Markeshia Iverson

Professional Philosophy Statement

As a student affairs professional, it is important to me that I have a philosophy that guides

my practice. This philosophy will be focused on self-reflection, ethics and values, student

development, and equity-based practices. I intend on carrying these principles with me

throughout my career.

As a student affairs professional, self-reflection and vulnerability are key traits I desire to

have in order to effectively connect with students. It is important that I am able to identify and

articulate who I am and what I believe in so that I can inspire the students that I serve to embark

on their own journey. Self-reflection will allow me to develop self-awareness and will enable me

to have a deeper understanding of others so that I am able to be more empathetic and

compassionate towards students and colleagues. Being self-aware and vulnerable has a way of

ultimately empowering a person because they are able to identify their strengths and weaknesses

and build or improve on them. I want to motivate students to see themselves more clearly and to

have a better understanding of one’s self so that they can identify their goals and purpose in life.

As a student affairs professional, I believe it is important to have a strong ethical

foundation. It is my goal to not only be aware of my own values and beliefs, but to also be

understanding of the idea that other students and professionals’ values and beliefs may differ

from mine. I wish to practice in an environment where my ethics and values align with the

mission and vision of the institution and to have the courage to challenge actions that are not

consistent with my ethical standards. I feel as though it is important to maintain my integrity in

my personal and professional environments. My desire in establishing an ethical foundation is to

serve as a model and mentor for students and other professionals in the workplace. My goal is to

reach and maintain an advanced level in the Personal and Ethical Foundations competency area.

Student development is a motivating factor for the reason why I chose to be a student

affairs professional. I truly believe that education can be used as a key to success so helping

students to achieve their educational goals is important to me. I intend to foster a more holistic

approach to developing students. I have a desire to assist students in developing academically,

personally, emotionally, socially, and in any way possible. I will understand that each student is

different and I will not judge a student on where they come from or where they are at that

moment. I have a desire to meet each student where they are at in their life and help build them

to be the best they can be or want to be. I believe mentorship plays a key role in student

development. I value mentorship because I was not fortunate enough to have the mentorship I

needed as a youth so I hope to be the mentor to others that I never had.

As a student affairs professional, I have a desire to do my work through an equity-based

lens. I feel it is my job as a student affairs professional to hold myself accountable in engaging in

equitable practices. I will do work to promote equity among all groups to ensure students feel

like they have a seat at the table and that they are seen and heard. Creating an inclusive

environment is an important factor in making sure students feel supported on campus. A part of

creating an inclusive environment is providing students the safe space necessary to tell their own

stories and experiences. I will spend the necessary time educating myself on different cultures

and student groups so that I am better equipped and understand how to serve students

accordingly. I will not not only attend the necessary training and workshops on social justice,
inclusivity, and equity, but I will also learn of ways to integrate my acquired knowledge into my

everyday workplace. An important part of my goal in serving students is to be a part of

dismantling oppressive systems that have existed in higher education since its creation. Lastly, I

would like to challenge my colleagues to view their work through an equity-based lens by

encouraging difficult conversations and sharing of personal opinions and ideas.

I have no doubt that my journey through student affairs will be a rich experience with

many ups and downs, but my goal is to always remember the “why”. “Why did I choose student

affairs?” “Why do I do the work that I do?” Students. As long as I believe that the answer to my

questions is “students”, then the ups and downs will always be worth it. I can only hope that my

philosophy continues to guide me throughout my journey.