Student Affairs NOW

This episode of Student Affairs Now celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL), one of the most influential research projects in student affairs and leadership education. Host Heather Shea talks with longtime colleagues and collaborators John Dugan and Kristan Cilente-Skendall about the study’s origins, impact, and evolution. Together they reflect on how the MSL has shaped our understanding of leadership, learning, and social responsibility across higher education and beyond. The conversation also explores their new venture, the Center for Expanding Leadership and Opportunity (CELO), and its role in advancing equity and human development for the next generation of learners. The post Twenty Years of the MSL: Leadership, Learning, and the Future of Expanding Leadership & Opportunity appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

In this month’s Current Campus Context, Heather Shea is joined by correspondents Dr. Felecia Commodore and Dr. Brendan Cantwell to make sense of four major forces reshaping higher education right now: sharp declines in international enrollment and heightened immigration enforcement; a proposed federal redefinition of “professional degree” that could limit graduate student borrowing and access to high-need fields; deepening budget cuts and staff reductions affecting student-facing roles; and major shifts in college athletics as NIL changes and recent legal cases raise new questions about equity, compliance, and institutional accountability. Together, they explore what these developments mean for student affairs educators, how institutions are responding in real time, and what to watch as the semester comes to a close. The post Current Campus Context: Chaos, Cuts & College Sports appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Dr. Jonathan A. McElderry is the Dean of Student Inclusive Excellence and an advocate for marginalized students, while Dra. Stephanie Hernandez-Rivera is a Puerto Rican educator focused on equity and inclusion. They discuss the urgent need to 'shake the table' in higher education by centering identity practitioners, especially amidst anti-DEI sentiments. The conversation touches on themes of survival, healing through storytelling, and the importance of documenting practitioner experiences for future generations. They also preview their next volume and emphasize the need for self-care and solidarity in their work.

When a residence hall went off the rails during the pandemic, Craig Allen didn’t send emails or wag his finger—he showed up with pizza, t-shirts, and presence. Hear how those small acts sparked a culture shift and reminded his team of the real power of connection. The post Here’s the Story: “Ship-Shape Shirley” appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Brian Brees, the first president of both the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, shares insights from his 35-year career in higher education. He highlights the innovative concept of strong integration, which aims to break down silos and enhance student experiences. Dr. Brees emphasizes the importance of adaptive leadership, interdependence, and valuing relationships in educational governance. He also articulates how higher education can cultivate critical thinkers dedicated to the common good.

Elliot Felix is an author and higher education consultant dedicated to fostering student success, while Dr. Daniel Maxwell is the VP for Student Success at the University of Houston–Downtown, known for bridging academic and student affairs. They discuss innovative strategies for breaking down institutional silos and enhancing student belonging. Key topics include redefining student success through metrics and personal goals, integrating co-curricular experiences into academics, and the importance of horizontal leadership to unite staff for greater impact.

Learning to release the pressure of the "shoulds" and leaning into authentic desires is not easy feat. This episode explores the courageous decision of releasing the rules and making the decision to embrace a life worth living.  The post Here’s the Story: “Living without the ‘Should'” appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

This episode was inspired by the recent article by Drs. Shaun Harper and Oscar Patrón, Three Decades of Campus Racial Climate Studies and 25 New Directions for Future Research, which builds on the foundational work of Dr. Sylvia Hurtado. Together, their scholarship has profoundly shaped how we understand race, racism, and belonging in higher education. We’ll discuss how campus racial climate research has evolved over the past 30 years, what challenges and opportunities remain, and where this critical field is headed next. The post Campus Racial Climate: Past, Present, & Future appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

As the federal government shutdown continues, colleges and universities are grappling with its immediate effects on students and operations. Meanwhile, the proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence” is sparking debate about federal influence over campus policies and values. This episode explores how funding, freedom, and inclusion intersect in today’s political climate—and how student affairs professionals are helping students and institutions navigate these challenges. The post Current Campus Context: Shutdowns and Showdowns in Higher Ed appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Dr. Jill Bassett-Cameron, Senior Equity and Inclusion Officer at Central Connecticut State University, dives into vicarious trauma in helping professions. She distinguishes it from burnout and highlights how daily exposure can affect student affairs professionals. Jill discusses tools from other fields that higher education lacks, shares protective practices like venting and sensory rituals, and advocates for curriculum changes. Finally, she reframes the cost of caring as a strength, empowering practitioners to embrace their experiences with pride.