Michael Eynon

Pronouns: 

He/Him

Department:

Disability Services for Students

How did you end up going into your current role or field and what do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I ended up in my current role after taking a disability psychology class while employed at SSU. It profoundly impacted my understanding in regards to people with disabilities and I felt I could provide additional support to these students on campus. At the conclusion of the class, there was an opening at Disability Services for Students (DSS) for an advisor. I felt this role brought together my passion for psychology, advising and mental health support.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sonoma State community?

The people. I enjoy meeting staff, faculty and students throughout campus and forming connections and partnerships. It is a rewarding feeling when I am able to connect a student with an opportunity because I heard about a faculty or staff member looking for a student with specific qualities. I feel my role is to connect people to information and opportunities so they can make the most well-informed decisions they can about what is best for them. 

What do you find most fulfilling about working in higher education?

The students I see are motivated and have specific goals they wish to achieve. I have the pleasure of working with students who face some of the most difficult barriers but show remarkable capability and willpower to complete their degree. They have found success at SSU and I am honored to be a supporter of their process and future goals. As a first-generation student myself, I greatly value working with the first-generation population. I try to assist them with building the playbook for navigating college with limited college cultural capital.

In what ways does your work make an impact on students, the campus or the broader campus community?

The DSS office serves 12% of the student population at SSU with the majority of those students utilizing our testing services. I appreciate that the work I do provides students with equal access to the classroom and university environment. I have also worked hard since I began my position to make DSS more visible on campus so students and faculty are aware of our support services. I enjoy being someone faculty can call to discuss an accommodation or student need.