Alumni Spotlights Series: Sara Stevens

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Sara Stevens, Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional School Engagement at Duke University, possesses a remarkable knack for connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enriching alumni relations. Armed with a Bachelor's in Philosophy from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master's from Duke, she has played a crucial role in enhancing the success of Duke's alumni network. 

What influenced your decision to attend the GLS program?

I was seeking a holistic education, which can only be achieved through interdisciplinary studies. The GLS program offers that structure and allows me to design my path through access to the larger courses within Duke University. 

One of the features of GLS is the ability to craft your curriculum. Can you talk about the path you took with your courses while in the GLS program?

I knew I wanted to focus on sexuality in some capacity. My experience working with students in higher education ultimately led me to create a thesis focusing on sexual misconduct in higher education, specifically Duke. I looked at the GLS course offerings as well as the graduate seminars offered in other departments and chose any course with any gender and/or sexual lens. Dr. Amy Laura Hall and Dr. Martin Eisner were two professors directly within the GLS program who always incorporated those two aspects in their courses. My breakthrough course was the History of Sexuality with Dr. Pete Sigal in the History department. Dr. Sigal was my primary advisor along with Dr. Amy Laura Hall. Together we built a curriculum that fulfilled my interests and something I could not have created without the interdisciplinary structure of GLS.   

Please tell us about your Master's Project. What did you do? What was that process like?

My Master's project focused on sexual misconduct policy at Duke University. How the Duke policy is very reactive and at best, built on an abstinence-only form of sex education. The process was difficult without a rigid structure, but that was not a negative by any means. It forced me to make decisions and take risks I otherwise could not have done if I had chosen a more structured program. Of course, my primary advisors and faculty within the department helped me make those tough decisions. 

After completing and compiling all the relevant data from coursework and extracurriculars, Dr. Sigal and Dr. Hall both worked with me to structure the outline of my thesis. I made sure this was complete before the last semester, so I could use the entire time to write. 

What other opportunities were essential for you in your academic journey?

Traveling to conferences! I attended two conferences while in the program, The Association of Graduate Liberal Studies (AGLSP) conference and the Southeastern Women’s Studies Association Conference (SEWSA). Both were possible thanks to the travel fund provided by GLS funded by alumni. Without this travel scholarship, I would not have been able to attend. Conferences are so important for professional development, showcasing your own work and the work of others within the field and connecting to what it means to be a graduate student. 

What are 2-3 ways your GLS experience helped prepare you for your current career role and/or previous roles?

I still work with students in higher education. While my direct work does not include sexual health, I am able to bring what I know to my interactions with students. I'm also able to connect with them as a fellow graduate student. That simple, "I know what you're going through" goes a long way in my line of work.

What did you do next after finishing GLS/MALS (further education, career moves, etc.)? What are a few helpful takeaways from your first years out of GLS?

I ended up focusing on my career in higher education, but returning for a PhD is not off the table! The GLS program is a great on-ramp to a doctorate program (or maybe a more specific graduate or professional degree). It was important to me that I return to my career and fully process what it takes to complete a graduate degree. 

What are 2-3 pieces of advice you would offer to new GLS students?

Get involved with GLS and with the larger Duke Community. Join Graduate and Professional School Government, be an active member of any club, take courses in a professional school and use the Thompson Writing Program. 

PATHS TO SUCCESS: ALUMNI COURSE HIGHLIGHTS 

Discover how our alumni tailored their studies to align with their passions and professional aspirations, and see the wide range of subjects that contributed to their comprehensive liberal arts education.

LS 750 The Self in the World 

LS 770-88 The Arabian Nights in the West 

LS 770-91 Dante's Divine Comedy 

LS 780-92 War, Myth, and Masculinity in the U.S. 

HISTORY 501S The History of Sexuality 

LS 770-96 Boccaccio and Gender 

LS 780-12 History of Political Nonviolence 

LS 770-98 Race, Surrealism, and Apocalyptic in North American Film 

Master’s Project Proseminar – Dr. Kent Wicker