Graduate School Movers & Shakers

Shelley-BryantShelly Bryant

Current Student
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

 

 

 

 

 

What made you decide that High Point University’s Norcross Graduate School was right for you?
I completed my Educational Administration Add-On Licensure through High Point University. The support and mentoring I received during this program was immeasurable. I knew, given the opportunity, I would want to pursue my Ed.D through HPU’s Norcross Graduate School.

Have you noticed any changes in your professional life directly resulting from your Norcross Graduate School courses?
The graduate school has pushed me to reflect on my own practices and to develop a professional growth plan. Additionally, it has provided me the opportunity to network with other professionals in various regions.

Have you presented at any conferences or had papers published?
I have presented at the 2011 NCTIES Conference on the Effective Use of SMART Recording for Digital Tutoring as well as at the 2010 NCTIES Conference on Re-Discover Reading: Utilizing Web 2.0 Tools to Engage 21st Century Learners in Reading Across the Curriculum. I also presented at the 2013 NC Association of School Administrators Conference in Raleigh on March 20th and 21st. This presentation is titled “Banded Through 21st Century Leadership. I am also scheduled to present A 1:1 Homerun: The Addition of Haiku Sent Our 1:1 Program Out of the Park!” at the 2013 NCTIES Conference.

Chris SiffordChristopher Sifford

Current Student
M.A. in Nonprofit Management

 

 

 

 

 

What made you decide to enter a Graduate program?
I decided to enter the M.A. in Nonprofit Management program at High Point University due to passion for working with people. The nonprofit sector offers tremendous opportunities to work towards issues that are vital to the success of our nation. I am excited and ambitious about my career in this sector because nonprofits can meet the needs of people when others sectors are not able to do so.

What made you decide that High Point University’s Norcross Graduate School was right for you?
I knew that HPU was right place for me after my first year of school. I knew that serving people was going to my career goal. Social work was not the answer. Law School was not the answer. The M.A. program in Nonprofit Management was the answer for me.

Have you noticed any changes in your professional life directly resulting from your Norcross Graduate School courses?
There have been changes in my professional life from the beginning and now at the end of my graduate coursework. Starting out, I began my nonprofit career at as an entry level TASC Care Manager at Partnership for a Drug Free NC. During my four year tenure there, I gained a lot of nonprofit experience working with this organization. Recently, I have been hired as the Director of Volunteers at the Volunteer Center of Greensboro. My coursework has prepared and propelled me to this exciting opportunity and I hope to continue making this great education an asset in my future

Brielle-SpencerBrielle Spencer

Current Student
MAT- Secondary Math

 

 

 

 

 

What made you decide that High Point University’s Norcross Graduate School was right for you?
I knew High Point’s Norcross Graduate School was right for me based on my undergraduate experience at HPU. I received undergraduate degrees in both Mathematics and Physics, and had the opportunity to take many Education classes. I had a great experience at HPU– I loved the small classes, the caring professors, and overall atmosphere. When I found out that I could have the opportunity to continue my studies at HPU and continue to work with some of the same great professors I had before, I knew that HPU was where I wanted to be.

Have you noticed any changes in your professional life directly resulting from your Norcross Graduate School courses?
I am learning many techniques that I will carry over into the classroom both in student teaching and in the future.

Is there a particular portion of your coursework that you have enjoyed more than another or that challenged you more than another?
I enjoy all of my classes, but I have had some math classes that I have thoroughly enjoyed and that have been very challenging. Topology challenged me each and everyday, but I enjoyed working hard. My professor made this class more enjoyable and was always willing to help.

 

Heather-LohrEdDHeather Lohr

Current Student
Ed.D. Student

 

 

 

 

 

What made you decide that High Point University’s Norcross Graduate School was right for you?

High Point is known for having smaller class sizes and professors who can dedicate time to helping you network and pursue professional areas of interest.  This was extremely appealing to me!

Have you noticed any changes in your professional life directly resulting from your Norcross Graduate School courses?

The School of Education has been working with me to find areas where I could collaborate with professors to learn more about higher education.  The chance to network with professors who have real-life experience is a wonderful opportunity that I don’t think I would get at a large university.

Is there a particular portion of your coursework that you have enjoyed more than another or that challenged you more than another?

I have enjoyed the two courses I have taken in the doctorate program so far.  I have had a chance to shadow the superintendent of my school district, engage in HPU’s ropes course, and meet people from other areas of North Carolina.

 

 

Steffi-CookSteffi Cook

Current Graduate Student
M.A. in Strategic Communication

 

 

 

 

 

What made you decide to enter a Graduate program?
I decided to enter a graduate program because I wanted to continue my education in addition to being more attractive to potential employers. I think that having a master’s degree will set me apart from individuals in my field that just have a bachelors’ degree.

What made you decide that High Point University’s Norcross Graduate School was right for you?
High Point University’s Strategic Communication program had everything I was looking for: small class sizes, excellent professors, and the technology available to help me get the hands on experience I needed.

Is there a particular portion of your coursework that you have enjoyed more than another or that challenged you more than another?
I really like the hands-on classes I have had. I helped create a safe-driving campaign for the University and got to help make posters, a brochure, radio commercials, and videos for the campaign. I am also in a video production class right now where we are working with non-profit clients to help promote different organizations. These are projects I will use for my portfolio to take on job interviews and help make me more marketable.