For a while, Missouri State University graduate student Reagan Mulungi Mwenyi thought his career would be in the agriculture field.

In 2020, the native of Kampala, Uganda, earned his undergraduate degree in agriculture business from Makerere University. He planned to continue his studies in agricultural education. 

“But when I spoke to one of my friends, he said my interests sounded more like student affairs in higher education,” he said. 

He was particularly interested in helping students outside of the classroom.  

“I thought, ‘Is there any way I can invest myself in supporting students without teaching?’ The answer was a career in student affairs,” he said. 

Finding a program that fit

In June 2023, Mwenyi began the student affairs in higher education (SAHE) graduate program at Missouri State. This May, he will complete it. 

What drew him to Missouri State was the faculty and the opportunity for professional development. 

“I talked to Dr. Gilbert Brown (former SAHE program director and faculty emeritus) and Dr. Dee Siscoe (vice president for student affairs) who were not only invested in my research, but personable too,” he said. “Also, the level of experience offered through this program is equivalent to doctoral programs.” 

He notes he continues to experience positive, personal relationships with his professors.  

“Having one-on-one interactions with professors like Dr. Nicole West (associate professor and SAHE program director) made me feel like I belonged,” he said. 

Outstanding graduate assistant honor

During his time at MSU, Mwenyi worked as a graduate assistant (GA) for business services in the Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services unit. For his excellent work, he won the Outstanding Graduate Assistant award in the Division of Student Affairs in September 2024.  

According to Myenyi, he has gained many professional experiences through this opportunity.  

“I’ve enjoyed conducting data analysis about student experiences,” he said. “Knowing I get to contribute to the environment where students live is really special.”  

During his time as GA, he got the chance to help organize the university’s Welcome Weekend in fall 2024. 

“Being able to shift from one weekend to three weeks of welcome, rebranding to ‘MSU Belong’ and seeing the impact on students’ lives were some of the major highlights of my time at Missouri State,” Mwenyi said. 

He also credits his GA supervisor, Angela Strider, for giving him valuable advice. 

“I told Angie I didn’t know which practicum to choose,” he said. “She said, ‘OK, let’s go over the choices.’ We talked about various options, and we figured out where I’d already gained experience in and where I had deficiencies.” 

Post-graduation, Mwenyi plans to pursue a professional doctorate while working in one of the functional areas of student affairs. 

Learn more about the student affairs in higher education graduate program