The MHB Internship recognizes the Association’s core values of unconditional human worth and diversity to provide graduate students of color the opportunity to advance their career in hopes of increasing the racial diversity in the student activities profession. 

The Marsha Herman-Betzen (MHB) Internship was designed with access and inclusion in mind. This eight-week summer internship offers a graduate student of color the opportunity to network with student affairs professionals, learn the inner workings of the ACUI Central Office, obtain career development guidance, and most importantly build upon the skills they bring to the table.  

The selected intern will work with remotely with the ACUI Central Office on projects and programs that help prepare them for a position in student affairs. During the eight-week period, the intern is invited to attend the IPDS: New Professionals Orientation where they will connect with and learn from early career professionals in student affairs.  

2023 Recipient: Olivia Prioleau, Texas Christian University

Olivia Prioleau is a second-year graduate student at Texas Christian University pursuing an M.Ed. in higher education leadership. She aspires to advance in the field of higher education with a concentration in student life, admissions counseling, student success, administrative work, educational opportunity programs, and DEI. Her current work in student activities allows her to be a student advocate for them to have a voice. She sums up her work in two areas: educator and effective communicator.  

ACUI is now accepting applications for the 2024 MHB Internship! Applications are due March 30!

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Submission materials must include the following:

  1. Name, institution, and contact information of the applicant;
  2. A current resume, including educational background, anticipated graduate date, and positions or involvement held on campus, in ACUI, and/or with other relevant organizations;
  3. A personal essay, written by the applicant, addressing (in 2,500 words or less):
    • The role of the college union in advancing campus community;
    • The applicant’s career aspirations and commitment to the profession;
    • How the internship will benefit the applicant in developing as a leader;
  4. And information related to potential internship project interests and availability.

Applications are now open and due March 30.

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The review process includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the criteria listed below. The applicant must:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the college union and student activities profession.
  • Understand the importance of the profession in advancing campus community.
  • Show an interest in self-actualization through the internship

Degree-seeking graduate students of color enrolled at an ACUI member institution who intend to pursue a career in the profession, who are not set to graduate in the upcoming May or August, and who have a commitment to fulfilling the duties of the position for the length of the internship are eligible to apply.

The selected intern will receive a stipend of $2,000. Applicants will receive electronic notification confirming receipt of materials. The ACUI Central Office will review materials, conduct interviews as needed, and select one intern each year. One physical award will be given to the recipient, who will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual conference and in subsequent publications.

  • 2022: Abigail Garcia, University of Houston
  • 2021: Apryl Myers, Missouri State University
  • 2020: Sydney Scott – College of William and Mary
  • 2019: Lisa Camp – Webster University
  • 2018: Naomi Rodriguez – Kansas State University
  • 2017: David Groves – Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville
  • 2016: Maria Reyes – University of Utah

“Honestly I feel like it was great! The more conversations an intern can have with other members or connections to network with and learn from, the better. I really valued that part of my internship.” 

“The most challenging aspect of this internship is being very front facing. I walked into this internship being okay doing more background work and not be recognized, but happy to recognize other and this pushed me to be in the front.”

” I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak to different professionals because everyone has a unique experience and great advice to provide to someone like me.” 

About marsha herman-betzen

A visionary leader, Herman-Betzen always sees the greatness in the college union and student activities profession and has been critical to providing support to these professionals by developing the programs and services of ACUI. Herman-Betzen became the Association’s first woman executive director in August 1994, after working as the associate executive director and the coordinator of educational programs and services. During her tenure, she challenged and led the Association through a critical self-examination and reinvention process that turned a deficit of hundreds of thousands of dollars into comfortable operating reserves and more nimble governance.

Under her leadership, ACUI’s operating budget grew from $750,000 to $3.5 million. She led the way for ACUI to be a leading partner in countless initiatives in the higher education community, including the Women’s Leadership Institute, and was the first executive director invited to the White House for their Symposium on Hate Crimes. She is a friend to all she comes in contact with and has been largely responsible for the existing culture of the Association where everyone is unconditionally accepted.