Thank a Grad 2026! by

Thank you, Dilushi Kodithuwakku!

2026-03-25 19:24:53 UTC

Shout out to Dilushi Kodithuwakku (PhD student in Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology and Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies). Thank you, Dilushi, for being an amazing GRA and devoting so much time, effort, and attention to detail in everything you do! I am glad you here at UT.

CSP Class of 2026

2026-03-25 22:51:52 UTC

Thank you for your curiosity, enthusiasm, hard work, and perseverance. It's been an honor to learn with you throughout this program. You all are hardworking and compassionate scholar-practitioners who will make college campuses a better place!

Best GRA! (Emily Ballesteros)

2026-03-25 22:52:39 UTC

Emily is the best GRA! It's been an honor to work with her over the past two and a half years. In our time together, she's supported literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and publishing. She is thoughtful, funny, and just a joy to know. I can't wait to see what you do as Dr. Ballesteros!

Keep Rewriting the Academy (Miranda Rutan)

2026-03-25 22:56:55 UTC

Miranda--you push me to dream bigger, think more deeply, and connect more widely. You are truly brilliant (and hilarious)!

Allie Burns

2026-03-26 13:46:19 UTC

Allie is a leader at work, in the classroom, and in her research. She brilliantly blends multiple disciplinary approaches, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to student success in all that she does. From designing and teaching a new writing course for graduate students to centering graduate students with disabilities in her writing and research, she is a force to be reckoned with. It is an honor to know you and learn with you!

Bukky Abdul

2026-03-26 13:47:32 UTC

Bukky is the funniest, most energetic, and sharpest person I know. She makes every space she's in brighter and more joyful, and she manages to maintain that lightness and positivity even in difficult times. I have learned so much from you and have the deepest admiration for you!

Ian Crone

2026-03-26 13:49:06 UTC

Ian is a leader in the classroom, on campus, and in the field at large. In addition to his full time job and doctoral studies, Ian recently concluded a term as president of a major professional association - ACUI. How he does it all--and remains so generous, curious, and positive--I'll never know. Thank you for your leadership and the thoughtful ways you facilitate space for curiosity and hope!

Dominique Harrison

2026-03-26 13:50:13 UTC

Dominique, I am so glad we've been able to work together. You care so deeply about people--it's not lost on me that you often ask about me before I can check in on you! Your work is stellar, your kindness is unmatched, and your research is already making higher education a better place.

Stephanie Sieggreen

2026-03-26 13:59:04 UTC

Stephanie! You wear so many hats that even I sometimes lose track. You are a leader in international enrollment management practice and are quickly becoming a leader in IEM scholarship. I have learned so much about international education & enrollment management from you. Further, you epitomize what it means to be committed to continuous learning and growth — you receive all feedback with such grace, enthusiasm, and curiosity. I can't wait to call you, doctor, soon!

Jordan Smith-Porter

2026-03-26 16:19:31 UTC

Jordan is a brilliant scholar who has challenged himself to learn higher ed content and methods beyond the limits of coursework. He has presented at multiple conferences and pursued multiple independent studies to advance his expertise. Plus, he's one of the funniest people I know!

Shoutout to HEAM M.S. Students!!

2026-03-27 23:27:52 UTC

Shoutout to the fabulous bunch of students that is the M.S. higher education master's students! These students balance their coursework alongside work, community engagement, families, and countless other commitments and make it look easy! I am constantly impressed with the way students in this program show up to their coursework ready and eager to learn and the ways they challenge themselves to grow. I am a better professional because of the interactions I get to have with this group, and their students, colleagues, and institutions alike are lucky to have such dedicated professionals. Thank you for all you do and the ways you have invested in your own education to better the institutions and offices you work for!

Cole Burns

2026-04-01 14:52:06 UTC

How cliche is it for me send you a shoutout? Oh well. Cole's mind runs circles around me and so many others. He is strategic and deeply committed to justice (together, these traits make it easy to want to work alongside him). He has built a unique community of belonging at an admirable scale for students in HCB-SCM. His self-discipline means he's managed significant contributions to the field very early in his research career. He has relationships with leaders all over campus which allows his influence on student success to thrive. This campus and each student is better for being in contact with him (as am I). He equally challenges, inspires, and reassures me as a human, practitioner, and scholar. :)

Nick Furth

2026-04-01 15:07:38 UTC

Nick is an idea-generating-machine! Thanks for keeping my mind open to what feels impossible or improbable. By 'wearing me down over time' (i.e. making me more comfortable with brainstorming without judgement) we were able to actually get money to make your vision come to life. Thanks for helping me be a more courageous scholar and a more imaginative staff member. May you find time in May to enjoy lounging in a beanbag chair and driving with the windows down.

Thank you, Alana Tarver

2026-04-06 13:15:12 UTC

Thank you, Alana Tarver, for your constant love, support, and kindness throughout our graduate program. I truly couldn’t have done this without you. I’m so grateful for you and feel incredibly honored to grow as both a clinician and a student alongside you.

ESM PhD Students

jamorrow2 — 2026-04-06 13:49:12 UTC

A profound thank you to all of our amazing ESM PhD students! We so appreciate all of the great work that you do for clients/organizations all over campus and in our community. Keep up the great work!

Congrats Dr. Kim Carney (HEAM PhD student)

jamorrow2 — 2026-04-06 13:52:55 UTC

A big congrats to our soon to be graduate Dr. Kim Carney on her successful defense of her dissertation. You did an amazing job and I can't wait to see the impact your work has on your field. Kudos!

Dusty Prater

2026-04-06 13:55:35 UTC

Thank you for all your help and encouragement!! You’re the best!

Congrats Dr. Richard Amoako

jamorrow2 — 2026-04-06 14:01:44 UTC

Kudos to Dr. Richard Amoako for successfully defending his dissertation last week. Your whole committee was impressed by the great job that you did. We look forward to seeing what you do next. Kudos!

Arts & Sciences Graduate & Professional Students

2026-04-06 14:24:23 UTC

The College of Arts and Sciences would like to give a huge shoutout to all of our graduate and professional students. We are grateful to have each of you in our college and thankful for all that you do!

Maria Isabel Martinez

2026-04-06 16:26:27 UTC

Shoutout to Maria as she prepares to defend her dissertation tomorrow. This moment reflects years of dedication, persistence, and thoughtful scholarship. You’ve done the work, and it shows. Wishing you a strong, confident defense—I’m excited to see you step into this next chapter.

Abraham Cervantas

2026-04-06 16:26:45 UTC

Shoutout to Abraham as he steps into this next chapter—preparing for comprehensive exams and moving into the dissertation phase this fall. This is a big moment, and it reflects the depth of your hard work, commitment, and growth as a scholar. I’m excited to see how your ideas continue to take shape and the impact your work will have. You’ve put in the work to get here—keep going.

CSP Class of 2026

2026-04-06 16:26:47 UTC

Shoutout to our CSP students for the energy, commitment, and care you bring to this work every day. Watching you grow as scholars and practitioners, while you show up for one another and the communities you serve, is truly special. Proud of each of you and all that you continue to accomplish.