Novalla Coleman: Finishing what she started years ago
Graduate Profile
As an Academic Advisor at Governors State University (GovState), Novalla Coleman supports students on their journeys to reach Commencement—a journey she herself is completing this spring. This milestone has been in the making for some time, since Novalla decided to finish what she started years ago.
As she gets closer to wrapping this chapter, Novalla reflects on her experience as a student in the Interdisciplinary Leadership program.
GovState Newsroom: What’s your degree and why did you choose it?
Novalla: My degree is in Interdisciplinary Leadership, an Education Doctorate degree with a concentration in higher education leadership. I chose this degree because I wanted to finish something I started years ago. Also, I always viewed education as a powerful gateway to success; in most cases, credentials could not be taken away once earned.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Novalla: Before joining the Jaguar Nation, I thought I was done working in higher education, but this is where I belong, and so here I am. I love the work we do to help students gain skills, knowledge, and credentials that hopefully will be life-altering for them, their families, and their communities.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Novalla: My dream is to help change the way higher education works for first and second-generation students and their parents as an innovative leader.
GovState Newsroom: What project or passions are you excited to explore post-graduation?
Novalla: I look forward to helping parents and families help their college students remain in or return to college.
GovState Newsroom: What album, movie, or tv show was on repeat during your time at GovState?
Novalla: I listened to Swan Lake: Swan Theme by Tchaikovsky when drafting papers and Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky Korsakov when time was of the essence.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Novalla: Go for that goal that has been sitting on the shelf. GovState is a great place to finish what you started or start anew, for that matter.