From South Africa to Fairfield

More than 8,000 miles separate South Africa and Fairfield University, but for graduate student Valen Englund, the journey was about more than distance, it was about following a lifelong passion.

Encouraged by parents who valued education, Englund excelled academically and discovered a deep interest in psychology during his undergraduate years. That interest would eventually guide him toward Fairfield’s master’s program in industrial/organizational psychology.

However, continuing his education proved challenging. As South Africa’s political and social climate became increasingly unstable, opportunities for advanced study were limited.

After two years of applications and uncertainty, a turning point arrived. Less than a week after interviewing, Englund received his acceptance letter to Fairfield’s Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program. “I’ll never forget the joy of sharing the news with my parents,” he said.

Leaving home was bittersweet but Englund saw Fairfield as a chance to support his family and give back to others through meaningful work.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology provided the perfect avenue to merge his analytical mindset with his empathy for others. “It’s a field that combines the science of human behavior with the practical goal of improving organizations and the lives of employees,” he said.

Now in his first semester, Englund has already found the coursework and community deeply rewarding. Two classes have stood out in particular: The Psychology of Work and Behavioral Statistics. “The Psychology of Work course has helped me understand the fundamental processes that should take place within a healthy organization—especially within the U.S. context, which differs greatly from South Africa,” he said. “And Behavioral Statistics has been unexpectedly exciting, showing how data can reveal underlying human patterns and behaviors.”

Englund credits much of his growth to the faculty who have supported him, which include John Charles Meditz College of Arts and Sciences' Associate Professor of the Practice Kathleen Tomlin, PhD and Visiting Assistant Professor Trace Vardsveen, PhD, whose student-centered teaching practices have been transformative. “Their unique methods of engaging students through open discussions, applied learning, and critical thinking have reinforced my desire to one day become an educator myself,” he shared.

What stands out most to Englund is the collaborative culture that defines the Fairfield experience “The lecturers are passionate, motivating, and genuinely invested in seeing students succeed,” he said. “It’s a breath of fresh air to be in an environment where education feels collaborative and inspiring.”

Englund’s long-term goal is to work at the intersection of research and education, ultimately becoming a university lecturer. “Anyone can be a teacher, but it takes a special kind of person to be an educator and mentor,” he said. “That’s the path I hope to pursue after graduation.”

Reflecting on his journey so far, Englund said the experience has been “one of the most meaningful chapters” of his life. “Fairfield has shown me what’s possible in a compassionate and supportive community. It’s given me not only a world-class education but also renewed hope for what the future can be.”

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