The Graduate School's 12-week program introduces graduate students to careers in higher education administration.
"I hold a great appreciation for the invaluable work that goes on behind the scenes at the administrative level to help Brown sustain its mission. I am interested in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of these efforts, such as the roles of different offices and how they work in tandem with one another," says master’s student Sydney Menzin on why she applied to the BEST program.
Congratulations to the 2019 BEST participants:
- Shamara Alhassan, doctoral student in Africana Studies
- Doria Charlson, doctoral student in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies and Master’s in PhD History
- Amy Chin, doctoral student in Sociology
- Jade Eckels, master's student in Urban Education Policy
- Benjamin Fancy, doctoral student in French Studies
- Mai Hunt, doctoral student in Hispanic Studies
- David Meyers, doctoral student in Health Services Research
- Vania Pereira, master's student in American Studies
- Sydney Menzin, master's student in Urban Education Policy
- Anastasia Tsylina, doctoral student in Slavic Studies
In this program, students have the opportunity to hear from senior leaders at Brown about their paths, roles, and responsibilities. Each student is also paired with an administrative sponsor to learn about their role and receive advice and support amid career exploration. Sponsors come from a variety of offices across campus, including the Offices of the Provost, Dean of the College, and Campus Life.
"Throughout my undergraduate and graduate education, I've always been interested in peeling back what I experienced as a student in order to see how things came together to make my education possible. Universities are complex, multifaceted institutions and I've always been fascinated by how the pieces fit together. I believe the BEST program is a perfect opportunity to explore these interests further,” says PhD student David Meyers.
In addition to this valuable mentoring, students will benefit from weekly talks and professional development on topics ranging from diversity in higher education to effective academic leadership. The program concludes in mid-April with a ceremony and certificate presentation.