LaTanyia Walker Major: Leadership and Policy Studies Conc: Leadership Degree: Ms Planned Graduation: May 2011

Why did you choose this course of study?

The MS degree in Policy Studies interested me because of my love of education. I want to be in an administrative level some day and I felt that this track would get me there. The professors have worked well with me and it has been rewarding. I want to start out teaching or in administration in a Community College so I am also working on my Community College certificate. I feel that through my studies here I will be able to enter the realm of Higher Education and begin to build a successful career.

What do you feel has prepared you for your future role in higher education?

After taking a class with Dr. Mullins-Nelson, I was accepted into an internship with the Center for Transforming Communities. This is a non-profit organization founded on religious beliefs and its goal is to establish sustainable communities in the mid-south region. They are built on the communities of shalom initiative and help to bridge the gap between the community and the church. They use the initiative of shalom to build successful relationships between community and church, community and education, and community development as a whole. I believe that it is fundamental for higher education to reach out to the community to help to build and develop a better tomorrow.

http://www.centerfortransformingcommunities.org/

How did this internship impact your future goals in higher education?

This internship was very fulfilling. I was able to see many parallels between non-profit and higher education, and also see the importance of the developing a connection between higher education and community. I was able to see the process of grant writing, help manage projects for events, fundraising, and many other hands on activities through my internship and was able to grow in my mind and help to further develop my skills outside of the classroom setting. I want to help to bridge the divide between higher education and the community, and I feel as my experience in this internship has given me the inspiration to help make that happen.