non-cohort model)
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
I chose the Baylor HESA program for the opportunity to explore issues of higher education through an unabashed lens of faith.
Favorite Quotes: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the thing that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain
"Make it work!" - Tim Gunn
Paige Jackson
Hometown: Locust Grove, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution: University of Georgia
Apprenticeship: Multicultural Affairs
What do you love about being at Baylor?
I love my apprenticeship! The staff in my department and the students that I have worked with are truly a blessing to me!
Favorite Verse: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Nancy-Page Lowenfield
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Vanderbilt University
Apprenticeship: Spiritual Life
What do you love about the program?
I like that people bring food to class a lot.
Favorite Verse: "O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption." - Psalm 130:7
Ashley Peeples
Hometown: Collierville, Tennessee
Undergraduate Institution: University of Tennessee
Apprenticeship: Greek Life - Panhellenic
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
Baylor appealed to me for many reasons. I wanted to attend grad school at an institution that could offer a different experience from that of my undergraduate university. I also really appreciate the HESA program's integration of faith and learning, the guaranteed two-year apprenticeship, and the small cohort model.
Favorite Quote: "You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss
Beth Roller
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University
Apprenticeship: Student Activities - Student Productions
What do you love about Baylor?
I love the traditions at Baylor, it's fun to be a part of something that’s happened for decades.
Favorite Verse: "My soul waits silently for God, for my expectation is in Him." - Psalm 62:1
Jenny Shearer
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
Undergraduate Institution: Asbury University
Apprenticeship: Residence Hall Director for Fairmont & Gables Apartments
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
I chose the Baylor Higher Ed program because of the unique opportunity to have a guaranteed apprenticeship. This allows me to apply what I learn in class to the type of job setting that I hope to have after graduation.
Favorite Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:11-13
Leah Smith
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Undergraduate Institution: Southeastern University
Apprenticeship: Residence Hall Director in Texana
What do you love about working with students?
I love interacting with students in the difficult places and situations in their lives, and I love watching them grow and shine through those situations.
Favorite Verse: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:16-19
Erin Stamile
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Undergraduate Institution: Geneva College (Beaver Falls, PA)
Apprenticeship: Student Success, School of Engineering and Computer Science; Executive Vice President and Provost
What is your favorite thing about the Baylor HESA program?
My favorite thing about the HESA program is the ability to connect with faculty. Faculty members take the time to get to know you outside of the classroom, and work to connect your strengths with new opportunities. They provide you with many ways to learn and apply knowledge in a variety of venues.
Favorite Verse: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” - 1 Peter 4:10
Tanner Vickers
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University SIC 'EM!
Apprenticeship: Student Activities - Campus Programs
Why you chose the Baylor HESA program?
Intentionality - Those involved with the program (supervisors, professors, the program director, etc.) are very intentional about how they develop students throughout the program. Accessibility - With a smaller "feel" nobody gets lost along the way - nobody is a number. Professors, supervisors, etc. are always open to meeting and supporting the students. Experience - The opportunity to work while attending class is priceless. What we learn in class is sharpened by what we learn in our apprenticeships. Finally, the program is comprehensively rigorous. From assignments to the apprenticeships, Baylor's HESA program is challenging. The challenge develops the skills, knowledge, and wisdom necessary to be efficacious educators, who can inspire positive change within American higher education.
Favorite Quotes: "Nothing substitutes consistent hard work." - Anonymous
“I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” - Psalm 77:12
Laura Whitmire
Hometown: Orangefield, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Lamar University
Apprenticeship: Greek Life
Why did you choose to come to Baylor?
I choose to come to Baylor because once stepping foot on campus, I immediately felt like a part of the Baylor family. I love that the HESA program utilizes a small cohort system that builds in an automatic sense of support.
Favorite Quote: “You live but once; you might as well be amusing.” ― Coco Chanel
1st Year Cohort ------------------------------------------------------
RaeLynn Fuson
Hometown: San Diego, California
Undergraduate Institution: Azusa pacific University
Apprenticeship: Campus Visits & Enrollment
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?Overall, Baylor offers a community of support, love, and affirmation. Because the HESA program is set up in the cohort model, the people in our program (at least my year) have become like a family. The same goes for my office. Everyone genuinely cares for one another and work and fun have almost become synonymous.
Favorite Quote: "He would rather go through Hell to have you with Him than go to Heaven without you." - Max Lucado
Michael Hannon
Hometown: Georgetown, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University
Apprenticeship: Academic Mentor
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
I chose the HESA program to learn about and practice a form of counseling in a higher education setting.
Favorite Quote: "The only way to be happy is to love. Unless you love, your life will flash by.” – from The Tree of Life
Brandon Hoye
Hometown: Novato, California
Undergraduate Institution: Azusa Pacific University
Apprenticeship: Spiritual Life
Cody Miller
Hometown: Red Lion, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Institution: Messiah College
Apprenticeship: Campus Living & Learning – Hall Director
What I love about Baylor: the bear trail and the angel statue
What I love about HESA: thoughtful class discussions and a great cohort
Favorite Quote: “Let your discontent break mountain-high against the walls of prejudice, and swamp it to the very foundation.” - John Hope
Emily Moore
Hometown: Helena, Montana
Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University
Apprenticeship: GEAR UP Waco – Think College Mentor
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
1) I love Baylor
2) I appreciate the balance we have between practice and scholarship
3) We get help paying with it!
What do you love about the program?
I love the opportunity to make deep connections with my colleagues, particularly in my cohort; these are people I will know forever and be able to consult down the road, even though we'll all be at different institutions. I appreciate all their stories and knowledge, which I wouldn't know about as much if I didn't have every class and a good many activities with them.
Favorite Quotes: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He Who promised is Faithful." - Hebrews 10:23
"So far as I know, we did not set sail to look for things useful but to seek honour and adventure." – from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Sam Riley
Hometown: Derby, Kansas
Undergraduate Institution: Texas Christian University
Apprenticeship: New Student Programs
Scott Risinger
Hometown: Bethany, Oklahoma
Undergraduate Institution: Oklahoma Baptist University
Apprenticeship:Wellness
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
I researched several programs, and the first distinguishing factor of Baylor's HESA program for me is the combination of knowledge and skill. We're taking classes, of course, but we're getting real work experience in our apprenticeships, as well. The second big factor for me is the financial aid available for all HESA students - it's true, tuition is waived! And besides, free is my favorite number.
Favorite Poem: "The Soul's Agents" by Stephen Dunn
Kaitlyn Rothaus
Hometown: Bethany, Oklahoma
Undergraduate Institution: Oklahoma Baptist University
Apprenticeship: Graduate Student Life
What do you love about the Baylor HESA program?
My favorite part of the HESA program thus far has been getting to know and hear from people in my cohort whether inside or outside the classroom -- what a fantastic group of people they are!
Favorite Quote: "Those who never retract their opinions love themselves more than they love truth." - Joseph Joubert
Monica Sandstrom
Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon
Undergraduate Institution: Pacific University; Forest Grove, OR
Apprenticeship: Student Organizations
What do you love about your apprenticeship?
I love working in Student Activities because there is always something going on and it's very high energy! I have so many opportunities each day to work with students, from helping them navigate the charter process to supervising an all-university organization fair. Everyday I'm able to put theory into practice as I leave the classroom and enter my office!
Favorite Verse: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." – Matthew 6:33
Scott Shepherd
Hometown: Marion, Indiana
Undergraduate Institution: Indiana Wesleyan University
Apprenticeship: Retention and Assessment
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
I liked the balanced curriculum and the generous tuition scholarship. I also needed a break from cold, snowy weather.
Favorite Quote: “Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did.” - C.S. Lewis
Adam Visconti
Hometown: Coppell, Texas
Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University
Apprenticeship: Office of the Vice President for Student Life
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
I chose Baylor because, to me, Baylor is synonymous with opportunity. Each student is blessed to learn inside and outside the classroom with practical application in a graduate apprenticeship. There are even more opportunities to participate in practicum opportunities in each division of Student Life. Baylor also has a beautiful campus, and students get the opportunity to learn as a part of a close cohort of fellow future student affairs professionals. It's pretty great. Sic 'em!
Favorite Quote: "Everyone can be great because anyone can serve." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Micah Wheeler
Hometown: Villa Nueva, Guatemala
Undergraduate Institution: Asbury University
Apprenticeship: Academic Initiatives and Marketing
Why did you choose the Baylor HESA program?
The cohort model sounded like it would be great when I was first looking at the program--and it has been all of that and more!
Favorite Quote: "The past is never dead. It's not even past.” - William Faulkner
Christa Winkler
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin
Apprenticeship: Counseling Center
What do you love about the HESA program?
What I love about the Baylor HESA program is that it is a well-rounded program with a focus on student development that I didn't find in many other programs. I also love the great relationships you form with your cohort.
Favorite Quote: “Your dream is not big enough if it doesn’t scare you.” - Matthias Schmelz
Second-Year Cohort
