Student Affairs NOW

Join Dr. Zach Mercurio, a Senior Research and Teaching Fellow at Colorado State University, as he delves into the vital concept of 'mattering' in our lives and workplaces. He emphasizes the difference between mattering and merely belonging, detailing its impact on employee engagement and well-being. Zach offers a practical framework with three key practices: noticing, affirming, and needing. He shares personal stories illustrating how fostering meaningful connections can combat feelings of invisibility and create a culture of significance that transforms organizations.

Join Stephanie Bannister, a leader in supporting first-gen students, Mary Fugate, an expert in data analytics, and Dr. Amy Goodburn, a champion for equity in education. They discuss how defining first-gen status shapes data collection. The guests emphasize the importance of data transparency in crafting better student support systems. They also explore the role of AI in uncovering insights and the power of collaboration among institutions. With a focus on community resilience, they inspire actionable change for first-generation students.

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.

Join scholars Christina Holmgren, Leah Fulton, and Jayne Sommers as they navigate the complex relationships between Black and white women in higher education. They discuss the challenges of trust-building, the impact of misogynoir, and the importance of self-reflection for effective allyship. Personal experiences reveal the dynamics of feminism, power imbalances, and the role of faith in promoting social justice. Their insights advocate for a new model of reciprocity that fosters genuine connections and collective growth in academia.