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ONLINE STUDENT LEADER: JUSTIN NOVAK’S JOURNEY AT SMSU
From his home in the small town of Lake City, Minnesota, Justin Novak ‘23 balances a busy life, working full-time as the Senior Fundraising Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association and, along with his wife, raising four young children —including the youngest who was born in November 2024. In addition to work and family, he is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership at Southwest Minnesota State University. Despite these responsibilities, Novak has carved out time to not only excel in his studies but also become the first online student senator in SMSU history.
Novak’s journey to SMSU wasn’t straightforward. He started college at the University of Minnesota. He was an on-campus student and took a few online courses that were mostly self-study with minimal to zero support. Novak didn’t feel he was getting much from those courses, so he took some time off from his studies. Later, when he considered returning, he was surprised by the cost and the fact that he would need to retake certain courses he had already completed.
“I started looking at other universities to complete my degree. SMSU was affordable and closely matched my previous major,” said Novak. “Plus, the online courses at SMSU are like night and day compared to my original online experience. [SMSU] professors are always available and helpful if you need them, the courses are well structured, and with the addition of video lectures in some classes, I feel like I am getting the same learning experience as if I were attending the class in person.”
“I enjoyed the online format, individualized attention from faculty and staff, and affordability of the program,” he said. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Sociology from SMSU in 2023. And when he decided that he wanted to pursue a master’s degree, it was an easy choice to continue at SMSU.
Managing his time as an online student is no small feat. Between his work, family, and school, Novak is deliberate in how he structures his day. He dedicates at least two hours each evening to studying, often after his kids are in bed.
“It’s not always easy, but the motivation of building a better future for my family keeps me going,” Novak explained. His wife’s unwavering support is a key factor in his success. “Without her, I’m not sure I would be able to do what I need to be successful in my studies,” he admitted.
One of the highlights of Novak’s experience at SMSU has been his involvement in student government. Up until this point, the SMSU Student Government had yet to have an online student join the student senate. Two spots were reserved, one for an undergrad
and one for a graduate student, to represent the online student community. When the SMSU student senate reached out to the online student community early in the semester, Novak saw an opportunity to engage with SMSU in a way that was rare for online students.
“It’s tough to feel connected to campus life when you’re learning from a distance,” he said. Joining the student senate allows him to be more involved, even though his experience at SMSU has been entirely online.
Yet, Novak’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The biggest hurdle he’s faced was being diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. Navigating treatment while juggling the demands of work, family, and school has tested his resilience.
“There are days when you’re too tired or weak to do anything,” Novak said. “But early communication with my professors has been key. They’ve been incredibly understanding and accommodating, which has allowed me to keep moving forward with my education.”
As the first online student senator, Novak is focused on representing the voices of his peers who may feel disconnected from campus life.
“I want to ensure that the online community is heard and that our needs are met,” he said. He also recognizes the importance of maintaining connections with fellow student government members, despite the geographical distance.
“Right now, I rely on email and online chats to stay engaged, but I’m hoping to meet everyone in person at a future event.”
Through all the challenges—balancing family, work, health, and education—Novak has remained steadfast in his belief that setting clear goals and staying motivated are essential to success.
“Having kids changes what’s important to you,” he reflected. “It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about creating a better life for them.”
Novak’s advice for prospective online students is simple: show up. He believes that success in an online program, like any other, depends on the effort you put into it.
“If you do the readings, watch the lectures, and put effort into the assignments, you’ll do well. The resources are there to help you succeed,” he said. “But ultimately, it’s up to you to take advantage of them.”
As Novak looks ahead, he’s driven by the future he’s building— not just for himself, but for his family and the broader online community at SMSU. With his determination, there’s little doubt that he’ll continue to lead by example, both in his studies and in student government, but also in his life outside of SMSU.
