For many, a 12-hour workday and a three-hour daily commute would be reason enough to put dreams on hold. But for Saida Walker, those long hours were fueled by a powerful "why": a desire to master the inner workings of the kinds of organizations that supported her family when she was a child.
Saida took the resilience she learned from her personal history and channeled it into a professional mission. Through the online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSU Shreveport (LSUS), she has positioned herself to transition into supporting organizations and become a future nonprofit founder. Read on to see how the flexibility of an online program helped her turn her passion for giving back into a strategic plan for impact.
Meet Saida Walker
What initially made you apply to the online MS in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS?
I applied to the online MS in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS because I wanted to better understand the types of organizations that supported my family during my childhood. I received assistance from nonprofits that provided essentials such as school supplies and food. As I grew older, I realized how many communities rely on nonprofit organizations to fill gaps that cannot always be immediately addressed by local government. This realization inspired me to pursue a deeper understanding of the sector.
What moment during your journey made you realize this program was the right choice for you?
I knew this program was the right choice when I spoke with my coordinator. They were attentive, answered my questions thoroughly, and provided reassurance that I was making the right decision. That interaction gave me the confidence to fully commit to the program.
How did you balance life, work, and studies?
Balancing life, work, and studies required discipline and sacrifice. I worked 12-hour shifts and commuted an hour and a half each way, which made time management essential. While some areas of my life required compromise, I remained focused on completing the program and stayed committed to doing what was necessary to be successful.
What was your favorite course or topic? Why?
Nonprofit Law was my favorite course. I have always had an interest in law and the legal system, and this course allowed me to explore how legal frameworks directly impact nonprofit organizations and their operations.
How did being an online student shape the way you engage with classmates and instructors?
Being an online student enhanced my ability to engage in a flexible and consistent learning environment. It encouraged me to be more intentional in my communication and proactive in building connections with both classmates and instructors.
How did your personal experiences shape how you showed up in your coursework?
My personal experiences played a significant role in how I approached my coursework. Having received support from nonprofit organizations in various areas of my life, I brought a deeper level of understanding and purpose to my studies. I recognize the critical role nonprofits play and the importance of sustaining their missions.
How do you see yourself building on what you learned in your program?
I plan to continue contributing to the nonprofit sector by applying what I have learned to support organizational growth and community impact. I also aspire to start my own nonprofit organization in the future.
Is there anything else you want us to know?
My journey through this program reflects my commitment to service, resilience, and growth. I am passionate about giving back to communities and using my education to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Gain the Skills to Make Real Community Impact with LSU Online
Saida reminds us that the most powerful leaders are often those who have walked the path themselves. Her journey also shows that with the right support and a flexible format, even the most demanding schedules can’t stand in the way of a meaningful mission.
Through LSU Online, students can access world-class instruction that fits into their busy lives. Whether you are looking to support existing organizations or start your own, the online MS in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS provides the legal, financial, and administrative education necessary to create a lasting legacy.
Explore the flexible online MS in Nonprofit Administration, and apply today!
Explore the DegreeFAQs
What is the Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSU Shreveport, and who is it designed for?
LSU Shreveport’s online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration, offered through LSU Online, is designed for professionals interested in leading and supporting nonprofit organizations. The program explores topics such as nonprofit law, financial management, organizational leadership, and administrative strategy. It is well-suited for working professionals, career changers, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to make a positive impact through mission-driven work.
How does the LSUS Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration prepare students to start their own nonprofit?
LSU Shreveport’s online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration, offered through LSU Online, provides students with foundational knowledge in areas such as nonprofit law, organizational management, finance, and community engagement. Saida Walker shared that the program’s legal and administrative coursework helped her better understand how to turn her goals into a practical plan for nonprofit leadership. Graduates may use these skills to support existing organizations or pursue their own nonprofit initiatives.
What was it like to balance 12-hour work shifts with online graduate studies at LSUS?
While working long shifts and managing a lengthy commute, Saida Walker relied on strong time management and organization to stay on track academically. The fully online format offered flexibility that allowed her to complete coursework around her professional schedule and personal responsibilities. The asynchronous structure helped her continue progressing toward her educational goals while maintaining full-time employment.
What is Nonprofit Law, and why is it a key part of the Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration curriculum?
Nonprofit Law is a course within LSU Shreveport’s online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration, offered through LSU Online, that explores the legal frameworks governing nonprofit organizations. Topics may include governance structures, compliance requirements, tax-exempt status, and organizational responsibilities. Saida Walker identified the course as one of the most impactful parts of her experience because it connected her interest in law with practical nonprofit leadership and management concepts.
Why should someone with personal experience receiving nonprofit services consider earning a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration?
Personal experiences with nonprofit organizations can provide valuable insight into the needs of communities and the impact of support services. Saida Walker shared that her experiences receiving nonprofit assistance helped inspire her interest in nonprofit leadership and community service. A graduate degree in nonprofit administration can help students build leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills that support mission-driven work within the nonprofit sector.
