SA Voices From the Field

Dr. Jill Creighton, NASPA

SA Voices from the Field shares the voices and stories from student affairs professionals from around the world. This podcast provides you with practical advice to help you be the best student affairs practitioner you can be, no matter where you are in your career.

  1. 6D AGO

    Flexible Work in Student Affairs: What Success Looks Like Now & Next

    In the latest episode of NASPA's Student Affairs Voices from the Field podcast, the conversation dives deep into one of higher education's most timely topics: What does a successful flexible work environment look like in student affairs today and in the future? This episode, recorded live at the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference in Kansas City, captures a chorus of perspectives from student affairs professionals across the country and around the globe, each sharing insights on how flexibility is shaping the present—and the promise—of our profession. A key theme that echoes throughout the episode is the shift from the traditional 9-to-5 on-campus model to one that centers both staff well-being and student needs. Alan Thompson highlights this shift, noting that "the typical nine-to-five...is no longer going to work with the way the world is shifting around us" 00:00:50. Flexibility now takes many forms, from remote and hybrid work, to alternative scheduling, to using digital tools like chatbots for student support outside normal hours, as mentioned by Enoke J. Agyei. Supporting staff as whole people is another recurring message. Kerry Greenstein underscores the importance of supervisors who "are understanding and able to support their teams," allowing staff to do what they need to be their best selves for students 00:02:11. The theme of trust and autonomy surfaces in Mishka Murad's comments on letting employees choose their work settings and hours to find individual productivity and balance, so long as the work gets done. Many contributors advocate for meeting students where they are—digitally, asynchronously, and outside the office walls. Dan Volchek and Diana Sims Harris both suggest that student affairs professionals must adapt to students' diverse schedules and preferences, ranging from in-person to online interactions. At the same time, contributors recognize the challenge of designing flexible policies that remain inclusive, equitable, and responsive to both staff and student needs. From practical solutions like cross-training backups and honoring comp time, to broader reflections on rethinking institutional culture, the episode brims with wisdom for every level of the field. Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned dean, this conversation is a must-listen. It's packed with concrete ideas and heartfelt stories about finding work-life integration in student affairs. Tune in to SA Voices from the Field and explore how flexibility is not only redefining our work, but also sustaining our passion for serving students—today and into the future. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts brought to you by naspa. We curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 14 continuing our conversation on the value of Student Affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton. Sheher hers your SA Voices from the Field Host welcome back to another episode of SA Voices from the Field Today is our third episode that was recorded live and in person at the Kansas City, Missouri 2026 annual conference. We asked you about the third focus area for the conference, which was about workforce trends and the future of the profession. The question posed was what does a successful flexible work environment look like in student affairs today and in the future? Here's what you told us. Dr. Alan Thompson [00:00:50]: Alan Thompson at the Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington Director of Academic and Career Advising Having a flexible work environment is so important to the professionals who work in student affairs today as well as the future. The typical nine to five, five day or six day work week that we were once accustomed to in years gone by is no longer going to work with the the way that the world is shifting around us, it is important that we as professionals have a work life balance and oftentimes that means that having a flexible work schedule, working different hours throughout the day or even various days of the week, being able to work remotely two or three days a week, is very, very successful in creating an environment in which student affairs employ, want to work and are available to work given the many complexities that we have outside of the typical work environment. Kerry Greenstein Kerry Greenstein, Sweet Briar College I'm the Dean of Student Life. A successful work environment to me looks like supervisors who are understanding and able to support their teams, allowing them to come late, take time, really do what they need to do to be there best selves so that when they are present and helping the students that they serve that they are really at their best and able to serve them as best as possible. Hi everyone, my name is  Gada Endick [00:03:08]: Enoke J. Agyieu. I am a second year graduate student of the Student Affairs Administration Program at Michigan State University. I'll be graduating in May and I am glad to share my perspective as a new professional and a new grad. How I see flexible work environment is using technology and data to help students with services even without the physical appearance of professionals. With the age of AI, we can have chatbots and other technologies that can respond to student needs while professionals are not in their offices or they are not having a direct interaction with students and I think that is the way to go in the future as student affairs professionals. Be at the back end monitoring student trends and their concerns and how best students can be referred with in person and face to face services. So basically that is what I can share and I can see that profession have a great promise for some of us as early career professionals.  Mishka Murad [00:04:23]: My name is Mishka Murad and I have worked in student affairs as well as worked as an adjunct instructor. I'm originally from Pakistan and I've worked in Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico and the US Online classes suddenly because of a snowstorm. And so just having that ab ability to be able to adapt, I think is a really important skill that we're able to then give to students as well. So I think a flexible work environment is that ability to say I need to work from home or I'd like to work from home because I don't do so well with a chatty environment and I really want to zone in. Or guess what? I wake up at 5am every day and I'm most productive at 5:30. And I definitely don't want to come into the office, but if I'm working from home, that's possible. So I think it's really understanding that it's all the work we really do for students, which is they learn in different ways, they, they need different kind of advising. We show up for them at different times, on different days. Just bringing that into the world of student affairs where the same is allowed for us. So I too can have that flexibility. I too can work a particular hour that I might work well. And more than anything, a successful work environment is not just saying you can do these things, but is trusting people that they will do these things and they are doing these things. And so I believe that it's not just what is offered to you by an institution, but it's the kind of faith your dean and your supervisor have in you. Gada Endick [00:05:14]: I'm Gada Endick and I'm the Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life at Rutgers University. And we focus on creating an interconnected graduate student experience across our eight grad schools. So we're here to kind of improve the quality of life for graduate and professional students, serving their diverse needs, fostering a sense of belonging, and really helping them just make the most of the many resources Rutgers has to offer. So we do programming that's designed to connect students across their disciplines. We provide spaces for them to meet and gather, and we also focus on events and initiatives that celebrate their contributions, their achievements, and amplify their voices. A successful flexible work environment in student affairs today, I think recognizes that the work is both relational and adaptable. It balances the need for in person student connection with flexible options that support staff well being, productivity and trust. So in the future, the most effective environments, I think we'll focus less on where work happens and more on impact and empowering the professionals to serve students well while sustaining their own well being. Adam McCready [00:06:24]: Hi, I'm Adam McCready. I use him his pronouns. I'm an associate professor in higher education programs at the University of Connecticut. Again, if we need to meet students where they're at, part of that is realizing that the 9 to 5 workday and having folks in person on campus is not meeting students and supporting. We need folks who are going to be in those face to face roles at on campus events and programs, but requires flexible work hours. There are plenty of folks in our field who can do their jobs successfully remotely. And if we want to retain and support folks specifically who were able to do their jobs successfully through the pandemic and beyond, we need to recognize that the in person only work experience is not the realm of success in the future. And for students who are coming into higher ed and then moving on into work in our field, thinking about it through that lens of in person work does not meet the reality of their identities at this point in time. Andrew Finn [00:07:19]: My name is Andrew Finn and I am the assistant director for Graduate Student Programming and events in the center for Student Involvement at Northeastern University on the Boston campus. There's two approaches to this question. I'll look at it from a staff lens, but also a student lens from a staff lens. I think if we're talking about flexib

    1h 7m

  2. APR 12

    Data, Tech, and the Future of Student Affairs Impact

    Season 14, Episode 8 of NASPA's Student Affairs Voices from the Field podcast brings together a powerful chorus of perspectives from student affairs professionals, leaders, and educators, all answering a central, urgent question: How can student affairs use data and technology to better serve the profession? This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to the future of higher education, offering both inspiration and practical insight for advancing our field. A tapestry of voices emerges, revealing several clear themes. First, the call for intentional and strategic use of data rings loud and clear throughout. Alan Thompson identifies the importance of keeping up with evolving technology to positively impact the student experience and emphasizes the critical nature of knowing who our students are and what support they need. Others, like Gada Endick, advocate using data not just for compliance or recordkeeping, but to proactively search for gaps in student belonging and to build more intentional communities. Second, embracing technology and artificial intelligence as tools for both efficiency and connection is a recurring thread. Dylan Dermeyer, among others, highlights how AI can free professionals from routine tasks, affording more quality time with students. This shift allows practitioners to focus on building meaningful relationships—the heart of student affairs work. Romando Nash encourages leveraging AI so staff can spend less time on paperwork, and more time face-to-face with students. Another consistent theme is the necessity of collaboration and data sharing. Several contributors emphasize that data must not remain siloed. Brett Peterson Bruner voices the need to share information across campus, advocating for collective wisdom and integrated decision-making: when student affairs, academic, and institutional researchers join forces, the whole campus community benefits. The importance of professional development and training is spotlighted as well. Michael Allensworth and Antonia McFarland argue that data and technology skills should be woven into graduate preparatory programs and ongoing staff training to ensure everyone in the profession can grow, adapt, and thrive. Finally, the episode calls for a human-centered approach to data. Mishka Murad reminds us that behind every number is a student story, and Dr. Rolanda Horn advocates using data as storytelling—a tool to highlight successes, identify gaps, and advocate for the value of our work. For those seeking guidance, inspiration, or a pulse on where student affairs is headed in a rapidly changing world, this episode delivers. Tune in to hear your colleagues grapple with the challenges and opportunities ahead, sharing strategies that can help us all lead with data, technology, and most of all, heart. Ready to dive deeper? Listen now to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, Season 14, Episode 8! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts brought to you by NASPA. We curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 14 continuing our conversation on the value of Student Affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton. Sheher hers your SA voices from the Field host. Thank you for coming back for our next episode of Essay Voices from the Field. Today we're going to be featuring your responses to our second question that we recorded live and in person at the 2026 annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Our second question was about the focus area of data technology and return on investment in higher education and student affairs. We asked you how can student affairs use data and technology to better serve the student affairs profession? Here's what you told us. Dr. Alan Thompson [00:00:38]: Alan Thompson at the Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington Director of Academic and Career Advising the use of data and technology in student affairs student life is so imperative. The way that technology is shifting and growing and changing today, student affairs needs to stay abreast and stay par with the various systems that can have a positive impact on students experiences and so the use of data knowing who our students are, what services that the institution is lacking to support our students, but making sure that we are using that data is critical to the success of the profession.  Cary Greenstein Cary Greenstein, Sweet Briar College I'm the Dean of Student Life. I would make sure that student life and student affairs staff are led to be senior Student affairs or senior cabinet members at any institution so that they could really have the authority to lead and run everything from CARE teams to student success and all the other things that are really needed to help improve student success. And so really it's about how we set the organizational structure. I would say that we can really use data to help serve the profession by really making sure that we have so much information, our platforms provide so much for us that we can use that to then better understand our students, better understand their needs and how we can better serve them and support them with whatever challenges they're having. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:47]: Hi everyone, my name is Enoke Agyei I am a second year graduate student of the Student Affairs Administration Program at Michigan State University. I'll be graduating in May and I am glad to share my perspective as a new professional and a new grad. Data and assessment is the way to go because it give us what we are not seeing, give us the hidden treasures of how we are able to support students and technology is here to facilitate our work with Predictive analytics for us to know the early signs, to come on board with proactive measures before students fall through the cracks. So I think the data and assessment should not be seen from that perspective of compliance, but rather to develop it as a culture to help a student. So more of helping students a proactive measure than to see it as compliance measure.  Mishka Murad [00:04:04]: My name is Mishka Murad, and I have worked in student affairs as well as worked as an adjunct instructor. I'm originally from Pakistan, and I've worked in Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico, and the US when it comes to data, I will say I am a person who really values qualitative data. I really appreciate numbers, but I think what is crucial is to get the stories behind the numbers. And so when we collect data on things like belonging or collect data on student organizations and people feel like they're being represented in these student organizations, or if classes are the way that students want them to be and they're getting the sort of courses that they want to get, I think it's other than just numbers really, unpacking what those numbers are saying, where they are coming from, what are the stories that they're telling, and learning more about the student experience through these stories. I believe in the power. When we say data, I think people think of number, they think of percentages, all of these really fancy things that I am not very good at, like statistics. But I really appreciate the fact that I think education first and foremost and student success comes in the ability to learn lessons from storytelling and from experiences. That's what education looked like, you know, when our families would tell us stories and their families would tell them stories. And so really, to use more off that qualitative data, I believe is crucial.  Gada Endick [00:05:15]: I'm Gada Endick and I'm the Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life at Rutgers University. And we focus on creating an interconnected graduate student experience across our eight grad schools. So we're here to kind of improve the quality of life for graduate and professional students, serving their diverse needs, fostering a sense of belonging, and really helping them just make the most of the many resources Rutgers has to offer. So we do programming that's designed to connect students across their disciplines. We provide spaces for them to meet and gather, and we also focus on events and initiatives that celebrate their contributions or achievements and amplify their voices. Student affairs can use data to better understand where graduate students feel connected and where they may be feeling isolated. So looking at things like survey feedback and engagement patterns helps identify gaps in belonging across programs and student groups. When we use that insight well, we can kind of create more intentional opportunities for community and support.  Adam McCready [00:06:13]: Hi, I'm Adam McCready. I use he, him, his pronouns. I'm an associate professor in higher education programs at the University of Connecticut. Regarding data Use technology. As someone who does a lot of work educating future practitioners in our field on assessment, we just have so much data already that is vastly underutilized in our field. And if you look at some of the work even from like Nick Bowman at University of Iowa with looking at the meal index or the M index or swipes, there's just so much more we can do with the data that we already have. And I think that we often think about that we have to collect more data. And I think part of it is just really better thinking about the data we've collected already and how we're utilizing it. That and the fact that we need to engage actively with artificial intelligence and think about how we are leveraging AI to improve our support of students and to meet them where they're at and support their success. And lastly, as someone who does social media research, we need to meet students in their reality. Their identities are ubiquitous, both in person and online, and to only think about in person engag

    55 min

  3. APR 5

    Reimagining Student Affairs: One Change That Would Transform Success

    In a special episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field podcast, host Dr. Jill Creighton invites listeners to explore a vibrant tapestry of perspectives on reinventing student affairs for the future. Recorded live at the annual NASPA conference, this episode brings together over 60 passionate voices—from seasoned administrators to emerging professionals—all responding to the essential question: "If you could rebuild student affairs from scratch, what's one change you would make to impact student success?" What emerges is an inspiring collage of themes, united by a commitment to student-centered change and innovation. One theme that resounds across so many voices is the necessity to break down silos—especially between academic and student affairs. Over and over, contributors envision seamless, integrated models in which faculty and staff collaborate to bridge classroom learning with co-curricular development. As Brianna Morris so succinctly puts it, "One way I would rebuild student affairs is by bridging the gap between academic affairs and student affairs to better serve our students." Another powerful current is the call to prioritize belonging and community. Gada Endick suggests designing student affairs programs "around belonging and community as the core drivers of student success, rather than the outcomes of programming." This means intentionally crafting spaces and systems where every student—especially those from marginalized or non-traditional backgrounds—can forge meaningful connections and thrive. Equity, representation, and accessibility surface as central pillars as well. Contributors emphasize representation within staff, the elimination of barriers, and the use of data to assess and adapt to the changing needs of today's students. Paul Rossi advocates for "co-creation" with students so that systems and supports are built alongside those who use them. The episode also highlights professional development, support for entry-level staff, and the ongoing need to make student affairs visible and valued across campus communities. These perspectives, from institutions nationwide and around the world, remind us that the work of student affairs is never static. It's evolving, dynamic, and fundamentally collaborative. If you're passionate about education, leadership, and helping students find their path, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in to this energizing episode and find out how you can help reshape the future of student affairs—one idea, one story, one change at a time.   TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts brought to you by naspa. We curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 14 continuing our conversation on the value of Student Affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton. She her hers your SA Voices from the Field host. Welcome back to another episode of Essay Voices from the Field. Today we're going to be featuring first of three episodes that we recorded live and in person at the annual conference. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:36]: We're so thankful to over 60 of you who shared your voices with us today. We were able to ask you three questions, one each on the conference focus areas and today's question is on the focus area of redefining the profession and student success. We asked you if you could rebuild student affairs from scratch, what's one change that you would make to impact student success? Here are your responses. Alan Thompson at the Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington Director of Academic and Career Advising One thing that I would change to have an impact on student success would definitely be making sure that the individuals, the professionals who serve the students reflect the population of students that they are meant to serve. That the faculty staff representatives mirror the student body so that the students who are coming to the campuses have a comfortable environment in which to be successful and ultimately thrive and graduate.  Hi everyone, my name is Enock Agyei. I am a second year graduate student of the Student Affairs Administration Program at Michigan State University. I'll be graduating in May and I am glad to share my perspective as a new professional and a new grad have a more integrated approach of how our profession collaborate with student affairs. I think the contemporary student come to a campus with more complex needs than academic affairs and student affairs to have individual outcomes and individual ambitions. I think if we we have a more integrated approach as to how both academic affairs and student affairs can collaborate and help students overcome challenges and do some proactive things to make student life better. I think that's what I'm going to do because from the inception of the profession, some of our founding documents just give the clear distinction between our field and academic affairs, which make field a bit subordinate to academic affairs, which is not meeting the need of our contemporary student. Mishka Murad [00:02:20]: My name is Mishka Murad and I have worked in student affairs as well as worked as an adjunct instructor. I'm originally from Pakistan and I've worked in Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico and the us. And for me, what's really crucial about this question is that I've heard over the number of years that I've been in this work, the frustration sometimes with the similar mistakes that students are making over and over again. And so if I could rebuild student affairs from scratch, I think I'd like to remind folks that there is a life cycle for students. And so even if we're hearing similar things or similar mistakes, that they're coming from different students and that each student is experiencing it differently and that we should be experiencing it differently and remember to see that humanity in students as well. And so I think when it comes to student success, instead of labeling them as problematic or as repeating behaviors, we realize that with each of these behaviors that might be problematic is an opportunity for them to do better and be better and not to give up hope, because we might have been in the profession for really long and we might feel a certain way about it, and to maintain that ability to really believe that at any point a student can change and can make a difference in how they move forward into the world. Ghada Endick [00:04:00]: I'm Ghada Endick, and I'm the Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life at Rutgers University. And we focus on creating an interconnected graduate student experience across our eight grad schools. So we're here to kind of improve the quality of life for graduate and professional students, serving their diverse needs, fostering a sense of belonging, and really helping them just make the most of the many resources Rutgers has to offer. So we do programming that's designed to connect students across their disciplines. We provide spaces for them to meet and gather, and we also focus on events and initiatives that celebrate their contributions or achievements and amplify their voices. If I were building a student affairs programs from scratch, I would design it around belonging and community as the core drivers of student success, rather than the outcomes of programming. So that means intentionally creating structures where every student, especially grad students, has meaningful connections with their peers, their mentors, and the institution. When students feel they belong, they're far more likely to persist, thrive, and fully engage in their academic journey. Adam McCready [00:05:29]: Hi, I'm Adam McCready. I use him his pronouns. I'm an associate professor in higher education programs at the University of Connecticut. So student affairs from scratch. I would recommend that if we could do one thing to impact student success, I think we need to combat it from a more of a community wellness approach. And part of that from a community approach means that we need to be. Historically, we've talked about collaboration in our field. I think collaboration and Community oriented approach requires folks really communicating at a professional level. I think it also requires engaging more holistically with students and their communities on campus and their communities outside of campus, families, friends and the like. If we really want to impact student success, we have to understand their realities, their communities and the like and move away from approaches that are really thinking about student success from an individualistic approach and come at it from a more community oriented mindset to support them in their wellbeing. Andrew Finn [00:06:07]: My name is Andrew Finn and I am the Assistant Director for Graduate Student Programming and Events in the center for Student Involvement at Northeastern University on the Boston campus. If I could rebuild Student affairs from scratch, something that I would really focus on is really building interdisciplinary community from the get go rather than having it be something that students are left to discover on their own over time. I find that the best and most meaningful connections that students often make, but not always, are those that are explicitly outside of their discipline early on because it expands the possibilities for how they view themselves and the way that they can impact the world through their professional development pathways. As such, students become more successful through a holistic lens rather than through a narrower and more carefully defined one early on.  Dillon Duermyer [00:07:36]: Hello, my name is Dillon Duermyer. I am from Angelo State University and I handle clery compliance and student conduct, including academic misconduct. If I was to

    56 min

  4. MAR 29

    Building a Caring University: Rethinking Employee Well-Being in Higher Ed

    In Season 14, Episode 6 of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, host Dr. Jill Creighton sits down with Dr. Kevin McClure, author of The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace After the Great Resignation. This candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of higher education or passionate about changing workplace culture for the better. From the outset, Dr. McClure grounds his message in lived experience, sharing his journey from student affairs professional to department chair and faculty member. What becomes clear is that his new book—and this episode—are rooted in genuine care: for staff, for faculty, and for the systems in which they work. He makes a compelling case that prioritizing employee well-being in higher ed needs to be a fundamental goal, not just a means to an end for better student outcomes The conversation dives deep into the idea of "organizational care," contrasting it with the often isolating American emphasis on self-care. Dr. McClure introduces the lens of "squad care," asking listeners to reconsider how institutions themselves can become communities that collectively support employee thriving. He shares that although there are pockets of progress, the true "caring university" is still aspirational—requiring leaders to combine data, strategy, and a willingness to take bold action. A concept that resonates throughout the episode is the critique of "ideal worker norms." Dr. McClure unpacks how outdated expectations, rooted in gendered and ableist assumptions, persist in our workplaces—often dictating who succeeds and who gets left behind. He calls for challenging these norms and embracing more flexible, human-centered models of work. Listeners will come away with practical insights. The six pillars of the caring university—ranging from humanizing policies and prioritizing employee experience, to cultivating caring leaders—offer a tangible framework anyone can begin to explore. Dr. McClure emphasizes that meaningful change isn't about grand gestures; it's about taking swings, trying new things, and considering employee well-being as foundational to institutional success. For new professionals eager for a bright future in student affairs, and for seasoned leaders seeking actionable ideas, this episode is rich with hope, clarity, and direction. Tune in to hear why caring for "the people who show up for people" should be the next big priority in higher ed—and how we can collaboratively shape more humane, equitable workplaces. Ready to reimagine what's possible in higher education? Start by listening to the full conversation today! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is Season 14, continuing our conversation on the value of student affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Kevin, welcome to SA Voices. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:00:28]: Hello, I'm so excited to be here. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:30]: You are another one of our conversations that we get to capture live and in person for SA Voices here at 2026 Annual Conference in Kansas City. So I know listeners, by the time you're hearing this, you're like, well, Annual was a while ago. We know, but we're glad to bring you these conversations. And so you, if you weren't able to be here, you get to be a part of it. And if you were able to be here, I know how ephemeral those spaces can be, and hopefully you can kind of revisit some of the information in Kevin's keynote speech. So Kevin, you have just spent an hour on stage, going through your new book, which is called The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace After the Great Resignation. You also did a book signing, so thank you for spending time with the members. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:01:09]: Yeah. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:09]: So we also know that you've been talking a lot, and we appreciate you spending one more hour with us. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:01:13]: Sure, absolutely. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:14]: We always like to start by asking our guests, how did you get to your current seat? You're both a department chair and a professor. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:01:20]: That's right. Yes, but I started in student affairs as a staff member, so origin story in housing, and then I transitioned into a living-learning program at the University of Maryland called Global Communities, and that was the best job I've ever had. So I peaked a little too early. That was my first professional job, and I absolutely loved it, loved every minute of it, and got to work really closely with students and do all sorts of cool programming with them. And as time went on, Maryland really wanted all of their living-learning programs to have a faculty director, and so I kind of got bumped out of my role as a faculty director came online, and it was a moment where I said, I might need to think about continuing my education. I don't know exactly where I want to go, but I don't want to be limited in what I can do, and I don't want it to be the case that I get bumped from another job by virtue of not having a terminal degree. So I entered a doctoral program, was finishing that. I was applying to higher ed staff jobs. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:02:23]: I was applying to a couple of policy jobs, and just kind of tossed my name in for a couple of faculty jobs. Jobs, not really thinking that that was going to be a thing. And I ended up getting this job at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and I've been there for almost 12 years now teaching in our higher education program, and then within the last 8 months stepping in to become the department chair. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:46]: I know this is terrible and it will show that I am an elder millennial, but my biggest association with Wilmington is Dawson's Creek. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:02:52]: Oh yes, Dawson's Creek, and also One Tree Hill was also filmed there. So it depends on what you watch, what you grew up on, but we still will have gatherings of people that come Wilmington based on their love of the show. Most of them are elder millennial women, and sometimes the stars will come back and do like events and that sort of thing. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:10]: Well, there you go, claim to fame, and of course a university in which you are. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:03:13]: We also have that. Yes, we have a beach. We have some other things too. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:16]: So I think that journey from practitioner to professor is one that a lot of new professionals or mid-career professionals are really interested in pursuing. Can you talk a little bit about that leap of faith from being a full-time practitioner to going, you know, I know I need this terminal for a job, but I also might need to not have a job while I get the terminal. Terminal? Dr. Kevin McClure [00:03:34]: Yeah, exactly. So I started doing my PhD while still working full-time, and I did that for a year, and it worked fairly well in the sense that I was keeping up with things. My wife was teaching at the time, and so we just were not seeing each other really at all. And as a consequence, we decided in the last couple of years of my doc program to move in and become house directors of a sorority house. And I also went from from being a full-time staff member back to being a graduate assistant. So we took on the financial loss of me not having a salary, but the trade-off was that I would be able to finish the degree faster because otherwise I think we were looking at a much longer journey as I was trying to kind of balance the two. And at the time we didn't have as many program options. Today there's a lot more program options for people who are working full-time. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:04:29]: And so that's how I made the decision to kind of step back and step into a graduate assistantship role again. And maybe not ideal from a career trajectory standpoint, but better for me to be able to finish my studies. And then we were off and racing from there. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:45]: So you finished the dissertation, you've got probably maybe an article or two under your belt at that time. Talk to us about going on the faculty search. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:04:53]: Yeah, I guess I had an article that I had published and I had dissertation stuff in progress. I was not prepared for a faculty job search. I had never done one before. I had never been a participant in one. I had done no programs for future faculty. I was in many ways what I would think of as kind of a long shot candidate. I got this interview at UNCW and I reached out to one of my mentors, Carrie-Anne O'Meara, and I had to basically say, I've got this interview, help me because I'm not ready for this. So she gave me kind of a crash course in the faculty hiring process and what I could expect and some of the questions that they might ask of me. Dr. Kevin McClure [00:05:35]: And I was very lucky in that they were looking for a particular type of person who teaches certain subject matter, and I was able to do that and apparently fit what they were looking for. I still tend to think they took a chance on me. I don't know that they would necessarily put it that way, but I was still very green in a lot of ways and certainly needed to do a lot of catching up to being a faculty member. So I spent that first year learning a lot of things the hard way and having to learn things that I think some of my peers were already up and up on by virtue of just having prepared for that type of job better than I did. But I got there eventually. I figured it out. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:06:14]: So what are some of th

    45 min

  5. MAR 22

    Unveiling NASPA's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan: Elevating the Member Experience

    In the latest episode of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field," Dr. Jill Creighton sits down live at the NASPA Annual Conference 2026 in Kansas City with Dr. Mike Christakis, Dr. Darby Roberts, and Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black to spotlight the launch of NASPA's new strategic plan. If you are a student affairs professional seeking to understand the direction of our field and NASPA's commitment to its members, this episode is a must-listen. Redefining Strategic Planning – With Purpose and Community This year marks a pivotal moment as NASPA introduces a three-year plan shaped by intentional listening, member engagement, and a forward-thinking approach. Dr. Mike Christakis walks us through the timeline and evolution, highlighting how NASPA paused its planning to let new leadership take root before embarking on a truly inclusive process, engaging members across regions and divisions. The driving force? Ensuring that every voice, from new professionals to seasoned leaders, informs and benefits from the association's direction. Five Strategic Priorities That Put Members First The discussion unpacks NASPA's five strategic pillars: Elevating the Value of Student Affairs: As debates about the relevance of higher education continue, the plan purposefully centers the impact of student affairs and the stories that shape our work. Enhancing Career Pathways and Wellbeing: Retention and growth of professionals—across all stages—receives renewed attention, coupled with a focus on wellbeing that mirrors today's complex campus realities. Providing Timely Advocacy and Resources: With shifting policies impacting each region and institution, NASPA is committed to actionable and relevant support for its diverse membership Strengthening Member Experience and Organizational Resilience: By modernizing technology and financial models, the association aims for seamless connections and equitable opportunities regardless of location or job title Advancing Inclusive and Impactful Governance: Leadership opportunities and transparent processes remain at the forefront, encouraging broader engagement and sustainable growth for the association Why Tune In? This episode is more than an announcement—it's an invitation to be part of NASPA's ongoing story. You'll hear firsthand how assessment, feedback, and continuous improvement shape the plan's "living document" status, and how every member, no matter your involvement level, stands to benefit from the next chapter. Ready to elevate, strengthen, and advance your student affairs journey? Listen now to understand how NASPA's new strategic plan is shaping the future—and how you can be a part of it. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is Season 14, continuing our conversation on the value of student affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Welcome back to the annual conference 2026 here in Kansas City, Missouri, and it's always my pleasure to sit down with guests in real life. So today we have 3 wonderful folks with us who have been working so hard on NASPA's new strategic plan, which launches this month, March 2026. So our first guest, you heard from before, very proud to have you back, and you are now tied with Kevin Krueger for the most appearances on SA Voices. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:50]: We've got Dr. Mike Christakis, our outgoing board chair. Dr. Mike Christakis [00:00:52]: Wow, thank you, pleasure to be here, Jill. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:54]: Next up, we have first-time guest Dr. Darby Robert. Dr. Darby Roberts [00:00:55]: Howdy, I'm Glad to be here. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:58]: And finally, we have second-time guest Dr. Carnell McConnell-Black. Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black [00:01:02]: Hey, y'all. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:02]: So the three of our guests today have been at the helm of this redefined strategic planning process for NASPA, which is now live on the NASPA website. So Mike, I'm going to start with you. Can you tell us a little bit about how we got here? Why now? Why a new strategic plan? Dr. Mike Christakis [00:01:17]: Great question. So the association had a strategic plan for a period of time, actually leading up to when Dr. Parnell started as president, and the board at that particular time intentionally decided to push off the development of the next strategic plan to allow NASPA's new president to get started. And so when Amelia got into the seat, the board again took up the idea of what a new plan would look like. And that began when Ana González, who's chair, tapped Lincoln Johnson as the at-large member. And that's when the initial development occurred. And then last year in New Orleans, when I assumed the role of chair, is when things really got started and we launched the development, uh, of the plan. And that's where we're at now. Dr. Mike Christakis [00:02:00]: So that process between New Orleans and Kansas City has included serving our members, doing a lot of listening with our members at various convenings, regional convenings, divisional meetings, and the like that really began to help inform what the plan would look like. And that's what has brought us basically a year post-New Orleans to where we are here now in Kansas City. We're in the process of unveiling NASPA's new strategic plan that will take us from 2026 through 2029. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:26]: All right. And we've got, like I said, Carnell and Darby with us today. How did Darby and Carnell get involved in this project for us? Dr. Mike Christakis [00:02:32]: So Darby got engaged because when I became chair-elect, I had the pleasure of appointing an at-large member. And Darby and I had first met actually through our mutual involvement with the assessment, evaluation, and research knowledge community. And so when it dawned on me that the strategic planning process would fall as part of my charge as chair, Darby was one of the first calls I made. I will admit she didn't answer initially, but we finally connected and I shared with her that I wanted her to join the board as an at-large member, specifically to work on the strategic plan as a member of the steering committee in particular. And so that's how Darby Darby Roberts came to be a part of this process. Recently, Carnell was elected as a regional director, and so the representation of our regional directors, I think, was critically important throughout this process. So we invited Carnell as an important and strong voice among our regional leadership to also serve on the steering committee. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:19]: I'll say high five for Region 5, Carnell. Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black [00:03:22]: Region 5! Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:23]: I may be overseas now, but I'm always Region 5 in my heart. So very excited to have you all on here. So I'd love to hear from the two of you, Darby and Carnell. You come on board for this project. It's a daunting thing to say, please redo the strategic plan for NASPA and please lead this process, go. Can you talk about your process of moving forward from this idea to realization? Dr. Darby Roberts [00:03:44]: One of the things I appreciated about this process, it was very purposeful, very timely. We didn't want to rush the process and spend the amount of time we needed to talk about what's our future vision, what's our future mission. And then from there saying, if that's what we believe in and strive for, what are the things that we really want to do for the association and setting up the strategic priorities before getting into how we're actually going to do the strategic plan. And so I think it's been very enlightening to take all the feedback that the membership has given, working with the board, working with the staff to come up with a plan that is a really solid plan for us for the next 3 years. I would also just add the element of our members' experience was a key component. And as you look through all the elements, not just for the current day headwinds that we face within higher education, but also the day-to-day experiences that our colleagues are navigating on their campuses and in the world, that we have the opportunity to focus in on how they themselves are supported through the association. Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black [00:04:41]: I would also just add that the element of our members' experience was a, a key component. And as you look through all the elements, not only just for current day headwinds that we face within higher education, but also the day-to-day experiences that our colleagues are navigating on their campuses and in the world, that we have an opportunity to focus in on how they themselves are supported through the association. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:05:05]: It's also a very different thing to create a strategic plan for an organization, an association versus our campuses, I always think it's kind of interesting to try to refocus our brains on what do our members need as opposed to what do our students need or our staff need. So how did that play a role in this process? Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black [00:05:20]: Well, I will say as an initial starting point, again, we are thinking about what are the current day challenges, but also thinking about the future and how do we find the intersections of both what we need now and what we need in the future and to be prepared for whatever may come our way. But I think at the heart of it is our members are always, I think through this piece around feedback and getting feedback from the membership, there are clear elements around what's the value of their engagement or their value of being a NASPA member. And when we can focus in o

    41 min
  6. We Will Be Back Next Week With Another Great Episode

    MAR 12

    We Will Be Back Next Week With Another Great Episode

    We are taking a bereak this week while we are taking in all of the great conversations that we had with you at the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference. We will be back with another powerful SA Voices From The Field Podcast Episode next week!   TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is Season 14, continuing our conversation on the value of student affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Hey, SA Voices listeners. For those of you who we met in Kansas City, thank you so much for sharing your voices with us. Chris and I are busy putting together the episodes that we recorded on site, so we won't have a new episode for you this week, but we'll have one very, very soon. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:39]: All the best. Talk again soon. This has been an episode of SA Voices from the Field, brought to you by NASPA. This show is made possible because of you, the listeners. We continue to be so grateful that you choose to spend your time with us. If you'd like to reach the show, you can email us at savoices@naspa.org or find me on LinkedIn by searching for Dr. Jill L. Creighton. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:05]: We welcome your feedback and your topic and guest suggestions always. We'd love it if you take a moment to tell a colleague about the show and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you're listening now. It really does help other student affairs professionals find the show and helps us to become more visible in the larger podcasting community. This episode was produced and hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton. That's me. Produced and audio engineered by Dr. Lewis. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:30]: Special thanks to the University of Michigan Flint for your support as we create this project. Catch you next time.

    3 min
  7. Looking Forward To Seeing You At The 2026 NASPA Annual Conference

    MAR 7

    Looking Forward To Seeing You At The 2026 NASPA Annual Conference

    The latest episode of SA Voices from the Field, hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton and Dr. Christopher Lewis, is a must-listen for anyone in higher education and student affairs! As they gear up for the 2026 NASPA annual conference, both hosts share their excitement about reconnecting with colleagues and gathering authentic stories from attendees. A unique highlight this season: Dr. Jill Creighton and Dr. Christopher Lewis will be moving around the conference with recording devices, collecting answers to three carefully crafted questions tied to the event's focus areas. Can't attend in person? No worries! We will bring key conference moments and voices directly to the podcast, ensuring every listener can still benefit from the rich professional insights. Whether you're there in Kansas City or tuning in from afar, this episode is packed with community spirit and practical tips.  TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is Season 14, continuing our conversation on the value of student affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Hey, Chris. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:27]: Hey, Jill. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:29]: It's been an incredible week of gearing up for annual conference. I hope everyone has enjoyed our annual conference episode with Jose and Mike. Chris, what are you most looking forward to? Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:40]: Well, our annual meetup, of course, is one of my most exciting times when we get to actually be in person and talking. But I love being able to talk with all of the people that are coming to the conference. I'm going to be recording questions questions with people from the conference, and I'm really looking forward to some of their answers. You know, we have 3 main questions that we're asking individuals, and we'll be walking around asking people. So if you see Jill or I with our recorders out, please come up to us, talk to us, because we would love to be able to have your voices as a part of this. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:19]: And even if you see us and we don't have our recorders out, but you'd really like to submit your voice for the podcast, we really want to hear from you. So Chris and I will be moving about with our handhelds asking you the 3 questions that we've got scripted for this year's conference focus areas that you heard about from Jose and Mike. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:37]: But Chris, I wish you all of the safe travels. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:40]: And just to let our listeners know, we're taking the week off from releasing an episode so we can be present at Annual. So we'll be back in 2 weeks with a new episode for you. We wish all of you safe travels. And Chris, anything else before we head out to Kansas City? Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:55]: No, looking forward to it. Safe travels to you, Jill, and safe travels to everyone else. Looking forward to seeing you all. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:02]: And if we can't see you there, we are going to be capturing some conversations with some key speakers as well as the voices of you all. So if you're going to not be able to join us this year, we'll make sure that you get to have some of that experience. So whether we'll be seeing you in person in Kansas City or whether you're going to be listening to the content from the podcast after the conference, we hope that it's an enriching experience and we'll be back with a normal episode in 2 weeks. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:31]: This has been an episode of SA Voices from the Field, brought to you by NASPA. This show is made possible because of you, the listeners. We continue to be so grateful that you choose to spend your time with us. If you'd like to reach the show, you can email us at savoices@naspa.org or find me on LinkedIn by searching for Dr. Jill L. Creighton. We welcome your feedback and your topic and guest suggestions always. We'd love it if you take a moment to tell a colleague about the show and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you're listening now. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:00]: It really does help other student affairs professionals find the show and helps us to become more visible in the larger podcasting community. This episode was produced and hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton. That's me. Produced and audio engineered by Dr. Chris Lewis. Special thanks to the University of Michigan Flint for your support as we create this project. Catch you next time.

    3 min
  8. Discover What's New at NASPA 2026: Themes, Tips, and Conference Insights

    MAR 5

    Discover What's New at NASPA 2026: Themes, Tips, and Conference Insights

    Are you getting ready for the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference in Kansas City? Whether you're a seasoned attendee or venturing out for the first time, this year's event promises to be a transformative experience for student affairs professionals everywhere. The latest episode of the "Student Affairs Voices from the Field" podcast, hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton, dives into everything you need to know about the upcoming conference, offering behind-the-scenes insights and invaluable tips. In this special episode, Dr. Jill Creighton is joined by Dr. Michael N. Christakis, NASPA Board Chair, and Dr. José-Luis Riera, Vice President for Student Life at the University of Delaware and the 2026 Annual Conference Chair. Together, they explore the vision and meticulous planning that goes into creating one of the most important gatherings for student affairs professionals. Conference Focus Areas: The conversation orbits around three core themes that will define this year's conference: Elevating Student Affairs: Embracing Our Impact – Discover how the profession leverages data, technology, and AI to demonstrate tangible outcomes and meet the growing expectations of students, families, and employers. Focusing on People: The Heart of the Profession – After several tumultuous years in higher education, there's a renewed emphasis on community, connection, and supporting the wellbeing of student affairs practitioners. From opening session changes to intentional networking lounges, the conference is designed with people in mind. Pathways to Student Success: Thriving in Higher Education – Despite shifting models, the heartbeat of student affairs remains centered on supporting student success. The conference will tackle who "owns" and contributes to this vital work as institutions continue to evolve. Why Should You Listen? If you're attending the conference for the first time (along with 20% of attendees!), you'll find actionable advice—from navigating the app to building meaningful connections, even if you're an introvert. The episode also gives a shout-out to Kansas City's vibrant culture, and how it will shape the conference experience, inside and outside the convention center. Whether you want to get inspired, feel prepared, or just find the best spot for barbecue or vegetarian fare, this episode is bursting with valuable tips. Don't miss out on hearing from the leaders who bring the conference to life and finding those nuggets of wisdom for your student affairs journey. Tune in now and take your NASPA conference experience—from both the inside and outside—up a notch! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is Season 14, continuing our conversation on the value of student affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Let's get ready for NASPA 2026's annual conference. Today I'm joined by both our board chair as well as our conference chair to tell us all about what to expect this year in Kansas City, Missouri. If you're a first-time attendee, we also spend some time talking about how to navigate this conference schedule that is incredibly rich but can also be a little bit overwhelming. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:46]: Our first guest is Dr. Mike Christakis, who is our NASPA board chair, and he's also the vice president for student affairs and enrollment at the University of Albany. We had Mike on last year when he took the board chair seat, so if you'd like to learn more about him and his background, I highly encourage you to go back and listen to his episode. Our second guest is a first-timer on the podcast, Dr. José Luis Riera, who's currently the Vice President for Student Life at the University of Delaware and also our 2026 annual conference chair for NASPA. With over 20 years of experience in student affairs and higher ed, José oversees a comprehensive student affairs division whose fundamental work involves advancing equity and inclusion, deepening student learning, and attending to the student's holistic development. José's vision is rooted in leading consequential student affairs work that leads to student flourishing and student success for all students. Since arriving at the University of Delaware in 2010, he served in several positions within student life, including Associate Dean and Dean of Students. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:38]: He's a frequent presenter at national conferences, an active contributor to the advancement of higher ed and student affairs, and is a member of APLU, ACPA, and NASPA. He is currently our 2026 conference chair, and he's put a ton of work across the last 18 months to make this experience happen for us in Kansas City. He's the author and co-creator of several articles and book reviews in professional journals, and he's the author and co-author of multiple book chapters focused on on the application of the social change model. Jose began his career in higher education as a student steeped in the liberal arts with a double major in music and biology at Muhlenberg College. He then earned a master's degree in student affairs and higher education from Colorado State University and a PhD in college student personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park. He lives in Newark, Delaware with his wife Kate, a faculty member in human development and family sciences at the University of Delaware, and they have 4 girls and 2 dogs. Welcome back to SA Voices, Mike. Dr. Michael N. Christakis [00:02:30]: Hey, it's great to be here, Jill. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:31]: And Jose, first-time guest. Lovely to have you. Welcome. Dr. José-Luis Riera [00:02:34]: Thanks for having me. Excited to join in on this episode. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:37]: We are recording just in advance of all of us descending on Kansas City, Missouri for the annual conference. This year we are thrilled to have Jose in the chair seat for the conference and Mike as one of his last things to do as current NASPA board chair. So before we get started with the preview of the conference, Mike, you've been on the show before. Do you want to remind listeners how you got to your current seat, both as NASPA Board Chair and at University of Albany. Dr. Michael N. Christakis [00:03:03]: Sure. Thanks, Jill. Yeah, so I'm at the University at Albany in New York State. I've been at UAlbany in my 26th year. Got to UAlbany, as y'all might recall, as a graduate student, had a graduate assistantship in student affairs, worked through residential life, and then have been at the honor of serving as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment here for the last 11 years. Have been involved with NASPA throughout most of my professional journey here at UAlbany, serving both as Regional Director for Region 2, co-chair of the Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Knowledge Community. And have the pleasure now of serving as chair. And as Jill noted, I will be concluding my chair service when the annual conference concludes in Kansas City. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:38]: Thank you. And Jose, first-time guest, your turn. How did you get to your current seat, both at Delaware as well as in the conference chairship? Dr. José-Luis Riera [00:03:46]: Yeah, so I'll take on Delaware first. I've been at the University of Delaware since 2010, so just past 15 years here. And most of my earlier career was in residence life and housing and in student conduct work and spent 4 years at the University of Maryland College Park prior to coming here at Delaware, but came as the Associate Dean of Students, served as the Dean of Students here, and was very fortunate to be able to compete for the Vice President position. So I've been in that position formally since 2018. And then NASPA has always been central to my professional development. I would say most of my service has been in helping to contribute around professional development programs, most recently working on the faculty and then directing, co-directing the Institute for folks who are aspiring to be vice presidents of student affairs, which was a really fun opportunity for me. And then I was very fortunate to have Mike call me. I think it's one of the privileges of board chairs is to think through who they would like leading the conference that ultimately, I think, expresses and culminates their work at NASPA in the, in that board chair position. Dr. José-Luis Riera [00:04:57]: And so, yeah, it's just, it's, it's been a really, really fun ride for 18+ months. Dr. Michael N. Christakis [00:05:01]: I will say, Jill, just to underscore Jose's point, it actually is quite literally the first major decision you take on as chair-elect. I mean, it really is like they call you to let you know you were elected, super exciting, and less than 24 hours later, they're like, and who's your conference chair? I'm very, very grateful that Jose, who I'd had the opportunity to work alongside in both NASPA and APLU circles, we're, we're both involved with APLU, agreed to take on this. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:05:26]: So Mike, you get elected, you say, Jose, please chair this conference. Jose, had you been in the NASPA conference circles before? Dr. José-Luis Riera [00:05:34]: So actually, yeah, I've, um, under a very different model. Probably, I think, sometime around like 2009 or '10, I served on the Program Selection Committee, which back then was meeting at NASPA headquarters for a weekend with a lot of paper and going through program reviews. So that was my foray into conference and then volunteering along the way and doing those types of things. But yeah. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:05:59]: So what does the chair do? What is your job? Dr. J

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

SA Voices from the Field shares the voices and stories from student affairs professionals from around the world. This podcast provides you with practical advice to help you be the best student affairs practitioner you can be, no matter where you are in your career.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jill Creighton, NASPA
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    265
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    SA Voices From the Field

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