![Pam Sward](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u1635/2021/SSward%20-%202021_0.jpg?h=b6077c6e&itok=IuLpP0y5)
2021 Masters Rising Star Award Recipient
When an academic advising position opened, Pam was hired to advise students majoring in programs housed in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department. As part of her role, she welcomed new students to the CEHD through the First Year Experience seminar that she taught. She also began to pursue her master's degree at that time. After working in advising, Pam took a position in the Office of Student Success and Retention as a Success Coach through a graduate assistantship. In that role, she championed the success of probationary students as instructor for our Academic Discovery student success course.
Before coming to WMU, Pam built approximately 15 years of profession experience working with children and their families through teaching and administration roles in public and private settings within the community. She brought that experience and passion to her roles at WMU. The students benefited from her knowledge and her perspectives gained through her experiences proved to be an asset to the FCS department. Pam was able to help teach courses for the department and apply her industry knowledge within her master's program. Pam has demonstrated stellar academic performance. She is on track to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She has also shown passionate dedication to her various professional roles at WMU. Pam surely is a rising star!
Acceptance speech
My parents were not college graduates, but they encouraged me to love learning and reading. Teachable moments were ever present in my childhood. When I was attending MSU for my undergraduate degree, my mom got so excited about the campus that she decided to go to college too. Self-doubt plagued her until she earned her associates degree from Glen Oaks Community College then transferred to WMU to earn her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Her final triumph was earning her master’s degree in Social Work. I am proud to carry on my mom’s legacy of learning and embracing failure as opportunity. Thank you for selecting me to receive this special award. I proudly join my mom as a WMU alumni.
- Pam Sward
About the award
This award recognizes a College of Education and Human Development master's student who has demonstrated outstanding potential in scholarship, teaching, and/or professional leadership within Western Michigan University. The recipients shall have demonstrated a quality of performance that indicates that they will continue to develop into distinguished members of their profession.
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About the College of Education and Human Development
As the cornerstone of Western Michigan University, the College of Education and Human Development continues to build upon its rich tradition of excellence by facilitating the preparation and growth of pre K-12 teachers, human service professionals, innovative designers, and health and wellness specialists. Learn more about the programs offered from the College of Education and Human Development.