Buena Vista University honors four graduate students of the year

Buena Vista University proudly announces the recipients of this year’s Graduate Student of the Year awards. This prestigious honor is awarded to graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, outstanding leadership in their professions and communities, and a commitment to education for service in their personal and career goals.

This year's honorees, recognized for their dedication and excellence, are:

• Maria Barksdale, master of education in teacher leadership, curriculum and instruction

• Emily Kolsrud, master of science in education in professional school counseling

• Lindsay Weyer, master of science in education in clinical mental health counseling

• Matthew Brostad, master of arts in organizational leadership

Each of these remarkable individuals has shared their unique journeys and reflections about their time with BVU, highlighting what this achievement means to them and expressing their gratitude for the recognition.

Maria Barksdale, director of the Junior High Program at the Montessori School of Englewood in Chicago, pursued her Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction to better serve her school community and enhance her leadership skills. Though she couldn't attend the commencement, she is proud of her accomplishment and grateful for BVU's supportive learning environment. “There are many areas of my role as a leader that have benefited and will continue to benefit from my studies at BVU, including professional development, coaching, and assessment analysis and design,” said Barksdale. “While I will continue to work at MSE as a teacher-leader next school year, my duties as a coach will be expanding. I am grateful that I can move forward in that role with more confidence thanks to my education at BVU.”

Emily Kolsrud is looking forward to pursuing a doctorate in counselor education to continue teaching and advocating for the next generation of counselors. Currently an elementary school counselor at Dayton Elementary in Dayton, she credits BVU for providing the flexibility needed to balance her professional and personal commitments. “I loved how the professors recognized that we are professionals going to school and often have to prioritize other commitments,” said Kolsrud. This Master of Science in Education in Professional School Counseling has enriched her role, providing valuable resources to share with her school community.

Lindsay Weyer reflects on her journey at BVU with gratitude for the support system that enabled her to balance work, school, and family life in order to earn her Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Currently providing individual, couples, and family counseling services at Goldfinch Counseling in Windsor Heights, Weyer emphasizes the importance of the cohort-style classes at BVU for support and encouragement. “A graduate degree is a team effort, and I owe a great deal to my incredible partner, son, family, friends, professors, supervisor, and cohort for giving me the support I needed to balance everything,” she said. Weyer plans to continue growing at Goldfinch Counseling and looks forward to becoming a counselor educator and supervisor in the future.

Matthew Brostad, operations and process improvement director for United Community Health Center in Storm Lake, has always had a deep connection to BVU, having received his undergraduate biology degree there in 2004.

“BVU's strong reputation, coupled with the format of this program, made it my top choice,” said Brostad. He credits the leadership and change management skills gained through his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program for his success in leading significant projects at UCHC. “As a senior leader at UCHC, I use many of the research-based methods taught in this program daily,” he added.

BVU celebrates the accomplishments of these four exemplary graduate students and looks forward to their continued success and contributions to their fields.