Getting Ready For the Fall Deadline - See You Next Week!
Release Date: 07/28/2025
Mentorship, Mistakes, and Mastery: Succeeding in Graduate School
Victors in Grad School
Are you considering grad school or currently on the graduate education journey? The latest episode of “Victors in Grad School” offers a wealth of insightful advice, candid reflections, and actionable tips for students at every stage of their academic careers. Hosted by , Director of Graduate Programs at University of Michigan-Flint, this episode features guest , Assistant Dean of Students at the and a current PhD candidate. Personal Journeys: Decisions and Mentorship The conversation begins with Lucas Langdon sharing his unique path from undergraduate studies to a thriving career in...
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Communicate with Confidence: Tips for Graduate Student Success
Victors in Grad School
Effective communication isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a core skill for success in graduate school and in life. In the latest Victors in Grad School episode, "Communicating Your Needs with Confidence," and tackle a challenge every grad student encounters: advocating for yourself and expressing what you truly need to thrive. Reilly Chabie, a regular contributor, dives deep into why communication matters—not only academically but across every dimension of wellness. She introduces listeners to the "balancing act" every student faces, emphasizing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (emotional,...
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Juggling Responsibilities: Key Tips for Graduate Student Success
Victors in Grad School
Graduate school is a journey often described as a juggling act, and for good reason. In the recent episode “Juggling & Balancing – How to Multitask and Stabilize in Grad School” of the Victors in Grad School podcast, and Matthew Oxie delve into what it really takes to find success amidst the constant pull of academic, personal, and professional responsibilities. Understanding Grad School Stress Dr. Lewis opens the conversation by normalizing the stress that comes with graduate school. As he puts it, “There is a lot that you are going to be tossing in the air… Sometimes we...
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How Melissa Winter Found Her Path and Built Community in Grad School
Victors in Grad School
Are you thinking about taking the next step toward a graduate degree, but feeling uncertain about what that journey might look like? On this week’s episode of “Victors in Grad School,” host sits down with , Director of Housing and Dining at the University of Michigan-Flint, to discuss her distinct path through two graduate programs, the bumps along the way, and the keys to sustaining success as a student and professional. Melissa’s story begins with her undergraduate experience at Oakland University, where active campus involvement ignited her interest in higher education as a career....
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Balancing Work, Family, and Graduate School: Amy Hovey’s Success Story
Victors in Grad School
This week’s episode of Victors in Grad School features an insightful conversation between and , CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Amy shares her unique journey back to graduate education and offers invaluable advice for anyone considering elevating their career with an advanced degree. Amy's story is one that resonates with working professionals, parents, and lifelong learners alike. After graduating from Alma College, Amy dove into her career—first in the for-profit sector, later discovering her true passion in nonprofit work. She candidly...
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Finding Success Amidst the Twists and Turns of Graduate School With Hilary Murmers
Victors in Grad School
The path to and through graduate school is rarely a straight line, and in a recent episode of the “Victors in Grad School” podcast, , LGBTQIA Coordinator at the University of Michigan, Flint, shares her remarkable journey—a testament to resilience, clarity of purpose, and the power of community. Hosted by , the episode begins by exploring Hilary’s academic background. After graduating from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Women’s Studies, Hilary faced early rejection in her first attempt to enter PhD programs in gender studies. Instead of feeling...
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How to Work Smarter, Not Harder, in Graduate School With the SmartPhD System
Victors in Grad School
Graduate school is often described as a journey—one filled with peaks of accomplishment and valleys of self-doubt. This week’s "Victors in Grad School" episode with is a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of advanced study, or even just considering taking the leap into grad school. Hosted by , the conversation delves deep into the realities of pursuing a graduate degree across different countries and cultures, and the unique obstacles that arise, especially when juggling family, working in a second language, and adjusting to new academic systems. Dr. Juarez shares her own...
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Finding Success in Graduate School: Mindset, Community, and Self-Care
Victors in Grad School
Embarking on the journey of graduate school is both exciting and challenging, a truth eloquently explored in the recent episode of Victors in Grad School featuring , Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Honors Program at the . Hosted by , the conversation delves into the realities of graduate education, highlighting transformative experiences and sharing practical wisdom for current and prospective students. A central theme of the discussion is the importance of mindset. Dr. Sreckovic reflects on her transitions—from classroom teacher to graduate student, then onto a doctoral...
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Why Accreditation Matters When Choosing Your Graduate School Program
Victors in Grad School
If you’re planning your path to graduate school—whether you’re a first-generation student, a working professional, or a lifelong learner—there’s a crucial factor you shouldn’t overlook: accreditation. In a recent episode of the "Victors in Grad School" podcast, sits down with , Accreditation Officer at the , to demystify accreditation and explain why it matters so much to your graduate journey. Understanding Accreditation—Your Assurance of Quality Dr. Lewis opens the conversation by highlighting how many students overlook accreditation while searching for the right program....
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Why Mentorship Matters in Grad School: Insights from Dr. Jonathan Bartels
Victors in Grad School
Embarking on graduate school is more than just an academic decision—it’s a deeply personal journey marked by self-discovery, challenge, growth, and, ultimately, transformation. In the recent episode of Victors in Grad School, sat down with Dr. , Assistant Professor of Education at the , to explore the realities of pursuing advanced degrees and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Dr. Bartels’ candid reflection on his path—from an undergraduate at East Carolina University to earning his master’s while teaching, and then pursuing a doctorate at UNC Chapel Hill—sheds light...
info_outlineHello everyone, Chris here with Victors in Grad School. I wanted to give you a quick update that we’re taking a short pause this week from releasing a new episode. Our Office of Graduate Programs is in full gear preparing for the Fall 2025 application deadline, and that means I need to shift my focus just for a few days to make sure everything is running smoothly for our prospective students.
We'll be back next week with more great conversations and insights to help you navigate your graduate school journey. In the meantime, let this serve as your reminder: check those deadlines! Whether you're applying to UM-Flint or another institution, staying ahead of the timeline is a huge part of setting yourself up for success.
If grad school is part of your future goals, take the next step—get that application in, reach out to programs with questions, and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you.
Talk to you soon!