MA in Higher Education and Student Development
Cris Berry, 2025
Originally from the U.K., Cris moved to Virginia in 2017 as a military spouse and began a career in higher education. Working closely with military-connected students sparked a true passion for student support and development, which now shapes and drives Cris’s research as a doctoral student.
What was your specific area of study and how did you choose it?
My area of study is Higher Education and Student Development. I chose this specific area because I am passionate about student success, which naturally evolved into supporting military-connected students. As a military spouse, I witnessed firsthand the challenges service members face in balancing their educational goals and service commitments. Despite many institutions claiming to be “military friendly,” I found that policies, resources, and support services often fell short. This sparked personal commitment to advocate for these students within higher education spaces, and that passion continues to inspire my research to this day.
I completed a capstone in which I built a digital portfolio that showcased my work; this experience left me with a clear development plan, allowed me to reflect on my master’s journey, and reinforced my confidence in pursuing doctoral studies.
How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) impact you?
Combining academic research and digital tools gave me the creative outlet I didn’t know I needed to channel my thoughts into something tangible. Discovering my researcher identity was also a pivotal moment—one that ultimately inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree.
Which accomplishments during your time at George Mason are you most proud of?
Despite navigating numerous challenges during my time in the program, receiving the program’s outstanding student of the year award is my greatest accomplishment and an academic milestone that I’m most proud of. It’s a symbol of grit, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. My success is owed to the strong student-faculty connection that my program cultivates, where student development isn’t just a theory that is taught, it’s a lived experience exemplified by the faculty’s unwavering holistic support and authentic care.
Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your George Mason career?
Professor Kelly Schrum, Professor Nate Sleeter, and Professor Julie Owen were instrumental in my academic growth. Professor Chrystal George-Mwangi set the foundation for me to discover my researcher identity, and Professor Jeff Grim provided me with a safe space to grow as a researcher under his guidance and work towards publishing my first paper.
I would be remiss not to mention the invaluable support and endless encouragement from my graduate assistantship supervisor, Stephanie Hinnenkamp, and my wonderful colleagues within the CHSS Academic Affairs office. Lastly, Senior Associate Dean Lisa Breglia and Associate Dean Marguerite Rippy profoundly shaped my professional growth, and I remain deeply grateful for their guidance and support.
What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be done. The goal is progress, not perfection. And if you are ever unsure about anything, communicate early and often; I assure you that every faculty member wants to see you succeed and are more than happy to give feedback.
What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
I’m currently pursuing my PhD in education with a concentration in higher education and working as a graduate professional assistant in CHSS’s Office of Graduate Academic Affairs. My long-term career goal is to contribute meaningful research to the scholarship of teaching and learning field and be in a position to influence policies that support and enhance educational outcomes for military learners.