Ronald S. Beer Internship in Student Affairs scholarship recipient named
Monday, November 10, 2025
Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 405-744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University Division of Student Affairs continued to honor the legacy of its former vice president by awarding the Ronald S. Beer Internship in Student Affairs.
This year’s recipient is Guilen Ngongpah, a doctoral student in educational leadership and policy studies who also serves as a Campus Life graduate teaching assistant.
The internship is designed to provide a scholarship and hands-on learning opportunity for one undergraduate, master’s or doctoral-level student each year. Its goal is to provide practical experience working in the Division of Student Affairs with the hope of recruiting and retaining future leaders in Student Affairs.
Ngongpah’s work focused on assessing the effectiveness of training for resident assistants and Hall Directors. After gaining a broad understanding of Student Affairs and utilizing assessment tools, Ngongpah designed and implemented a comprehensive evaluation of the fall 2025 training programs. The programs improved training content and delivery, while enhancing staff preparedness, encouraging collaboration and facilitating program evaluation.
“My journey as an international student has been a testament to resilience, purpose and the transformative power of education,” Ngongpah said. “Each border I have crossed has deepened my understanding of cultural diversity and paved a clear path toward a career rooted in student advocacy, inclusive leadership and global impact. The Ronald S. Beer Internship has been instrumental in this journey, grounding my academic vision in real-world experience and affirming my commitment to a future in student affairs that centers education, mentorship, empathy and engagement.”
Beer served as vice president for student affairs at OSU from 1980 until his retirement in 2000. His passion was supporting programs and championing initiatives that enhanced the student experience. The scholarship was established and awarded for the first time in 2023.
“Dr. Beer’s commitment to supporting and encouraging students to enter the field of student affairs is unwavering. He has been, and always will be, a champion of students and those who work to support them on campus and beyond,” said Dr. Amber Manning-Ouellette, former interim vice president for student affairs and associate professor of higher education and student affairs. “Guilen exemplified this commitment through her work in the internship and the support for resident assistants' learning and development in Housing and Residential Life. It was an honor to have her in this role over the summer.”
For those interested in contributing to the Ronald S. Beer Internship in Student Affairs fund, please contact awells@osugiving.com or kproctor@osugiving.com with the OSU Foundation.