Graduate Student Affairs Council (GSAC)

Mission Statement

The purpose of the organization is to provide professional, academic, and social opportunities for students who are interested in and/or studying student affairs. GSAC is dedicated to enhancing the holistic development of the future of student affairs professionals.

Who We Are

Graduate Students who are studying in the Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) master’s program and any other student who has an interest in learning more or pursuing higher education as their field of choice. Graduate students qualify for full membership and voting privileges as long as full criteria are met.

Undergraduate students who are interested in learning more about the profession and would like the support of graduate students and industry professionals to either pursue the vocation in a master’s program or in a career path. Undergraduate students do not qualify for full memberships or voting privileges, but are encouraged to participate in all events and meetings.

We will meet as a general community once a month at a date and time determined early in August and January. Information for events, meetings, services, etc. will be sent out ahead of time.

What We Do

Preparation and guidance for conferences
Networking with each other, supervisors, and other professionals in the field
Social and service (Bobcat Build) virtual and in-person events throughout the academic year
Fundraisers
Preparation and mock case study competitions to build the foundation for individuals to compete at the state and national level
Shared knowledge on classes, comps, experience at Texas State, etc.

Membership Benefits - (Need to build out)

Graduation Stole (Graduate Students)
Membership Merch
Professional Networking Opportunities
Support and Connections with each cohort of SAHE students and other graduate/undergraduate students

2022 GSAC Executive Board Members

Sydney Rodriguez (She/Her/Hers) | Executive Director

Hometown: Floresville, Texas
Undergraduate Degree: B.A History & B.A Sociology
Undergraduate Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
Why you choose Student Affairs: I chose student affairs because I struggled during my first half of college. I was told what I should do, but not exactly helped along the process; I was a number, not an individual. I want to be the voice, the advocate for my students and others as they pursue their own dreams and ambitions.
Areas of interest after graduation: College access and transition, retention, programming in liberal or fine arts, first-generation/low-income students, Native American and Multiracial students
Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, Reading, Trivia, Anime, and Playing with my cat Nemo

Ryan Stites (He/Him/His) | Director of Administration

Hometown: Copperas Cove, Texas
Undergraduate Degree: B.A History
Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Why you choose Student Affairs: I chose Student Affairs because education is important for success and I want to help students achieve that.
Areas of interest after graduation: Campus Activities and Student Retention
Hobbies/Interests: Trivia and Napping. Not in that order

Christopher Lang (He/Him/His) | Director of Finance

Hometown: Hesperia, California
Undergraduate Degree: B.S Mathematics for Teachers of Secondary School
Undergraduate Institution: University of California - Riverside
Why I chose Student Affairs: I loved the idea of teaching in nontraditional classrooms and helping students, faculty, and family members in a non-faculty capacity.
Areas of interest after graduation: Orientation, Career Services, Campus Recreation
Hobbies/Interests: Watching sports, playing tennis, video games, have a chill night out with friends

Amanda Zimmerman (She/Her/Hers) | Director of Professional Development

Hometown: Plano, Texas
Undergraduate Degree: B.A. Theatre
Undergraduate Institution: University of North Texas
Why you choose Student Affairs: I chose to pursue a degree and career in Student Affairs because I want to help students through the challenges that come about with attending college. As a first-generation college student, I learned a lot from the hardships I experienced, and I believe Student Affairs Professionals can play a unique role in supporting students as they navigate this transformational and challenging time. My undergraduate involvement introduced me to the field and fellow professionals that made me confident in my choice to pursue Student Affairs in Higher Education. During my time as a Student Affairs Professional, I hope to develop students' leadership skills, enable them to make the most of their college experiences, and encourage them to strive for positive change on their campuses and in their communities.
Areas of interest after graduation: Fraternity & Sorority Life, Survivor Advocacy, Student Activities, Leadership Development.
Hobbies and Interests: Readings, watching Netflix, Playing with my cat, cooking, and walking outside

Lanita Legan | GSAC Advisor and Associate Director of the LBJ Student Center

Hometown: Walden, Colorado | Currently in Wimberly, Texas
Undergraduate Degree: B.A. Communication, University of Northern Colorado
Graduate Degree: M.Ed. College Student Personnel Administration, Colorado State University
Why Student Affairs: As a collegian, I found my out of classroom experiences to be excellent opportunities to practice leadership and organizational development. When I discovered that I could have a career in doing just that, I was hooked! Making a difference in students’ lives since then has been my mission and my passion!
What I like about GSAC: This is an amazing group of students with whom to work. They are passionate about their chosen career field and about bringing exceptional experiences to their cohort to enhance their academic work. It is with great pleasure and pride that I serve as their advisor.
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, camping, reading, travel, my dog, family, photography, home improvement projects.