Adrienne Shavers, '19

Hometown:
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Major: 
Master's in Higher Education Leadership 

Why did you pick OU?
When my grad school/job school search began Oakland was the first school to contact me to set up an interview. After doing some in depth research, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to interview, but I had no intention of moving 8 hours away from home.

During my phone interview, the OU housing staff made me feel so relaxed and allowed me to be me. After that, I was offered an on campus interview and when I got here it was a done deal. I fell in love with the campus, the housing department, and the students that I met.

What student organizations and/or sports are you involved in?
Black Grad Student Association.

What do you love most about your major?
The Masters in Higher Education is based in social justice. Our classes, professors, and peers were always challenging me to think about systems of oppression and how they have cultivated a unique experience for marginalized students.

Have alumni or donors played a part in your education?
Alumni and donors are the backbone of every institution and OU is no exception. Contributions to donor-supported places that I frequent like the Kresge Library and the Oakland Center have been beneficial to all students. They provide access to research and good meeting spots to work on projects or to hang out with friends. Donors also provided scholarships for many of the students that I worked with. Without their contributions, they might not have been able to have the same experience at OU.

What is the best thing about OU?
The people! They have challenged and supported me both academically and personally. I have met some of the best people at OU I wish I could take them with me.