Grad's goal is to create opportunities for all in higher education

Higher education presents endless opportunities to make a positive difference in your life, says Kevin Correa, graduating with a master’s degree (MEd) in higher and postsecondary education. 

Despite working full time while earning his degree, he volunteered time to create opportunities for others to achieve their full potential.

“I’ve been fortunate that my graduate program and career have complemented one another very well,” he says. His graduate research focused on the training needs and development of student coaches in the ASU First-Year Success Center, where he works as a program manager.

“Paraprofessionals such as first-year success coaches play a major role in contributing to student success,” he says. “They are on the front lines of a university’s retention efforts.”

Correa also serves as a facilitator for Access ASU's Future Sun Devil Families program, which helps students and families prepare for college. He holds monthly workshops on college preparation at Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix.

The desire to see others aim for a better future also resulted in two years as a mentor for the ASU Obama Scholars Program. He joined ASU organizations such as Chicano/Latino Faculty & Staff Association, Ubiquity and Commission on the Status of Women and is a co-editor of the Diversity Works @ ASU report.

“I’m passionate about higher education and the unique opportunities it affords people, as well as the positive impact colleges and universities have on individuals and society,” he says. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and gaining professional experience in higher education, he decided to head to Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU for his graduate education.

“ASU’s commitment to excellence, access and impact, along with its model as a New American University, align closely with my personal core values,” he says.  

The master’s degree in higher and postsecondary education was also a draw, he says, because of its emphasis on professional development, administration, the integration of theory and practice, and the fact that it is geared toward working professionals.

Correa credits supervisors, colleagues, friends and family for their encouragement in the pursuit of his goals. He plans to remain and advance in the field of higher education.  

“I enjoy the rewards and challenges inherent in the field, and I relish the endless opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”