A bit about Sonja ...
Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D. is a learner, educator, facilitator, and author. Proud of her rural hometown of Vidrine, Louisiana, her working-class, Cajun roots, and her first-generation college student to PhD journey, Sonja holds a B.S. in secondary education from LSU, a M.S. in higher education and student affairs from Florida State, and a Ph.D. in educational research and policy analysis from NC State. She considers herself a scholar-practitioner of higher education; she served as an administrator for 10 years before shifting to the faculty in 2015. She currently serves as program director and associate professor in the student affairs administration program at Appalachian State University. Sonja's career path includes experience in student activities, leadership development, community engagement, fraternity and sorority life, student conduct, and academic advising.
Sonja's research interests include social class identity in higher education; college access and success, particular for first-generation college students and students from rural areas; student and women's leadership development and practice; and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs. Sonja has co/authored four books, one monograph issue, and numerous book chapters and journal articles, and she has served as a speaker and consultant across the U.S.
Sonja stays engaged in the field through presenting, facilitating, and volunteering with national organizations such as ACPA, AFLV, ASHE, the Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA, and several journal editorial boards. She is a contributor to the NASPA Center for First-generation Student Success advocacy group, the NASPA Faculty Council, the NASPA Region III (Southeast) Board, and the AFLV Board of Directors. She also serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of College Student Development-Research in Brief and the Journal of First-generation Student Success and as a reviewer for the Review of Higher Education.
Sonja contributes to literature through books, book chapters, journal articles, and blogs and enjoys reading the work of others. She credits her love of reading to her grandmother, who always brought her to the local library as a child and challenged her to read the maximum number of books each week.
Sonja also enjoys traveling, dancing and listening to music, reading, writing, sports, laughing, and spending time with people (and dogs) she loves.
You can read more about Sonja's educational and professional journey in her December 2016 or April 2018 The Chronicle of Higher Education Interviews.
Sonja's research interests include social class identity in higher education; college access and success, particular for first-generation college students and students from rural areas; student and women's leadership development and practice; and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs. Sonja has co/authored four books, one monograph issue, and numerous book chapters and journal articles, and she has served as a speaker and consultant across the U.S.
Sonja stays engaged in the field through presenting, facilitating, and volunteering with national organizations such as ACPA, AFLV, ASHE, the Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA, and several journal editorial boards. She is a contributor to the NASPA Center for First-generation Student Success advocacy group, the NASPA Faculty Council, the NASPA Region III (Southeast) Board, and the AFLV Board of Directors. She also serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of College Student Development-Research in Brief and the Journal of First-generation Student Success and as a reviewer for the Review of Higher Education.
Sonja contributes to literature through books, book chapters, journal articles, and blogs and enjoys reading the work of others. She credits her love of reading to her grandmother, who always brought her to the local library as a child and challenged her to read the maximum number of books each week.
Sonja also enjoys traveling, dancing and listening to music, reading, writing, sports, laughing, and spending time with people (and dogs) she loves.
You can read more about Sonja's educational and professional journey in her December 2016 or April 2018 The Chronicle of Higher Education Interviews.
