Student-Centered

Arkansas Student Affairs Association
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Student-Centered is the official podcast of the Arkansas Student Affairs Association, dedicated to keeping students at the heart of higher education. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to student affairs, this podcast offers inspiration, strategies, and meaningful conversations. Explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative ideas shaping the student experience, while celebrating the work of professionals across Arkansas. Grab your coffee, and let’s connect, learn, and grow—because staying student-centered ensures success for our students and communities!

  1. Artificial Intelligence in Student Affairs Work

    11/27/2025

    Artificial Intelligence in Student Affairs Work

    In this episode of the Student-Centered, host Zackery Tucker has a conversation with Ava AI, an artificial intelligence persona, to explore the evolving role of AI in the world of Student Affairs — from everyday strategies that save time and improve decision-making, to deeper questions about ethics, equity, and the human connection that defines education. The episode is a recording of a virtual conversation with the AI tool ChatGPT using the Everway Read&Write tool about AI use in Student Affairs work. Whether you’re curious about practical applications of AI in advising, programming, and assessment — or you’re wrestling with questions about what it means for the future of higher education — this conversation offers both insight and inspiration. ✨ Key Topics: Innovative uses of AI in Student AffairsEthical considerations and FERPA concernsStrategies for AI-assisted reflection and decision-makingPreparing students to use AI responsiblyThe balance between innovation and human connection📘 Join us as we imagine a future where AI doesn’t replace Student Affairs — it empowers it.

    33 min
  2. Shorter College Stands in the Gap for Displaced Students.

    11/13/2025

    Shorter College Stands in the Gap for Displaced Students.

    As a new academic year begins, this special episode of the Student‑Centered Podcast offers encouragement to student affairs professionals preparing for move‑in, orientation, and the return of students to campus. Drawing on research and real stories, host Zackery Tucker highlights the vital role you play in fostering belonging, guiding transitions, and shaping futures. From residence life to advising, counseling to multicultural affairs, this episode reminds you that every conversation, every smile, and every act of care makes a difference. Tune in for inspiration and a heartfelt reminder: your work changes lives every single day.

    40 min
  3. Leading as a New Professional, Part 2.

    10/30/2025

    Leading as a New Professional, Part 2.

    In this episode, we continue the conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. This conversation is part-two of a two part conversation that was originally recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, featuring an engaging From navigating the shift from peer to supervisor to leading with empathy and building strong teams, Faith and Kendra will offer honest reflections and practical strategies for new and aspiring supervisors.

    29 min
  4. Leading as a New Professional, Part 1.

    10/16/2025

    Leading as a New Professional, Part 1.

    Recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, this episode of Student-Centered features an engaging conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. From navigating the shift from peer to supervisor to leading with empathy and building strong teams, Faith and Kendra will offer honest reflections and practical strategies for new and aspiring supervisors.

    33 min
  5. Bridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 2.

    10/02/2025

    Bridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 2.

    In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome back Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs at Black River Technical College and adjunct professor of Higher Education Law at Arkansas State University. With over 15 years of experience, Smith is known statewide for his expertise in student rights, FERPA, and creating student-centered systems. Smith shared his insights on thinking differently about higher education law and student affairs leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in student affairs, you take away something meaningful and useful from this conversation.

    39 min
  6. Bridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 1.

    09/18/2025

    Bridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 1.

    In this episode of Student-Centered, we sit down with Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs at Black River Technical College and adjunct professor of Higher Education Law at Arkansas State University. With over 15 years of experience, Smith is known statewide for his expertise in student rights, FERPA, and creating student-centered systems. Smith shared his insights on thinking differently about higher education law and student affairs leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in student affairs, you take away something meaningful and useful from this conversation.

    46 min
  7. Your Work Changes Lives: A New Year Message for Student Affairs Professionals

    08/07/2025

    Your Work Changes Lives: A New Year Message for Student Affairs Professionals

    As a new academic year begins, this special episode of the Student‑Centered Podcast offers encouragement to student affairs professionals preparing for move‑in, orientation, and the return of students to campus. Drawing on research and real stories, host Zackery Tucker highlights the vital role you play in fostering belonging, guiding transitions, and shaping futures. From residence life to advising, counseling to multicultural affairs, this episode reminds you that every conversation, every smile, and every act of care makes a difference. Tune in for inspiration and a heartfelt reminder: your work changes lives every single day.

    19 min
  8. Beyond College-Ready: Shifting the Institutional Mindset, Part 2.

    07/24/2025

    Beyond College-Ready: Shifting the Institutional Mindset, Part 2.

    In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome back Dr. Rickey Rogers, Vice Chancellor for Student Services at Southern Arkansas University Tech, for a special two-part conversation that unpacks the difference between seeking “college-ready” students versus designing institutions that are ready for the students they serve. Dr. Rogers opens up about his own college journey, the mentors who helped him along the way, and why student access and retention remain at the heart of his work. He also offers tangible strategies for institutions looking to break down barriers (big and small) and build policies, cultures, and practices rooted in equity, empathy, and intentional design.

    33 min
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About

Student-Centered is the official podcast of the Arkansas Student Affairs Association, dedicated to keeping students at the heart of higher education. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to student affairs, this podcast offers inspiration, strategies, and meaningful conversations. Explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative ideas shaping the student experience, while celebrating the work of professionals across Arkansas. Grab your coffee, and let’s connect, learn, and grow—because staying student-centered ensures success for our students and communities!

Information

  • Creator
    Arkansas Student Affairs Association
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Student-Centered
  • Show Website
    Student-Centered