My scholarly agenda is informed and guided by my thirteen years as a student affairs professional.  These experiences afford me insight into the administrative practices within higher education.  As a higher education professional and faculty member, I am excited and honored to be able to conduct research within our field, as it gives me a voice in helping to further develop our profession.  My research agenda has two branches that are often intertwined:

1.    Organizational, management, and leadership practices within higher education

2.    Co-curricular and extracurricular activities of college students

My research is theoretically informed by student development theory, management and leadership practices, and theories of motivation and achievement. Using this theoretical framework, my research aims to develop best practices in higher education and address gaps within the literature.  To do so, I use both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in my research.

In addition to publishing the findings of my research, it is also my hope to continue being active within professional affiliations to present my findings.  I am actively involved within NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators), ASHE (Association for the Study of Higher Education), and regional associations like MACUHO (Mid-Atlantic Associate of College and University Housing Officers).  Publishing my research findings coupled with presenting at local, regional, and national conferences enables me to have the greatest reach in further developing our profession.  At the same time, I firmly believe it is my responsibility and privilege to involve graduate students in my research and the dissemination of the findings.  Doing so will contribute to their growth and development as scholarly practitioners.