Real-World Education

By Shay Carroll

The College of Education and Human Development at BGSU recently welcomed new executive in residence Dr. Patrick Love, who will impart invaluable insights and knowledge to graduate students in the Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs throughout the academic year.

As a former faculty member with an extensive career as a student affairs professional, Love has experience in teaching, advising, coaching and training diverse student populations from a variety of institutions. During his residency, he wants to be able to continue to do that while sharing his real-world experience to prepare students for life after college.

“BGSU has a history of outstanding work and faculty, and I think that the graduate program and standard of higher education here is one of the top five programs in the U.S., if not in the top three,” Love said. “I wanted to be able to contribute and help out in the college, and I especially enjoy working with the graduate students.”

During his residency, Love hopes to complete many of the curriculum-based projects that the college hasn’t been able to get to yet simply due to the pacing of other events and projects. Since arriving at BGSU, Love has already started job-search and resume workshops, which he says is his area of expertise.

“Our students are already benefitting from his involvement,” said Maureen Wilson, who chairs the graduate programs in higher education and student affairs. “As an administrator, Dr. Love has hired a large number of professionals at all levels of the organization. He has been doing job search workshops with our master’s and doctoral students, giving very helpful guidance on resume construction and interview strategies.”

Additionally, Love ran a series of workshops and mock interviews during BGSU’s New Professionals in Transition conference, a program run by the college student personnel master’s students. In the spring, he will be offering a new elective course titled Resource Management and Attraction in Higher Education.  

Love is able to speak to what high-level college and university administrators are looking for and what skills are needed to advance a career in higher education and student affairs, which is vital knowledge for the students he will be coaching during his residency.  

“Because most of our graduates go on to serve in administrative roles, the direct and recent experience he brings to the program is invaluable for our students,” Wilson explained.  

Currently, Love is meeting with others to discuss new projects and what he can accomplish during his stay so he can contribute to the forward momentum of the program. In November, Love will also be conducting a lecture where he will address complexities in the higher education and discuss the skills and competencies students need to succeed in life and work.

“When I started in August, I really had to just hit the ground running,” Love said. “It’s been quite the change, but the staff and students have been so welcoming and supportive, and I really hope that I can give back and contribute to the college.”