Jalen Wright

About Jalen Wright

My love for supporting and advocating for students and their success in a higher education setting happened accidentally. Like many of us who work in higher education, I did not pursue my undergraduate degree with the intent of working in higher education. Higher ed. fell into my lap unexpectedly. I went to college thinking I would be a police officer. I changed my major and decided to pursue photography. I had plans to graduate, get any job that I can, and get paid for my photography services on the side. Working at a college was not even in the equation. Little did I know, my experiences would lead me to where I am today. Who would\'ve thought that I would get my master\'s, mentor students, and even teach a college course? I sure didn\'t know that was possible. My journey to assisting students in a higher education setting started with my passion for photography and storytelling. Since I started photography, I have always explored ways to have viewers look at my work and think,\"That\'s a nice picture.\" I also want to have viewers think deeper, open their eyes, and become informed and educated on a topic that students go through when looking at my work. That way of thinking has been the cornerstone of my advocacy and unconditional support of marginalized and disenfranchised students. Through photography, I have found creative ways to educate others on microaggressions, pronouns, and other important topics to students. Supporting students in different ways has become a massive interest of mine, leading me to my first position in higher education as a Resident Assistant. My job as a Resident Assistant further solidified my love for assisting students and doing everything I can to make them feel accepted and worthy. The Resident Assistant job, and later the Residence Director position, showed me that there are different opportunities for me, outside of photography, to support students. After working in residence life for almost three years, I sought to find other avenues to help students further – Leading me to my previous position as a Career Coach and my current position as an Academic Advisor. Working as an Academic Advisor, I support and guide first-year students and ensure that their transition from high school to college is as seamless as possible. I continue to be an advocate and cheerleader to every student that I work with. I am currently exploring ways to incorporate my passion for storytelling and photography in my current position. Message me any ideas or tips that you may have!

Experience

1. Assistant Director and Coordinator for Academic Intervention, Academic Standards

   Buffalo State University

   Nov 2024 — Present

Education

• Buffalo State University

  Master of Science - MS, Higher Education/Higher Education Administration

  2018 — 2020

• State University of New York at Fredonia

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Photography

  2014 — 2018