It’s no easy feat to tailor the best student experience in the country for a growing campus approaching 80,000 Aggies. But at Texas A&M, it’s made possible by recognizing how college transcends academics and valuing the learning opportunities outside the classroom that help students grow personally and professionally. Dedicated student affairs professionals ensure that student organizations, sports clubs, housing, campus events and outdoor recreation opportunities run smoothly and that Texas A&M feels like home.

Every day, a group of Aggies pursuing their master’s degree in educational administration with an emphasis in student affairs administration in higher education (SAAHE) puts theory into practice through their roles in the Division of Student Affairs. Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of student affairs leaders, the SAAHE program allows for paid assistantships across departments in the division and other offices on campus. Students benefit from the flexibility the program provides to gain experience in their chosen professional interests alongside their coursework, whether they are a full-time student or are already in the workforce.

“From day one, students immediately turn knowledge into action, applying classroom concepts to connect theory and practice in meaningful ways,” said SAAHE Program Director and Clinical Professor Dr. Krista Bailey. “The blend of rigorous academics and immersive practice prepares SAAHE graduates to design programs, respond to complex challenges and foster meaningful student engagement.”

Building strong professional relationships and learning skills through individualized mentorship in cohorts of 12-16 students, SAAHE students stand out to employers, consistently securing full-time roles within three to six months of completing the program.

“Since the program’s founding, more than 400 former students comprise an expansive network, providing opportunities for connection and collaboration,” added Dr. Bailey.

From the stories of four SAAHE students, we get a glimpse of their day-to-day in the Division of Student Affairs and their development as student affairs leaders to build community, inspire growth, offer mentorship and empower students.

Maya Rojo ’27: Building Community for Aggies

Graduate Assistant, Department of Multicultural Services

Hometown: Austin, Texas
Favorite Texas A&M or SAAHE Memory: Class discussions with SAAHE peers on their shared passion for supporting students.

When Maya Rojo ’27 arrived in Aggieland to interview for the SAAHE program, she was immediately drawn to the welcoming faculty and the tight-knit camaraderie a cohort would provide. For her, it was important to learn in a supportive environment because that’s what she hopes to create for students in the future: new student experiences that retain and increase their sense of belonging and involvement on campus.

As a graduate assistant in the Department of Multicultural Services (DMS), she receives on-the-job training towards her goal by advising student executives from two student organizations, with one specifically targeted towards first-year students to ease their transition to Texas A&M. In this role, she draws on her undergrad experience as a peer mentor, where she worked with more than 200 first-year students to help them adjust to college life and become their “first friend on campus.” Combined with the lessons from her SAAHE classes on how to recognize and best converse with different student personality types, Rojo ensures that DMS is building community spaces for Aggies across all backgrounds, interests and majors.

“Through the SAAHE program, I’m excited to explore opportunities, attend conferences and learn about how student affairs is administered across university systems so that I can help create a community that keeps students engaged on campus.”

Adam LaMasters ’16 ’27: Inspiring Aggies to Grow

Student Development Specialist, Student Life

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Favorite Texas A&M or SAAHE Memory: Receiving his Aggie Ring during his senior year of undergrad, signifying to him as a first-generation student that he can accomplish what he sets out to do.

From culinary school and professionally baking for 10 years, Adam LaMasters ’16 ’27 was ready for a new challenge. Wanting to attend college outside of Phoenix, he knew he was meant to be an Aggie when stepping onto campus for the first time while visiting a friend.

“Coming to campus, it immediately felt like home. It was 100% the Spirit of Aggieland that was calling me. I immediately met with an advisor to get information on how I could attend. I even moved to College Station before admissions results were released because I was determined to make it here.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology and supporting children with autism for five years, LaMasters returned to Texas A&M as a student development specialist in Student Life. Corresponding directly with students, he assists them in accessing the appropriate guidance, resources and support to address personal and academic matters.

Having discovered his calling, LaMasters began to dive deeper into his role when a graduate assistant in his office introduced him to the SAAHE program. With the encouragement of his colleagues — some of whom are SAAHE alumni — he decided to take the leap to apply.

In his daily work, LaMasters has noticed how student development theories help him better understand students, leading to their increased success inside and outside the classroom. Upon completing his master's degree, he hopes to eventually grow into a leadership role, continuing to serve Aggies and inspiring them to expand their horizons and forge their own paths.

Najashi Belcher ’26: Mentoring Aggies to Overcome Challenges

Graduate Hall Director, Residence Life

Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Favorite Texas A&M or SAAHE Memory: Attending Midnight Yell for the first time with his cohort, which was his first introduction to what it means to be an Aggie.

Najashi Belcher ’26 wore many hats during his undergraduate years. He was a student pursuing a business degree in hospitality management, a resident advisor, a student ambassador at the undergraduate admissions office and even the student representative on the board of trustees for development. He credits his upbringing to his various involvements and how he decided to pursue the SAAHE program at Texas A&M.

“I was born and raised in a household that emphasizes how education and knowledge lead to the ability to grow, to be pushed outside of comfort zones and to unlock potential. All these former experiences in undergrad were tied to improving student experiences, so while I didn’t have a formal background in student affairs, I was ready to tackle graduate school as a new challenge.”

Belcher holds an assistantship as a graduate hall director in Residence Life, overseeing residents living in Neeley Hall. His three main priorities are to ensure resident safety, build community and maintain a working facility. Beyond those operational needs, Belcher mentions that his SAAHE education comes into play when he interacts with students and other resident staff members. He takes a supportive approach by mentoring employees to grow past their mistakes and coaches them through the correct steps. In addition, he’s applied the technical aspects of his SAAHE courses to his practicum experience in updating assessment questions for a student focus group he’s leading.

Following graduation, Belcher hopes to become a student affairs leader that can adapt to changing trends in the higher education space, while advocating to students how their time in school is invaluable and how the value of a college degree goes beyond academics.

Victoria Ortiz ’26: Empowering Aggies to Make Impact

Graduate Assistant, MSC Programs

Hometown: Laredo, Texas
Favorite Texas A&M or SAAHE Memory: Studying and having a group of lifelong friends through her SAAHE cohort by encouraging one another and being on the journey together.

Victoria Ortiz’s ’26 wish to empower students brought her to Texas A&M — her dream school and a place where she could make an impact as a first-generation student.

“I always wanted to attend Texas A&M, and while working at Texas A&M International University, I realized I wanted to be closer to students. A friend who is a former SAAHE student introduced me to what a career in student affairs could look like.”

Excited about the SAAHE program’s emphasis on practical education experiences and student development, Ortiz looked forward to being connected with student-facing opportunities. As a graduate assistant in MSC Programs, she is able to make this a reality, acting as an advisor to student organization leaders. Employing her SAAHE knowledge on how to navigate various student situations, she guides student leaders through questions and logistical challenges so they can focus on creating memorable and engaging experiences for their members.

Being a first-generation college student has shaped her outlook in supporting students who may feel nervous about navigating the unfamiliar aspects of college life. Her own experiences have solidified her post-graduation goals of being on the front lines, collaborating with students and giving them the confidence boost to discover new interests and develop as young professionals and leaders.

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Visit the Texas A&M SAAHE website to learn more about the program and careers in the field of student affairs.