Graduate Fellows Transform Personal Experience Into Pathways for Student Success

Timothy Awojobi and Amanda Simo are two students in Seton Hall’s College of Human Development, Culture, and Media who have recently been awarded the competitive Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) Fellowship, as they suit the profile of emerging leaders committed to advancing equity, access and innovation in higher education.

Concentrating on assisting student veterans through policy and research, Timothy Awojobi, United States Air Force military veteran (USAF) and Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy program at Seton Hall, describes the OSHE Fellowship as a career highlight and turning point.

"Receiving the OSHE Fellowship has been both personally meaningful and professionally transformative," said Awojobi. "On a personal level, it affirms my commitment to serving the student veteran community and strengthens my motivation to continue navigating the rigors of doctoral study." 

Professionally, he adds that the Fellowship provides a platform to expand his leadership in higher education by directly contributing to state-level initiatives that impact thousands of students across New Jersey.

Awojobi’s research focuses on the challenges faced by student veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in higher education — a subject deeply connected to his own journey as a veteran navigating academia. Through the fellowship, he is engaging with state-level initiatives, gaining access to data and networks that will enrich his dissertation and help translate his findings into actionable policy recommendations.

"Overall, my goal is to create pathways that ensure veterans have the tools and resources needed to thrive academically and personally," he said. "The program facilitates direct engagement with leaders and policymakers. That means a lot to me."

He states that the research will not only contribute to the scholarly understanding within the field of higher education administration but will also inform policies and practices that lead to more equitable and supportive environments for student veterans.

Representing Diversity

Building on her classmate’s experience, Amanda Simo sees this opportunity as a chance to further equity in terms of opportunities for students with disabilities.

Also pursuing a Ph.D. in the Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy program, she describes the fellowship as an "immeasurable" opportunity to connect scholarly research with pressing social needs.

"I am excited to learn from such an impactful leading organization that is committed to improving equity, access and affordability in our higher education system for the betterment of society. I feel fortunate to become a part of the OSHE team under Dr. Brian K. Bridges’s leadership," said Simo. 

Her research interest is motivated by her own personal experience as a parent of a post-secondary student with a disability who has just started post-secondary studies.

"I found myself concerned about the challenges and barriers faced by this underrepresented student group. My coursework in the Higher Education program has deepened my interest in examining the role that academic research plays in the policy-making process that addresses societal issues," she added.

In the fellowship, Simo hopes to gain more in-depth knowledge in policy, compliance, and data analysis, which will benefit her research and guide more inclusive higher education practices.

"This includes state-level higher education policies, compliance, research and data analysis, evaluations and initiatives to name a few," she added.

Doctoral Program Fosters Future Leaders

Both Awojobi and Simo credited their success to the powerful and exciting learning environment created by Seton Hall University and its leadership.

For Simo, the educational, research, and professional development opportunities in the university’s doctoral program are truly unique, with resources, partnerships and networking that provide invaluable experiences.

"I'm grateful to the brilliant College faculty, administration and staff, especially Dr. Rong Chen, who introduced my colleague and me to the OSHE Fellowship," said Simo. "In addition to her commitment to our education, she makes an effort to connect us with guest speakers, research conferences, and networking events that have been incredibly helpful."

She added, "I'm also fortunate to be surrounded by passionate colleagues from whom I continue to learn in our program." 

Awojobi also shares positive feedback, crediting his success to the university’s Ph.D. program and faculty guidance, particularly from Chen, which enabled him to delve deeper into his research on veterans and mental health, as well as engage in discourse on higher education programs.

"The Seton Hall Ph.D. program has equipped me with the knowledge, mentorship, and professional development needed to advance in my field," he said. "These experiences demonstrate how the Ph.D. program fosters direct engagement with leaders and policymakers while preparing graduates to lead and make a lasting impact in higher education."