Katie's Story — Using My EdD to Improve Higher Education Administration

Meet Katie Condon — West Virginia University's Assistant Director of Admission & Recruitment.

In addition to her work in the Office of Admissions, Katie pursued a master's degree at West Virginia University, which in turn inspired her to stay and pursue her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration.

We asked her a few questions and learned more about how her time at WVU has prepared her for a meaningful career in higher education administration — where she can utilize her skills in conflict management, professionalism, and administration strategy.

Tell me about your former and current academic tracks.

I graduated from Albion College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Religious Studies. I got my MA from WVU in Communication Theory and Research (graduated in 2014) and am currently working on my Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration.

I will be finishing up my coursework this fall and have started doing research for my dissertation.

Have you participated in a graduate assistantship at WVU? 

While enrolled in my master's degree program, I secured a Graduate Teaching Assistantship through the Communication Studies Department. The first semester, I helped to manage the paperwork and grading for two communication courses, and in my second semester, I got the opportunity to teach Public Speaking. I also developed great working relationships with the professors in the department. This allowed me to get exposed to some of the most prolific scholars in the field and work on meaningful research projects throughout my coursework. I have remained close to many of the professors within the program and have even been given the opportunity to teach within the department as an adjunct instructor for the past two years.

Having a graduate assistantship gave me a solid foundation for working in higher education and helped me to develop my skills in organization, conflict management, and professionalism. I continue to gain valuable experience by having professional mentors as well as additional opportunities that have allowed me to explore different facets of higher education.

What caused you to change direction and pursue an unrelated degree in graduate school?

I started working in the higher education industry and wanted the chance to advance my career.

The Higher Education Administration EdD program at WVU is built in a way that it allows for flexibility with my work schedule, so it was the best option for me to continue to work full time while obtaining a doctoral degree.

How has WVU helped you to succeed in your EdD coursework?

The faculty in the Higher Education Administration program are extremely helpful and always want students to succeed. They push students to step out of their comfort zone and try to see problems from multiple perspectives. This has been the greatest asset to my current role in Admissions because I have a better understanding for how an institution works as a whole. The program values many institutional missions but puts specific emphasis on the role of land-grant institutions and the values that make them unique. These values allow me to better understand the history, governance, and strategy of a land-grant institution and the impact that these institutions can have on their state. 

With a solid foundation of the industry of higher education, I have been able to identify key issues in the area of leadership and access that have shaped my research and my future career aspirations. I hope to be an advocate for educational access, equitable leadership practice, and continue to enforce the impact that education can have on individuals as well as the global community.

How did your master's degree prepare you to pursue an unrelated doctoral degree?

My MA in Communication Theory and Research gave me a broad understanding of human communication as well as exposure to the academic rigor of an R1 institution.

I took classes in Intergroup Communication, Masspersonal Communication, and Instructional Communication. I utilize these courses and theories in my current doctorate program as well as my work life.

How has WVU helped you to successfully navigate the admissions process?

I am a bit biased, because I work for Admissions, but I find the faculty and staff to be exceptional at WVU. Everyone that I have ever interacted with wants what is best for you and your personal growth, but my favorite thing about WVU is the familial atmosphere. It's easy to make friends and everyone cares about growth and success — academically and professionally. 

Transform your higher education administration career at West Virginia Universty:

Here at West Virginia University, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your personal, professional, and academic goals, and by pursuing a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration at WVU, you will be at the forefront of educational change to help make a tangible difference in the lives of others. 

Whether you're considering graduate school online, stressing about GRE test prep, worried about financing graduate school, wondering how to secure a graduate assistantship, or getting excited about a career change, the WVU Admissions team is here to help you succeed.

We invite you to request more info today!

Jumpstart your higher education administration career; Download WVU's Higher Education Administration Guide.