Student Affairs NOW

Dr. Harold Cheatham is a scholar, mentor, Dean, and 56th president of ACPA, and the first African American man to serve in that role. In this conversation, he reflects on the themes of serendipity and intrusive advising throughout his professional journey. He also shares his humility, commitment to service, and getting stuff done.

Dr. Zach Mercurio discusses his new book The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. Zach comes from student affairs roots and focuses now on significance, meaning, purpose, and mattering at work. He describes how mattering differs from belonging and inclusion and how much mattering matters. He also shares a practical framework for cultivating mattering through three actionable practices: noticing, affirming, and needing.

In this episode of Student Affairs Now, Drs. Amy Goodburn, Stephanie Bannister, and Mary Fugate join Heather Shea for conversation about advancing equity for first-generation college students through data transparency. Together, they explore how definitions shape data collection, the role of national datasets, and how institutions are using data to inform practice. The discussion also highlights the risks of data loss and the importance of collaboration in advocating for first-gen student success.

While it is hard to think about the "dark place" that COVID holds in our collective heart, we are remiss if we do not acknowledge the great work that was done. Ardell Sanders tells a story about lessons learned and victories won during that tough time.

Paying it forward comes to life as Dr. McZee makes good on a commitment to pay forward care for the African American men he mentors until it was paid in full.

Dr. Annmarie Caño, a clinical psychologist and author, shares insights from her book on transformative leadership in higher education. She critiques conventional models and advocates for a justice-centered approach that emphasizes accompaniment—supporting rather than solving problems for students. Caño discusses the importance of empathetic leadership, mutual transformation, and fostering equity within academic structures. Her practical strategies, especially during the pandemic, highlight the need for collaborative decision-making and well-being in creating thriving learning environments.

Kevin McClure, a faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and author of The Caring University, discusses a transformative approach to workplace culture in higher education. He emphasizes the need to prioritize faculty and staff well-being to improve student success. By challenging norms of burnout, he advocates for intentional investment in employee care. McClure also shares actionable strategies for fostering organizational change, encourages collaborative ideas, and highlights the importance of transformational leadership in creating resilient institutions.

Anne Brackett and Alicia Wojciuch, co-founders of Strengths University and Gallup-certified strengths coaches, dive into the transformative power of strengths-based leadership. They discuss practical strategies for supervision that prioritize emotional intelligence and inclusivity. The duo highlights the pitfalls of focusing on weaknesses and advocates for cultivating natural talents instead. They share insights on enhancing team dynamics, fostering engagement, and the critical role of self-awareness in inspiring meaningful change in higher education.

In these times, being honestly truthful reinforces listening, hearing and holding students. Dr. Palmer shares the necessary value of understanding the difference between honesty and truth.

Tragedy and loss are inevitable in the career of any Student Affairs professional. In this powerful episode, Dr. R. Bowin Loftin recalls the day he had to deliver heartbreaking news after a sailing tragedy, offering insight into the role of institutions in upholding dignity and healing in the wake of disaster.