Savneet Bains Ph.D. ’25, Higher Education Leadership and Policy. Recipient of George and Irene Baker Scholarship in Community College Leadership and Amado M. Pena, Sr. Endowed Scholarship in the Community College Leadership Program.
What attracted you to the Higher Education Leadership and Policy program?
Prior to starting my doctoral journey, I worked as a high school career counselor in India, where I developed a strong understanding of the K–12 space. By empowering students to navigate their educational and career paths with clarity and confidence, I became increasingly interested in supporting students beyond high school and wanted to explore the college landscape more deeply, especially from a global context. Pursuing a Ph.D. felt like the right step to better understand the transition between K–12 and higher education and take a deeper dive into academia.
As an international student, I was drawn to Austin because I have family here. When I explored the Program in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at UT Austin, I was impressed by the faculty profiles, the program structure, and the national reputation of the College of Education.
From India, I began reaching out and networking with people affiliated with the program. Everyone I connected with was extremely warm and welcoming, especially my advisor – Professor Marilyn Kameen. They carved out time to chat with me and shared more about the program. The more conversations I had, the more it became clear that this program aligned not only with my background and values, but also with my long-term career goals and aspirations.
Compared to when you first arrived at UT, how have your goals and dreams changed and how have you grown?
When I began my journey at UT, I had a limited view of what was possible. Over time, my perspective has broadened and deepened, not just academically and professionally, but personally as well. Being part of the College of Education has offered incredible opportunities for professional development and meaningful relationships that have truly shaped me.
My academic rigor and confidence have grown, and I’ve gained valuable international exposure. Understanding how the U.S. academic system operates has helped me develop a more global and nuanced perspective on higher education and made me more culturally competent.
In the last four years at UT, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles across campus— including Housing and Dining, International Student and Scholar Services, teaching in Rhetoric and Writing and conducting research within the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. This well-rounded experience across practice, policy, research and teaching has expanded my understanding of the academic landscape and helped me envision broader possibilities for my future.
Looking back at your time at COE, is there anything that stands out as a particularly formative experience or opportunity?
My early years in the program were especially formative. As a new international doctoral student, the initial support and nurturing I received made a lasting impact—and it speaks volumes on how thoughtfully the department and program are structured. I received invaluable mentorship from the start, which helped shape my academic identity and confidence.
One of the first and most influential courses I took early on was Epistemologies, which grounded me in reflective thinking and taught me how to approach research with intention and depth. Given I have an MBA degree, I thoroughly enjoyed my Finance and Economics class, which gave me a critical understanding of how financial systems operate within higher education—something I hadn’t deeply considered before.
I’ve been fortunate to have several cheerleaders and supporters who made a difference in my journey. My advisor, Kameen, has been a consistent source of guidance; Michael Goodman, my first professor at UT, inspired and encouraged me from day one; Professor Justin Samuel introduced me to a wide range of resources and professional development opportunities and Graduate Program Administrator Kelsey Samsel has been phenomenal in supporting me through the logistical and structural aspects of the program.
How has the College of Education prepared you for the future?
While a Ph.D. program begins with a foundation of academic skills, the College of Education has helped refine and elevate those skills in transformative ways. It has deepened my understanding of higher education, expanded my intellectual toolkit and equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to thrive professionally.
Beyond academics, COE has nurtured my growth holistically by strengthening my ability to collaborate, lead and make an impact beyond the classroom, as well as access to extensive professional development. There were times when I wanted to engage in valuable opportunities like conferences but lacked the financial means to do so. The department and the college supported me by providing funding, which was instrumental in making those experiences possible and meaningful.
One standout example is my involvement with the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), where I’ve not only been an active member but also served on the Region III board as their co-graduate student representative for the academic year 2022-24. The college played a key role in that journey, not just by helping with logistics, but by cultivating a community of faculty and colleagues who guided and encouraged me to share and present my work on national platforms.
What is next and how are you hoping to change the world?
Whatever comes next, I carry with me the belief that what starts here changes the world—and I’m committed to living that mission. I’ve already started to make an impact through the ways I teach, conduct research, and share my work at conferences. Now, I’m ready to take that momentum even further.
I’m actively seeking opportunities in the Austin region where I can continue to teach, publish, present and ensure that my research reaches the communities it’s meant to serve and not collect dust on the bookshelves. My goal is to translate knowledge into action and accessibility.
I’m also exploring ways to merge my corporate background with my academic identity, bringing a multidimensional perspective to everything I do. Whether as a scholar-practitioner or a professor of practice, I hope to create meaningful change both inside and outside the classroom.
Coming from a corporate background, what brought you to education?
After graduating with an MBA in finance and marketing, I began my career in the corporate world with positions in banking and aviation finance. After a few years, I took a sabbatical to focus on raising my family—and that’s what ultimately led me to academia. I was seeking a profession that allowed me flexibility and the ability to stay closer to my children, and I got the opportunity to work as a career counselor in the same school as my children. What began as a practical choice soon became a passionate one.
I fell in love with career counseling and working directly with students. That experience sparked a deeper interest in student development and educational systems, which inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education. Today, my goal is to continue working in academia, supporting students and contributing toward a lasting impact.
As an international student, what did you expect when arriving in Austin and at COE and how did it live up to that expectation?
Having visited the U.S. and Austin before, I was familiar with the city but new to the UT Austin campus. From an academic environment lens, I initially noticed a lack of international perspectives in the curriculum. As an international student, that gap was noticeable.
That said, what truly stood out—and what I deeply value—is how responsive and supportive the faculty in my program were. Whenever I expressed a lack of context on certain topics, my professors would go above and beyond to help. They shared additional readings, offered context, and even began incorporating international materials into their syllabi after our conversations. This is what I love about ELP and COE: they prioritize the sense of belonging for the students.
Although I didn’t have other international students in my cohort and had to build my own community, the support I received from the faculty and staff made all the difference. It took resilience to speak up, ask questions, and seek guidance—but each time I took a step forward, they took a step forward as well with encouragement and support to help me bridge the gap.
How did your global perspective impact your time at COE?
India, and South Asia more broadly, is known to have the rich value of collectivism. As a result, I brought with me a strong sense of collaboration and community. That mindset shaped how I engaged in the department and the College of Education and influenced the way I approached learning, teaching and presenting.
Collaboration is always at the heart of my academic and professional work. For example, many of my conference presentations, including those at NASPA, were co-presented with individuals from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Bringing those varied voices together on a shared platform not only created a richer experience for the audience, but it deepened my own understanding as well.
This global perspective allowed me to foster inclusive, cross-cultural dialogues—both inside and outside the classroom—and reinforced the importance of learning with and from others.
What was it like raising a family while getting a Ph.D.?
It has been a lot—and definitely not an easy ride. Navigating a new academic journey while helping my children adjust to a different cultural and educational environment was a significant challenge. When we moved, my kids were seven and nine, which are very formative years, and they were navigating a slightly changed education system and sociocultural environment.
But I also found incredible support. Housing and Dining provided us with on-campus housing, which made a huge difference. My brother lives in Austin with his family and having them close gave us the much-needed support system. Living in an undergraduate dorm as a family was unique and special. My children grew up immersed in a university setting, surrounded by learning and curiosity. The resident assistants, in turn, learned to engage with students who are also parents. It was a mutual learning opportunity.
There were times I had to bring my kids to class because I had nowhere to leave them, and the professors were so accommodating — opening conference rooms, bringing puzzles to keep the kids engaged, and welcoming us without hesitation. It’s a very family-friendly environment, and I feel so blessed to have found a community that not only supported me as an international student and scholar but also embraced my family throughout this journey.
What is your advice for future Longhorns?
Embrace the fact that change is the only constant. I came into the program with one research focus and ended up shifting it completely—and for the better. Be open to new ideas, evolving passions and unexpected opportunities. Flexibility is essential—not just for your academic and professional development, but for your personal growth as well.
Take time to reflect on what truly drives you and what you gravitate toward. What are the moments that give you goosebumps? What work makes you feel most alive? Lean into that.
And most importantly, invest in people. One of the most sustaining parts of my journey has been the relationships I’ve built. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, believe in you and remind you of your purpose—especially on the tough days. Genuine community can make all the difference.
