Alex Price
MAHE Residential Portfolio

I chose to major in higher education–student affairs because I have always felt called to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. For me, this calling is both professional and deeply personal. It stems from witnessing the transformative power of mentorship and education within my own family and recognizing the lasting impact that dedicated educators and coaches can have on young adults navigating pivotal stages of their lives.

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My passion for this field was profoundly influenced by my grandmother, Dr. Willena Kimpson Price, retired Emerita Director of the H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center and affiliate faculty at the University of Connecticut. For three decades, she devoted herself to her students, guiding them not only through academic content but through critical conversations about identity, history, and purpose. Watching her commitment to scholarship and student development instilled in me a deep respect for higher education as a space for empowerment and growth. I saw firsthand the fulfillment she gained from mentoring students and supporting them through challenges, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to have a similar impact.

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I was also shaped by my late father, Terry Price, who coached college football from 1994 to 2023. Through him, I observed the profound responsibility that comes with working closely with student-athletes. Whether recruiting or coaching, he prioritized building authentic relationships and invested in his players not just as athletes, but as young men developing academically, socially, and personally. His example demonstrated how athletics and education intersect, and how meaningful mentorship within that space can influence students long after their playing careers end.

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Because of these influences, I aspire to become a higher education professional who supports all college students while maintaining a focused commitment to those in the athletic sphere. I am especially passionate about ensuring that student-athletes thrive beyond their sport academically, socially, and personally. I hope to bridge student affairs and athletics in a way that promotes holistic development, accountability, and long-term success.

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Currently, I serve as a graduate assistant for the FASTrack (Foundations Academic Success Track) program, a first-year experience initiative designed to support students as they transition from high school to college. Through small class sizes and a cohort model, the program fosters community, structure, and connection during students’ first year. In my role, I plan and implement activities that promote engagement, academic success, and a sense of belonging. This experience has strengthened my ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and design programming that meets students where they are.

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Although the challenges I have faced in this role have been manageable, they have pushed me to think critically and creatively. For example, when attendance at events needed improvement, I developed a targeted promotional strategy that increased visibility in high-traffic areas and generated greater awareness among students. This experience enhanced my problem-solving skills and reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments where students feel encouraged to participate and grow.

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Ultimately, my academic and professional journey reflects a deep-rooted commitment to mentorship, servant leadership, and student development. Inspired by the legacies of my grandmother and father, I am determined to cultivate authentic relationships, foster resilience, and empower students to reach their full potential. Through higher education–student affairs, I hope to create meaningful experiences that shape students’ college journeys and positively influence the trajectory of their lives.