New master’s student Anna DiFede began her graduate internship at Adelphi University over the summer. Anna was drawn to this role because of her positive experience in a sorority as an undergraduate at SUNY Geneseo. At Adelphi, Anna hopes to reduce the stigma around Greek life and help students reach their full potential. She is also looking forward to being on NYU’s New York City campus and meeting her new classmates.

Jack Herdman joins the NYU community as a master’s student after graduating from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. His experience as an RA during his senior year led him to choose a career in higher education. Jack works as a graduate assistant at The Juilliard School and has already helped lead orientation workshops. Jack says that NYU has always been his dream school and he is most excited to meet new people.

NYU Tandon graduate intern Jenna Schmidt is pursuing a master’s degree in higher education because of her own undergraduate experience at the University of Central Arkansas. “It would be an honor to play even a small role in helping college students,” Jenna says. In addition to being drawn to the vibrancy of New York City, Jenna chose to apply to this program because of the diverse range of internships that would offer her “the opportunity to grow and develop ... both in and outside the classroom.” 

Daliz Pérez-Cabezas, incoming Ed.D. student and Director of Academic Affairs at Hostos Community College City University of New York, shared her excitement about beginning the Ed.D. program at NYU Steinhardt. Her career thus far has been dedicated to access to higher education and socio-economic mobility, which she feels very strongly about. She is looking forward to furthering her education and using it to effectively contribute to student success and organizational effectiveness at Hostos. 

Jimmy Suarez is an incoming Ed.D. student and Director of Planning and Program Development at NYU's Division of Enrollment Management, fulfilling a goal he has had since finishing his master’s degree almost ten years ago. He has a strong dedication to diversity & inclusion and college access, which have been the focus of his professional career at NYU. He is excited to participate in a Doctoral Programs cohort for first-year students, as it will allow students to network and collaborate, especially since peer-to-peer connection has been difficult throughout the pandemic.

Professor Teboho Moja has spent her summer preparing to chair the NYU Steinhardt Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology. In addition to the Higher Education Program, the department includes programs in Educational Leadership and Educational Communication and Technology. Teboho is focused on “building a community that is supportive of one another and collaborates for the benefit of all,” especially after the challenges the past couple of semesters have presented. This fall, she is teaching Internationalism and Study Abroad where the class will be able to consider the many ways in which study abroad may change in a post pandemic world.
Last spring, she was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Pretoria in South Africa, in recognition of her many years of service and research contributions to higher education in Africa.

Alumnus and Clinical Associate Professor Michael Funk, recently assumed the position Director of Higher Education programs: Master's, EdD and Phd. He describes the coming year as critical for the future of higher education. Mike notes that we can carry forward the lessons we've learned from the pandemic by creating more flexibility with jobs, accessibility, and learning modalities. “It’s up to staff, faculty, and students to be at the forefront of determining what the future of higher education looks like,” Mike says.
He would like to encourage all students to “let no stone go unturned” by taking advantage of all the benefits of New York City, maximizing all possible opportunities and building community within the program. He also asks all in our community to “be patient with one another” as we are welcomed back into the classroom both in-person and online.

Full-time student Finley Peay will serve as editor, assisted by part-time student Alana Cohen, and alumna and NYU University Relations and Public Affairs Social Media Manager Sarah Kader. Professor Ann Marcus will continue to serve as the faculty advisor.