Graduate student recognized for student affairs leadership

Andrew Travis, a graduate student in the College Student Affairs Leadership program, was recently recognized for his leadership and passion for student affairs and higher education. 

Travis received a Graduate Rising Star Award from the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Association (NASPA) at a conference in Detroit in November. The award recognizes one graduate student from each state who does outstanding work in the areas of higher education and student affairs. 

Travis, from Shepherd, was nominated by Johnathan Davey, coordinator of student activities and summer housing programs at Michigan Technological University, and LeaAnn Tibbe, associate director of student life at Grand Valley. Travis completed an internship at Michigan Tech in summer 2017 and has worked in the Office of Student Life at Grand Valley as a graduate assistant since 2016. 

“I was highly impressed with Andrew's work ethic, his passion for higher learning, his willingness to help others, and his impeccable social media game,” Davey said. “Andrew has an abundance of talents that inspired me to nominate him for this award.” 

Travis will graduate with a master's degree in higher education, with an emphasis on student affairs leadership, in April 2018. He's currently completing an internship in Grand Valley's University Communications department. 

Travis said his passion for student affairs stems from his own experience as an undergraduate student at Grand Valley. 

“I quickly discovered the importance of getting involved and being engaged in the campus community, and student life is one of the main hubs that helps students across all backgrounds get involved,” Travis said. "I chose to go into this kind of work because it’s a gift that never stops giving. Every day is a new day and you’re always helping a new student out.” 

Travis said one of the most rewarding things about working in student life is planning events that bring the community together.

“Campus Life Night is one of my favorite campus events because you have all of these first-year students who are discovering their path and we get the opportunity to help them find their home," he said. 

— written by Marissa LaPorte, student writer