Name: Kara O’Donnal (any pronouns)
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (Business Analytics) (University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, USA)
Area(s) of Campus Involvement: Housing & Residence Life
E-mail: kodonnal@cub.uca.edu
Q: What are your current career plans upon having completed your Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration?
A: “Although I’m not exactly sure where I want to go, I know I want to work closely with students. Currently I with Housing and Residence Life, which puts me right with students and gets me connected with them.”
Q: What inspired you to enter the field of higher education as a future career?
A: “I have always had an interest in the career of education, but I never really knew of jobs outside of teaching. When I entered college, my boss was in the CSPA program and expanded my knowledge and interest in the field.”
Q: What is your favorite class in the CSPA program, and why?
A: “My favorite class in the CSPA program so far is History of Higher Education. I have always had an interested in history, and it’s so fascinating to learn about the roots of early education and how it affects today.”
Q: Share one experience in the CSPA program that you have enjoyed.
A: “One of the best parts of the CSPA program is the openness and conversations about the material we are learning. We engage and discuss the material versus it being lectured at us.”
Q: What have you learned about yourself through your time at UCA and the CSPA program?
A: “I think that the biggest thing I have learned at my time at UCA and through the CSPA program is that I am capable of great things. The environment and support make you feel as if you are capable of anything.”
Q: What advice would you share with people interested in studying about and receiving training in higher education?
A: “Always be open and ready to learn. The field of education is always changing, and you will always be learning whether that be from your boss, your peers, or the students you are over.”