By Sara Nelson

Happy “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week meet alumnus Jarvis McCowin (MA ’15, Educational Policy and Leadership Studies with concentration in HESA).

McCowin has spent seven months in his position as the Coordinator of Inclusion at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. In his position, McCowin assists the college in implementing guiding practices to increase the number of educators who have the competencies to work with its increasingly diverse population, and allows him to provide educational opportunities regarding inclusion, equity, and social justice to students and faculty members.

“I love the fact that I can work in an environment where students and employees are eager to learn more in the context of multicultural organizational development,” says McCowin.

McCowin joined the University of Iowa College of Education after participating in the Summer Research Opportunities Program. After speaking with professor Debora Liddell, McCowin felt that the College of Education was right for him.

“After meeting with Deb, I had a better idea of what I wanted to do with my life and most importantly, I had a why,” says McCowin. “It is safe to say, the College of Education at the University of Iowa provided me with greater sense-making around purpose, life, and career.”

McCowin credits the Higher Education and Student Affairs program with instilling the desire in him to dedicate his professional and personal life to social justice. The learning opportunities he experienced gave him connections to others that were working to advance equity, social justice, and liberation.

“The College of Education is home to many great faculty, alumni, students, and staff. Meeting and fostering meaningful and supportive relationships with other graduate students in different departments was critical to my success beyond the classroom,” says McCowin.

McCowin is grateful to the College of Education for the financial support it gives its graduate students for professional development opportunities, travel, and research, which allowed him to make invaluable connections with others doing similar work.

“I am unsure what I would be doing if it were not for the College of Education and the HESA program,” says McCowin. “I am certain that exposure to the program granted me access and opportunity beyond what I imagined when I graduated from high school and college. It also granted me with a responsibility to use my education for good, for justice.”

Want to be the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday?” or nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag them with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.