This spring, 163 students will earn undergraduate or graduate degrees from Virginia Tech’s School of Education. Of that total, more than half are graduate students, receiving master’s or doctoral degrees.
Meet three graduate students and members of the class of 2025.
Saudamini Perinchery, who is earning a PhD. in counselor education, chose Virginia Tech because of its academic reputation and supportive culture.
Perinchery said her interactions with faculty members have been highlights of her time in the counselor education program. Her favorite professor, Kwame Harrison, who is an Alumni Distinguished Professor in the Sociology Department, helped her to enrich her qualitative research skills, while her class with Matthew Fullen, an associate professor who leads the counselor education program, reframed her self-identity as a counselor-researcher.
After graduation, Perinchery plans to teach and conduct research in counselor education, emphasizing the interconnectedness of her roles as an educator, researcher, and clinician.
She offered advice to future students.
“Self-care is not a luxury, but a vital practice for survival in the challenging yet rewarding journey ahead,” she said.
Kendall Holloway, another counselor education doctoral graduate, said she appreciated the School of Education faculty and the supportive network within the counselor education program. Holloway, who also received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech, said the university is her “home away from home.”
Professors in the program, such as Laura Welfare, have played pivotal roles in shaping her professional development, instilling in her the conviction to advocate for equitable eating disorder treatment through her research and clinical practice.
Upon graduation, Holloway hopes to bridge gaps in counseling and elevate the standards of clinical supervision while exemplifying a commitment to inclusivity and representation. She particularly encourages students interested in the counseling field to talk with seasoned professionals and remain attuned to their personal motivations.
“Don’t be afraid to carve your own path,” she said. “There’s room for your voice and your story.”
Jamal Jefferson-Ross is another two-time Hokie. He will earn a master’s degree in higher education administration and student affairs, after receiving bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech in political science and in philosophy, politics, and economics.
Jefferson-Ross attributes his growth as a student to supportive faculty, notably Chase Catalano, an associate professor who believed in him and nurtured his potential. His favorite course, college student development theory, equipped him with the language to articulate his experiences in higher education.
Looking ahead, Jefferson-Ross plans to address retention and advocacy issues within student affairs, armed with the skills and insights gained during his graduate studies. His heartfelt advice for prospective students is rooted in self-reflection and resilience.
“Take time to sit back and reflect on your journey so far,” he said. “Continuously think about your ‘why’ and allow it to mold and shape you as you grow. Believe in yourself and don’t second-guess your abilities. You’ll see that amazing things are on the way.”
Written by Jacob Perkins, a graduate assistant in the School of Education