Jared Crist Ph.D.'24
Education
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Arts in College Counseling and Student Affairs
What is your current graduate assistantship/job?
I am working as a Student Services Coordinator in the Richmond area.
What organizations are you involved in?
- National Academic Advisor Association
- Council for the Advancement and Support of Education
- National Association of Student Personnel Advisors
- Association of Higher Education and Disability
- Association for Student Conduct Administration
What volunteer capacities are you involved in?
- President of the VCU School of Education Alumni Council
- Chair of the PRIDE ERG Alliance
- Volunteer at Housing Families First, Side By Side, Reinhart Guest House, Sacred Heart Center, Shalom Farms, and Project Homes
What are your research interests?
I am interested in strategic planning, state and federal policy, leadership, and equity and justice.
Why did you choose William & Mary?
I have had two bucket list items since the fourth grade. First, I would get a doctoral degree. Second, I would one day attend William & Mary. After a visit to campus as a child, I loved the school and everything I heard about W&N since then had only deepened my desire to enroll at the institution. When looking into doctoral programs, I saw the Higher Education Administration program checked all of my boxes. It supported full-time workers with flexible scheduling and evening courses. It had a rigorous research sequence of coursework and allowed for specialized areas of study through cognate. Most importantly, it seemed as though students were at the very center of every decision. Before applying, I met with program faculty and current students who confirmed that was the case. In the beginning of my second year, I am still thrilled to be in the program. I am exposed to a wide range of new content and experiences and I have loved getting to know my faculty and classmates. Everyone is thoughtful, supportive, and able to make connections appropriate to every interest.
What is your favorite thing about the program?
My classmates are my favorite part of the program, though the guidance from the knowledgeable faculty are a close second. We bonded quickly and are helping each other grow every day. This is a program full of people who are both driven and caring.
How has attending William & Mary impacted your career to date?
I regularly use learning from my coursework in my every day job. My role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities from disability accommodations and student activities to data reporting and planning. My leaders can see how my learning has honed and elevated my work and, most importantly, I am able to see my learning effectively help my students.
