Welcome to My e-Portfolio!

2022 Update:

It is hard to believe that it has been ten years since I completed my graduate studies at Kent State. It feels like it can't possibly have been that long, but at the same time in reviewing this portfolio, I know that I have grown a great deal as a higher education professional since completing this Master's degree.

Ten years is an eternity in the timespan of the internet, however - and as a result, Google made a change last year to no longer support the version of Google Sites that this page was initially created with. I felt it was a waste to leave this offline, and in the course of migrating it to the new version, I have made some spot updates here and there. (mostly in these types of "update" boxes) I have also updated links and attachments which were originally included in this portfolio to make sure they still function, but aside from that, the content of this site exists mostly as it did in 2012 when it was published.

Perhaps it would be worth doing a post on my blog to update some things that have changed quite a bit - for instance, an update on my progress towards the professional development goals I set back then and how my goals have changed today. But that will need to wait for another day.

Best wishes from Peoria,

Dave Kokandy

14 May 2022

Hello, and welcome to my electronic portfolio!

I am a student affairs professional in Higher Education, specializing in Career Development and International Affairs. I am currently working in the Smith Career Center at Bradley University as an assistant director and the career advisor for the Foster College of Business. I graduated from Kent State University in May, 2011 with a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel and a graduate certificate in the Internationalization of Higher Education.

My Education

Prior to enrolling in the Master of Education program at Kent State University, I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theatre from North Central College, a private comprehensive institution in Naperville, Illinois. In this portfolio, I have outlined the courses I have taken as a graduate student and explained what I did, learned, and accomplished in each class. I have included a number of samples of my work inside and outside class that I feel demonstrate my abilities well. I believe that, within all of my classes, there have been consistent program themes emphasizing the importance of student-centered service, intentional action, reflective practice, professional conduct, and stewardship. I will work to embody those five values and standards in my career.

A picture of me around graduation with one of Kent State's iconic black squirrels.

My Experience

Since my sophomore year at North Central College, I have engaged in paraprofessional, professional, and graduate assistant work in several functions in Higher Education. I have experience in the functional areas within student affairs of Orientation, Residence Life, Admissions, International Student Advising, Career Development, and Alumni Relations. I interned over a summer in Student Affairs at the American University in Bulgaria, where I learned more about engaging in student affairs practice in an intercultural setting.

Me at the main building of American University in Bulgaria.

Me in the summer of 2010, after another grueling (but rewarding) day as a Graduate Supervisor for the Destination: Kent State program.

I hope to advance within the exciting field of student affairs, and I look forward to beginning an engaging opportunity with a university at which I can continue my career and further my professional development. Please peruse my electronic portfolio, and please contact me if you have any questions for me. I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you for your time and interest!

Sincerely,

Dave Kokandy

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse