Josclynn Brandon, a fourth year Ed.D. candidate in the Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) program, won a Graduate Student Rising Star Award from NASPA Region IV-East.

NASPA is an organization for student affairs administrators in higher education, one that Brandon loves and considers herself an engaged and invested member of the association.

“One reason [this award is] important to me is because representation is so important to me,” she said. “I think it’s important and valuable for the undergraduate and graduate students within our organization and region to see someone who looks like them, or who shares identities similar to their own, be honored or awarded in professional associations. That’s one reason why I love NASPA and consider it one of my professional homes. I saw myself within its membership and leadership.”

“As a graduate student, especially as a Black woman, it’s easy to constantly compare yourself to others and experience Imposter Syndrome,” Brandon added. “Although I stand firm that I don’t need the validation of others, it’s nice to know that the work I do is valued, respected and appreciated by others.”

Brandon is currently finishing up her dissertation, which is a quantitative study on the success strategies, collegial support and persistence of Black women faculty. In addition to her dissertation, she’s working on a larger research project funded by an IU Racial Justice Grant on the experiences of Black women faculty.