Mission of the Department
The Student Affairs, Student Success, and Disability Access department at IUP is designed to prepare graduate students for employment in higher education in entry-level or mid-management student affairs positions, dependent upon their previous experiences.
Under the guidance of student affairs faculty and practitioners, requisite knowledge will be acquired through a balance of academic and practical experiences which stress critical thinking and which model professional behavior. Working among a community of learners, students will develop a broad range of skills, in-depth knowledge, an appreciation for lifelong learning, and the ability to apply concepts and skills to become effective practitioners and colleagues.
Students will understand the history, literature, and theory base of our profession as well as the significant role of student affairs within higher education. They will apply that knowledge to address the needs of changing student populations and to effect developmental changes for individuals and groups through creating and managing educational environments.
History of the Department
Beginning in 1971 as the “Student Personnel Services” program, the Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) MA program has enjoyed a rich history at IUP and is one of the most widely recognized student affairs graduate preparation programs in the nation.
Since it began, the SAHE program has prepared students who wish to work as higher education professionals committed to supporting and enriching the personal and academic lives of college students and improving the administrative and educational functioning of student services offices.
The SAHE graduate program is designed for individuals interested in student affairs work in colleges and universities and professional schools in a variety of administrative settings such as admissions, housing and residence life, financial aid, student activities, Greek affairs, career services, minority affairs programs, orientation, and health services. The student body consists of recent college graduates, career enhancers, and individuals seeking a career change.
The SAHE program provides students with in-depth exposure to theories, principles, and practices of the student affairs profession. A special emphasis is placed on the transition of theory to practice via structured assistantships and practica in student affairs or related offices.
A minimum of 42 credit hours plus the passing of a comprehensive exam (the equivalent of two academic years of full-time study) are required for the MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education. All students join a Fall cohort and either begin classes in the Summer or in Fall.
About Our Graduates
Thank you for viewing the SAHE graduates’ résumés!
Résumés are sorted by functional area of interest for the 2023 graduating class.
Ronald Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award
Call for Nominations
This award, begun in 2006, honors Professor Emeritus Ron Lunardini, who taught in the department for 17 years and served as chairperson for eight. The award is presented to an alumnus/alumna of the SAHE Department who has been a student affairs and/or higher education professional for at least five years and whose practice significantly reflects the standards and values of the SAHE Department, which may include any of the following:
- Applying of knowledge, experience, and resources to create educational environments that address student needs, promote community, embrace multiculturalism, enhance student learning, and foster student development
- Mentoring students and professional colleagues
- Contributing to the student affairs profession through regional, state, and/or national involvement in professional associations
- Collaborating with colleagues to meet institutional objectives
- Demonstrating an appreciation for life-long learning and ongoing professional development
In 2021, the Ron and Peggy Lunardini Fund was established to generate a monetary award in the amount of $750 to accompany the Ron Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award. The purpose of the award money is to allow the recipient to extend it in support of an educational program or initiative at IUP or their own campus.
2024 - Amy L. Cotner '97
2023 - Julene Pinto-Dyczewski '89
2022 - Will Foran '03
2021 - Kristin Eicholtz '05
2020 - Bill Mandicott '77
2019 - Jennifer Cole '05
2018 - Tammy Manko '91
2017 - Jennifer DuBrava Hinton '00
2016 - Courtney Baum '00
2015 - TiRease Holmes '02
2014 - Jennifer Ferrell '05
2013 - Virginia Koch '86
2012 - Rhonda Gifford '93
2011 - Colleen Ruefle '89
2010 - Julie Elkins '85
2009 - Kevin W. Bailey '90
2008 - Becky L. Verzinski '94
2007 - Pete Groenendyk '94
2006 - Bob Gatti '78
Individuals may nominate themselves or another individual. All nominees must be current student affairs professionals and alumni of the SAHE Department for at least five years. Nominators need not be SAHE alumni or current student affairs professionals. Nomination materials shall include:
- A cover letter from the principal nominator which describes the nominee's accomplishment(s) and how those accomplishments meet any of the award criteria
- A copy of the nominee's vitae or resume
- The nomination may include additional letters of support from any of the following:
- the nominee's supervisor
- professional colleagues
- SAHE alumni
- students who have benefited, directly or indirectly, from the accomplishments of the nominee
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, February 9, 2024, and can be sent to John Wesley Lowery at jlowery@iup.edu.
A committee comprised of an alumnus or alumna as well as current SAHE faculty members and students shall review all nominations and select one as the recipient for the Distinguished Alumni Award. Announcements of the selection will be made prior to the ACPA and NASPA annual conventions, where the award will officially be presented, if possible.
Questions about the award or the selection process can be directed to John Wesley Lowery at jlowery@iup.edu.