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Student Spotlight

Once a Jackrabbit, always a Jackrabbit rings true for MaKayla Griffin who is currently pursuing her Master of Education degree in educational administration. Originally from Kasson, Minnesota, MaKayla had been visiting ������Ƶ for many years prior to attending. “I had been coming on visits and to soccer camps at ������Ƶ since I was a freshman in high school. I instantly fell in love with campus and the faculty here,” states MaKayla. “I can still say that campus and the faculty are the reason why I wanted to continue my education.” Griffin completed her B.S. from ������Ƶ in Early Childhood Education in 2022 and was also a part of the women’s soccer team for two years.

While in graduate school, MaKayla has stayed busy and really tapped into her passion for education. She has organized and facilitated the ������Ƶ Teacher Job Fair in 2023 and two Educators Rising Expos (Spring 2023 and Fall 2023), assisted with the Dakota Dreams Summer Camp event for middle schoolers, served as a temporary advisor during New Student Orientation and Jackrabbit Previews and assisted in the Field Placement Office. MaKayla also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the department and previously worked at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Anne Karabon, director for the School of Education, Counseling and Human Development, describes MaKayla as “internally motivated, cooperative, as having a positive attitude and a commitment to the education profession.”

As part of her graduate program, MaKayla has been completing one of her internships at Hillcrest Elementary School where she serves as their principal’s administrative intern. During this internship MaKayla will complete 200 hours of hands-on experiences and observations in the elementary education setting. “The team and learners at Hillcrest Elementary School have been very welcoming and a pleasure to work with,” shares Griffin.

As for what the future holds following graduation in May, MaKayla is not entirely sure. “I hope to use my skills from my internship and throughout my classes at ������Ƶ to pursue a career in education, whether that be teaching for several years and then going into an administrative role in a school district or going into higher education,” she shares. “I am very grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences ������Ƶ has given me over the past six years. There are a lot of unknowns as I head into my final semester of school, but I am confident that I will end up in a great place.”

In her spare MaKayla enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking, hiking or being on the lake with her friends and family. She is also a huge sports fan and loves to attend football, basketball and soccer games.

Awards and Scholarships

Joseph F. Nelson Graduate Scholarship Award - Deadline: Nov. 16, 2023

Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award – Deadline: Dec. 1, 2023

Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award - Deadline: Dec. 14, 2023