Aacha Gregg

Preferred Name: Aacha 
Pronouns: She/ Her/ Hers
Hometown: Washington, DC
Educational Background: Wittenberg University (B.S. in Sociology)
Assistantship: Urban Cohort 
Practicum: College of Education, Health, and Society
Fun Fact(s): I love tacos, nature, and traveling. 

WHY SAHE? I choose SAHE because I want to be able to make an inclusive community for Black students at PWI's. I wanted to have the identities that I hold, influence the work that I do to be able to share my story so that another queer Black student can see themselves and feel supported.

Alyssa Westberry

Preferred Name: Alyssa
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Educational Background: Western Carolina University 
Assistantship: The Rinella Learning Center (2nd Year) | The Graduate School (1st Year)
Practicum Experience: Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Fun Fact(s): I have 11 (maybe more by the time we meet) tattoos. 

WHY SAHE? The values of Miami's SAHE program exemplify everything I want to be as a student affairs practitioner. The focus of social justice and inclusion are values that I hold close to my heart and I believe this program will prepare me to be an incredible professional in the field of student affairs.

Cody Sallee

Preferred Name: Cody
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Educational Background: University of Idaho
Assistantship: Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Practicum: Athletics
Fun Fact(s): Each of my tattoos were done in a different state! (Except my last two which were from Indiana but I blame covid for that)

Why SAHE: I chose SAHE after having many great student interactions while working for my fraternity as a travelling consultant. I enjoyed helping develop students, celebrating their successes, and creating plans to help them achieve higher. I had the opportunity to meet a couple Miami SAHE alum while meeting with Fraternity/Sorority Advisors at various campuses. They told me great things about the program which piqued my interest.

Colleen Floyd

Preferred Name: Colleen
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 
Hometown: Burbank, CA
Educational Background: University of Wyoming
Assistantship: GA for the Sexuality Education Studies Center and 
Practicum: Miller Center for Student Disability Services
Fun Fact(s): I organized and hosted Wyoming’s full candidate Gubernatorial Debate in the 2018 midterm elections. I identify as queer and disabled and am commited to disability justice work. I am on a journey to meet and/or get all my favorite disability studies books signed by their authors!

WHY SAHE? When I was looking for a Student Affairs program, I wanted a program that was grounded in social justice and provided an abundance of opportunities. I found SAHE's website on whim and absolutely fell in love with the values and could not wait to meet and work with the outstanding faculty. Since I have joined, I have been able to pursue incredible opportunities and felt the endless support of the vast SAHE community.

Dawson Delph

Preferred Name: Dawson
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Tazewell, TN
Educational Background: Lincoln Memorial University  
Assistantship: GA in the Office of Residence Life and Practicum Student for the Office of Community Standards and The Rinella Learning Center 
Practicum: Office of Community Standards and The Rinella Learning Center 
Fun Fact(s): I am an only child and my favorite thing to do is take road trips (often without a destination in mind)!

WHY SAHE? I chose SAHE at Miami because of the reputation and all of the wonderful people I met at interview days. The social justice focus and the many practitioners who you get to learn from make SAHE a truly transformational experience. 

Mecca Abdul-Aziz

Preferred Name: Mecca
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Educational Background: Wittenberg University
Assistantship: Office of Residence Life
Practicum: College of Arts and Science Office of the Dean - Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Fun Fact(s): I love brunch on a weekend!

Why SAHE: I chose SAHE because I liked the aspect of being able to talk more about social justice and how it relates to college campuses. When I first got here, building the community with the professors made me feel like this was the place for me.

J Ravancho

Preferred Name: J
Pronouns: He/Him/His/Siya
Hometown: Greenhills, OH - Cincinnati
Educational Background: Miami University
Assistantship: Rinella Learning Center - GA | 
Practicum: Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness | Farmer School of Business Academic Advising 
Fun Fact(s): I am on the competition team for Miami's Ballroom Dance Club & I am currently in the casting process for CBS Survivor!

WHY SAHE: I chose SAHE for several reasons. The first reason was how highly recommended it was by my supervisor (a 2017 Alum) when I was in Undergrad working in the Student Activities office after I decided on Student Affairs when I left the Restaurant Industry. Another reason was the sense of community that SAHE had for the students, which would provide the level of support I needed to accomplish the goals and aspirations I have for myself. The main reason was the amount of practical experience that this program offered in its curriculum through a GA position and 2 practicum sites.

Jamie Kuhlmeier

Preferred Name: Jamie
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Educational Background: University of Dayton
Assistantship: GA for the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Practicum: Miami Regionals Academic Advising
Fun Fact(s): My husband and I love to travel and have been to ten countries outside of the United States. I enjoy cooking, playing with our dogs, and trying new cocktails!

WHY SAHE? I came from being an intervention specialist in a public elementary school and was ready for a change. I only applied to Miami because I wanted to be close to family and when I interviewed I had such a wonderful experience with the faculty and other prospective students. Student Affairs still gives me a way to help students grow and develop while also being more social justice oriented.

Meghan Ariss

Preferred Name: Meghan
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Liberty Township, OH
Educational Background: University of Cincinnati
Assistantship: GA for the Office of Residence Life and 
Practicum: Miami Regionals Academic Advising
Fun Fact(s): My favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day (I love love!) and I took 5 years of French but don’t understand a word

WHY SAHE: I chose SAHE because I loved all of the practical experience incorporated into the program. Not only do we study theory in our classes, but we have the opportunity to see it in action through our assistantship, practicum, and internship experiences. Additionally, the SAHE community genuinely cares about its members and wants us to succeed.  I felt like I had the support and encouragement to do well here!

Nathan Flyzik

Preferred Name: Nate 
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hometown: Plaistow, New Hampshire
Educational Background: Keene State College
Assistantship: Orientation & Transition and Parent & Family programs
Practicum: Office of Admission and Myaamia Center
Fun Fact(s): I once hit a half court shot for $1,000!

Why SAHE: I chose the SAHE program due to the balance between rigorous academics and practical experiences. Classes, my assistantship, and practicums have all kickstarted my development as a professional. You could not find a better community of people!

Sarah Grace McCollough

Name: Sarah Grace McCollough
Preferred Name: Sarah Grace
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Springboro, Ohio 
Educational Background: Cincinnati Christian University
Assistantship: Rinella Learning Center
Practicum: Center for Career Exploration
Fun Fact(s): I love participating and being involved with community theatre. I also started my own craft business during the pandemic. And of course, I’m obsessed with my Golden Retriever, who we named “Vader” after the classic Star Wars movies. 

Why SAHE: I chose Miami's SAHE program because I wanted to find a place where I could get some practical experience in higher education. I like the way that Miami's SAHE program felt like a family and that it is so supportive for all of the current and recent alumni. Now that I'm here, I'm so thankful for the relationships I have created and how I feel so supported by my peers, faculty, and staff members in the SAHE community.

Zack Mroz

Preferred Name: Zack 
Pronouns: He/Him/His 
Hometown: Roseville, MI 
Educational Background: Grand Valley State University 
Assistantship: Office of Residence Life 
Practicum: Farmer School of Business, Global Initiatives
Fun Fact(s): I got my boating license in 7th grade.

Why SAHE: I chose SAHE for so many reasons. The social justice focus of our program was a huge factor for me, as well as the Residence Life department that aligned with my goals for growth. Ultimately, it was the faculty, staff, and fellow students that made me realize that I could call Oxford home. 

Additional SAHE Experiences:

- Research Facilitator with SAHE faculty 

- Co-instructor for master's level course 

- GLACUHO Case Study Winner (with Mecca Abdul-Aziz) 

- Created my summer internship with a SAHE Alum

Abby Richard

Preferred Name: Abby
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Dublin, OH
Educational Background: The Ohio State University
Assistantship: Office of Residence Life
Fun Fact(s): I've been to 46 states so far! 

Bell Mensah Ampem

Preferred Name: Bell
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana
Educational Background: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Assistantship: Office of Residence Life
Fun Fact(s):  In primary six, I was the bellboy for my school.

WHY SAHE: I chose SAHE in Miami because the program has a focus on training outstanding Student Affairs professionals. The Theory to Practice approach of the program also provides a unique opportunity for utilising what is taught in class.

Elizabeth Grant

Preferred Name: Libby
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Sandusky, OH
Educational Background: Xavier University
Assistantship: Office of Residence Life
Fun Fact(s):  I’ve seen the Lion King musical three times. I would eat sushi for the rest of my life if I could!

WHY SAHE: I was drawn to SAHE not only by the opportunity to be instructed and supported by the incredible faculty, but also by the fact that diversity is not simply a subject within a course, or a course requirement, but that it is integrated so much into our courses that it is the basis for the curriculum. I chose Miami SAHE because I knew that the program would challenge me to grow as a critical Student Affairs practitioner -- the kind that I want to be when I emerge from a master's program.

Gabriella Marie Spencer

Preferred Name: Gabby
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Pacifica, CA
Educational Background: Miami University 
Assistantship: Residence Life
Fun Fact(s): I received my 1st degree black belt by age 8!

WHY SAHE: I chose to return to Miami for the SAHE program because of the strong relationships I formed within Residence Life even as an undergraduate RA. I had the opportunity to live and work under my mentor, and I felt reassured that the faculty I would meet in the program would support me just as fervently as my colleagues in Residence Life would.

Kailey Costible

Preferred Name: Kailey
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Educational Background: Westminster College, PA
Assistantship/ Work employment: Student Activities
Fun Fact(s): I love to cook, I've been to seven countries, and my favorite book is The Last Lecture

WHY SAHE: I chose Miami's SAHE program because the students and the faculty in the program were so kind and welcoming. I always feel supported by my classmates, my professors, and my supervisors. Miami goes above and beyond to offer endless opportunities and this program has propelled my growth, both as a student affairs professional and personally.

Laura Desmond

Preferred Name: Laura
Pronouns: She/Hers
Hometown: Middletown, OH
Educational Background: University of Denver
Work Experience: Administrative Assistant in Global Initiatives (Full time staff member/ part time student)
Fun Fact(s): My husband and I have two kids ages 3 & 6. We live in Oxford and run a Bed & Breakfast

WHY SAHE: I chose the SAHE program as I wanted to continue to grow and develop in my career.  SAHE has introduced me to know ideas, concepts, staff and students. It has allowed me to continue my personal and professional goals. 

Lucia Trevino Alanis

Preferred Name: Lucy
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
Educational Background: Texas A&M University 
Assistantship: Combined assistantship with Student Wellness and Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Fun Fact(s):  I’ve run 6 half marathons, I’ve swam with whale sharks and sea lions, I have watched Bo Burnham and John Mulaney’s comedy specials about 20 times each and I can talk for hours about Marvel movies. 

WHY SAHE: I chose SAHE because it gives me a space to learn, grow and further my passion to help college students in such an important time in their lives. I really appreciated the social justice focus the program offers as well as how welcoming the community has been since the very beginning.

Natalee Blackford

Preferred Name: Nat
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Ashland, OH
Educational Background: The Ohio State University 
Assistantship/ Work employment: Residence Life
Fun Fact(s):  I can speak Latin!

WHY SAHE: I chose Miami because the first time I visited campus, I felt at home. When I met the faculty, I realized there was no better place to learn and grow. I have found my home here and I cannot imagine being anywhere else!

Ruth Oluwafemi

Preferred Name: Ruth
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria
Educational Background: Obafemi Awolowo University
Assistantship/ Work employment: Office of Residence Life
Fun Fact(s):  I share the same birth month and date with my elder sister. 

WHY SAHE: As an international student, I was looking for a place that would give me a " home away from home" experience and I felt Miami was the place for me because of how closely knitted the SAHE community was when I had my interview. Moreover, I love the fact that the program is focused on social justice and affords me the opportunity to apply theory into practice.

Whitney Johnson

Preferred Name: Whitney  
Pronouns: She/her/hers 
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution: Thomas More University 
Assistantship: The Office of Residence Life 
Fun Fact: I have such an obsession with polka dots, that for my wardrobe a day has been dedicated to wearing them every "Whitney" Wednesday.

WHY SAHE: I chose SAHE because of the overwhelming amount of support I have received. In every interaction with the program I felt cared about and supported. I am thankful for SAHE in its contribution to my growth as a Student Affairs professional.