Student Affairs Explorers

The Student Affairs Explorers program has all the tools to help you prepare for your future career in Student Affairs!

By definition, Student Affairs Educators provide services and support at institutions for higher education to enhance student growth and development. Areas within Student Affairs include Campus Living, Campus Recreation, Career Services, Leadership Programs, Greek Life, Intercultural Affairs, Orientation and First Year Programming, Student Activities, and more.

The purpose of the program is to provide programming, resources, experiential learning, and mentoring for current undergraduate and graduate students who are considering a career in Student Affairs. Participants will be exposed to the many opportunities within Student Affairs and can determine how to better prepare for this journey.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact:

Karen Smith
smithka@ecu.edu
Phone Number: (252) 328-4173

Testimonials From Past Participants

Student Affairs Explorers was previously known as Pirate Academy. Started in 2011, over 100 students have participated in the program. Part participants currently serve as Assistant Dean of Students, Resident Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator, Academic Advisors, and more.

“As an undergraduate student at ECU, I was involved in so many different ways. It fueled my energy to have numerous connections to the campus community and be actively engaged in assisting in the transition of other students. Pirate Academy is what helped me tie it all together! Being a part of Pirate Academy was an extraordinary opportunity that opened doors for me to network with professionals who opened my eyes to careers within Student Affairs. Pirate Academy allowed me gain knowledge about the breadth of pathways to which Student Affairs led and hone in on skills that related to helping, advising, and guiding students. The experiences I had in Pirate Academy also aided in my preparation for the graduate school search and to find the right Student Affairs assistantship!”

Louis Cameron, Participant 2012
Student Life and Assessment Specialist, Mercy College

“As a Pirate Academy graduate and student leader at East Carolina University I was provided the opportunity to enhance my knowledge of the functional areas within student affairs and higher education. As professionals it is imperative to understand the purpose and promote collaboration among all areas to create a positive and enriching student experience. Pirate Academy served as a building block to enhancing my relationship with my mentors, identifying my needs for a graduate degree program and then ultimately leading to my career as a Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor at the University of Missouri. Go Pirates!”

Brittany Butler, Participant 2014
Coordinator, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
University of Missouri

“Pirate Academy was my gateway to the amazing field of student affairs. From learning about the many different areas that encompass student affairs, to having mentorship and support throughout the graduate school search, I was well prepared to begin my Masters program at Florida State University. Pirate Academy was a great guide for someone like me who didn’t know about how many great opportunities the field had to offer.”

Arnez Wallace, Participant 2015
Graduate Assistant, Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement
Florida State University