Student Affairs NOW

Dr. Anne Hornak, professor at Central Michigan University, shares insights from her unique sabbatical experience, where she worked as a server at a restaurant while taking nine credit hours at a community college to better understand the experiences of financially strapped students. She highlights several challenges such as unexpected online textbook costs, lack of community, and the stress of balancing work and school. The conversation also explores the lessons for higher education institutions to provide more transparent and accessible support systems and the importance administrative empathy.

Rob Kelly, President of the University of Portland, and Colin Stewart, a special assistant in student affairs, delve into their book on leading innovative teams in higher education. They challenge the norms of perfectionism and advocate for diversity and inclusion. The duo emphasizes fostering creativity by embracing failure as a learning tool. They discuss the critical need for supportive cultures that encourage risk-taking and the integration of storytelling and AI in educational advancements to drive positive change.

Jason Pina, Senior Vice President for University Life at NYU, and Amy Hecht, Vice President for Student Affairs at Florida State University, share their insights on career transitions in higher education. They discuss how COVID-19 reshaped professional paths and the importance of self-reflection. The duo emphasizes adaptability and authenticity in navigating career journeys. They also address women's time management and the critical role of international education in student affairs, inviting listeners to realign their mindsets for better career development.

Dr. Kyle Reyes, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and a passionate advocate for education, shares insights from his book, Lenses of Humanity. He discusses how empathy can transform challenging moments, revealing our shared humanity. The conversation dives into the importance of intentionality in building meaningful connections and the value of personal engagement in higher education. Dr. Reyes also highlights the need for perseverance and patience in fostering authentic relationships, encouraging listeners to embrace reflection in their lives.

In this enlightening discussion, Chris Linder, a seasoned higher education professional in violence prevention, Niah Grimes, a survivor and equity-focused assistant professor, and Nadeeka Karunaratne, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in power-conscious perspectives, delve into crucial topics surrounding sexual violence in education. They advocate for abolitionist approaches to transform accountability and prioritize survivor needs. The conversation emphasizes community healing, the complexities of compliance culture, and fostering healthy relationships, all aimed at creating safer academic environments.

Join Dr. Kristen Renn, a leading expert in higher education whose research emphasizes student success and LGBTQ issues, alongside SAA program alum Brandon Arnold. They delve into the evolution of student affairs, discussing the importance of adaptability amidst contemporary challenges like student debt and the anti-DEI movement. Renn articulates a future vision that champions values and unique strengths in higher education. The conversation also highlights the need for compassion and mentorship as professionals navigate the complexities of a changing landscape.

Jess Pettitt discusses her new book, Almost Good Enough, which explores the subtle shifts at the fulcrum between doing harm and doing good. She discusses compassion and humanity, best practices and intuition, and ways to foster innovation and description related to DEI and beyond. If we can be prepared, recognize what is going on beyond us, and move from reactivity to response, we can do more good, cause less harm, and learn and grow.

Dr. Z Nicolazzo, a leading voice in transgender studies, joins her doctoral students Clar Gobuyan and Pin-Ru Su to unpack pressing issues surrounding trans students in higher education. They discuss the importance of kinship and chosen family, highlighting how these support systems can foster academic success. The conversation also addresses the disconnect between institutional policies and the real experiences of marginalized communities, advocating for more inclusive practices in academia. Personal narratives add depth, broadening the understanding of trans perspectives in diverse educational contexts.

In this episode of Student Affairs Now, ACPA Presidents past and present—Jill Carnaghi (2000-2001), Paul Shang (2002-2003), Stephen John Quaye (2017-2018), Rachel Aho (current ACPA President), and Jonathan McElderry (President-Elect)—connect with co-hosts Gudrun Nyunt and Heather Shea (immediate Past President) to reflect on ACPA's growth and influence over the years. The panel explores pivotal moments from their presidencies, the importance of ACPA’s ongoing mission, and offer advice for future leadership. As ACPA celebrates its 100th birthday on ACPA Day (October 21, 2024), the conversation delves into how the association continues to influence the field and what lies ahead for its future. Don't miss this insightful discussion on leadership, legacy, and transformation in higher education!

D.L. Stewart, Professor at the University of Denver, Monique Atherley, a senior policy specialist at a major educational labor union, and Shana Philpott, Director of the Native American Student Support Program, dive into race and indigeneity in higher education. They emphasize the importance of land acknowledgments and genuine allyship with Indigenous communities. Discussions include advocating for Indigenous voices, the challenges of belonging for marginalized students, and the need for decolonization in education, all while exploring intersectionality and the role of advocacy in fostering inclusive environments.