Jarin Eva
Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration
Education Policy, Planning & Leadership
- 2025, William & Mary, Doctor of Philosophy, Higher Education Administration
- 2022, William & Mary, Master of Science in Business Analytics
- 2019, George Mason University, Bachelor of Science, Finance with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Society
What kind of professional experiences did you have prior to beginning this degree?
I graduated in May 2019 with my undergraduate degree in Finance, minoring in Criminology, Law, and Society from George Mason University. After graduation, I worked full-time as a cost analyst for the Defense Health Agency (DHA) under the Department of Defense (DoD) in a contract position. I was placed in this contract position by my former employer Frontier Technology Inc, a financial consultancy firm based in Arlington, Virginia. As an analyst, I facilitated cost estimation projects where I was free to choose the estimation methods of research to resolve specific challenges and issues encountered by the Program Executive Office (PEO). I also built and implemented budget and financial plans that facilitated the completion of projects and programs. Every few months, I also proposed strategies to enhance financial policies and operations. I was considered an expert to prepare life cycle cost estimates (LCCE) and develop cost-benefit analyses (CBAs). I also graduated with my Master of Science degree in Business Analytics from William & Mary in May 2022.
As a student pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration, why did you choose this field?
I have always highlighted the relevance of statistics in our daily lives. To be statistically literate, I hope to continue learning methods for assessing data and making accurate predictions of forecasts using multiple data sets. My turning point in academic and professional career life has been to pursue the Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK) training. I began to understand the Defense Acquisition program at DHA and to fulfill my responsibility to analyze financial and accounting data to present findings to company leaders. This was also a time when studying data and working with data daily influenced me to be a researcher. My strengths in working with cost allocations for DHA has equipped me to approach my study with an open mind.
What do you hope to be doing after graduation? In 10 or 15 years?
Combining my knowledge of Finance and Business Analytics, my ambitions are to work as an Education Statistician or as an Executive Leader in the higher education industry in the future. I want to create opportunities for leaders, students, and any member of the education community to engage in creative learning opportunities. I hope to gain experience and knowledge to instruct a course for aspiring educators at a higher education institution after completing my Ph.D. program in Higher Education Administration from William & Mary.
Why did you choose William & Mary and specifically your degree program? What sets this degree program apart from those offered at other colleges?
I am a current Ph.D. student at William & Mary studying Higher Education Administration. In a recent new ranking from Morning Consult lists, William & Mary has ranked first as the most trusted public university in the country. William & Mary also ranked 12th among the nation’s top 135 doctoral institutions.
I also graduated with my Master of Science degree in Business Analytics from William & Mary in May 2022 and we were the first graduating class to walk in the graduation ceremony since the pandemic. During my time as a master's student at William & Mary, I have always received guidance and support from my professors and their recommendations have allowed me to successfully graduate and advance in my academic and professional career.
I specifically chose the Higher Education Administration program at William & Mary because of the faculty teaching our program. Our professors are authors of books and those books are bestsellers for publishers in education. From the admission process through graduation, our president, deans, advisors, program coordinators, and every staff member are exceptional in connecting and offering services needed to excel in our programs.
What has been the most influential experience you've had so far in your program?
I consider meeting two individuals as one of the most influential experiences in my time at William & Mary. It was an honor to meet Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy at William & Mary’s Commencement ceremony in May 2022. It was inspiring for me and the Class of 2022 to learn Congresswoman Murphy is also a William & Mary graduate. During her time at William & Mary, she majored in economics, was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, a Japanese House resident, and a research assistant. She also studied abroad and served on the Student Alumni Council.
I am also one of the last group of graduates to receive excellent guidance from our previous Dean Lawrence B. Pulley ’74, longtime Dean of William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business (since 1998) and an academic and administrative leader at the university for more than three decades, who retired on June 30, 2022. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy also received guidance from Dean Larry Pulley during her academic career at W&M. It is an exceptional realization that the most influential aspect of our academic careers are the alumni networks of William & Mary we build in our academic journeys.
Is there any additional information you would want a prospective student to know about the School of Education and its degree programs?
I recommend attending the Day for Admitted Students event for all accepted students of the School of Education. I was very impressed with the online meeting but meeting in person for the first time at the Day for Admitted Students event, gave me the clarity that I needed before my first day of classes. I highly recommend connecting and meeting with faculty in person, if possible, for any questions. It has never disappointed me.
I wish all prospective students the very best!
