Sa Voices From The Field

In this episode of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field," Dr. Jill Creighton welcomes Brian Medina, the director of Bias Incident Support Services at the University of Maryland, College Park, for a conversation on transitions in Student Affairs. Brian, an openly queer genderqueer and Latinx sexual assault survivor with multiple disabilities, discusses zir journey and experiences. Brian started zir career in student affairs in resident life and student conduct, eventually transitioning into the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) space. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and finding one's true self in the workplace, highlighting the role of supportive colleagues and institutions in this process. They also share zir experience of transitioning in terms of gender presentation, including using gender-neutral pronouns (zee/zir) and embracing a more authentic self, both personally and professionally. Brian's journey has been marked by self-discovery, self-acceptance, and gaining the confidence to br

In this episode of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field," Dr. Jill Creighton discusses transitions in Student Affairs with her guest, Dr. Chrissy Roth Francis, who made the leap from student affairs to a career in the tech industry. The episode highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by student affairs professionals considering a pivot into adjacent roles. Dr. Creighton emphasizes the importance of this discussion, acknowledging the diverse experiences within the field. Dr. Chrissy Roth Francis shares her journey through higher education, starting as an involved undergraduate student, pursuing a master's degree at New York University, and eventually landing a dream job at the University of Southern California, where she worked with international students. She later became the Director of New Student Services at UC Berkeley, overseeing orientation for a growing number of students. However, the transition to a "welcome week" structure became a significant challenge and contributed to her decision to

In this episode of "Student Affairs Voices From the Field," Dr. Jill Creighton welcomes Dr. Eric Stoller, the VP of Marketing and Digital Content at territorium, for a conversation about the evolving landscape of higher education and the role of technology in student affairs. They discuss various trends in higher education technology and how it impacts both academic and student affairs divisions. Dr. Stoller traces his journey from his early experiences as a marketing specialist at the University of Illinois, Chicago, to becoming a respected thought leader in the higher education technology space. He emphasizes how technology has become an integral part of the entire higher education experience, noting the importance of CRM tools, mobile apps, and the shift toward hybrid and remote learning during the pandemic. The conversation delves into the changing value of higher education credentials and the importance of measuring and verifying outcomes related to critical thinking, skills development, and employabilit

Welcome to another episode of SA Voices from the Field podcast. In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Kenneth Samson. Kenneth is not only a first-generation American college student, but also a new father.  In this episode of "Student Affairs Voices From the Field," Dr. Jill Creighton welcomes Kenneth Samson, a first-generation American college student who also falls into the category of a 1.5 generation student. Kenneth's parents have college degrees, but they graduated in the Philippines, which presented unique challenges for him as he navigated the American college system. He shares his journey, starting at Pasadena City College and eventually transferring to California State University, Los Angeles, where he graduated with a BA in English. Despite needing guidance as a first-generation student, Kenneth struggled to seek help due to his unfamiliarity with the process. Kenneth's story doesn't end there. He went on to teach English to medical school and high school students for over a deca

Welcome back to another episode of SA Voices From The Field! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Hyunmin Kim, who will be sharing their insights and experiences in the field of higher education and student affairs. In this episode of the "Student Affairs Voices From the Field" podcast, Dr. Jill Creighton interviews Hyunmin Kim, the assistant director of residential life for the Courtyards at the University of Maryland. Hyunmin shares his journey into student affairs and his recent transition into his current role. Hyunmin's journey into student affairs began with a personal connection to residential life, as he grew up in a family housing unit on a university campus. He found his passion for working with students while in college, leading him to pursue a master's degree in public administration with a focus on educational leadership. His career path eventually led him to become the assistant director at the Courtyards. During the discussion, Hyunmin reflects on his first 90 days in his new role, high

In this episode of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field," Dr. Kevin Kruger, President of NASPA, discusses his upcoming retirement and the transitions in student affairs. Dr. Kruger reflects on his 30-year journey at NASPA and the reasons behind his decision to step down as president. He emphasizes the importance of retiring on his own terms and while still making meaningful contributions to the field. Dr. Kruger also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing student affairs professionals, including the need to close attainment gaps for underrepresented students and navigate financial pressures on higher education institutions. He highlights the importance of staying intellectually engaged in retirement and shares his interests in history and leadership. Dr. Kruger also expresses his hope for NASPA's continued role in supporting student affairs professionals and advocating for the value of their work in higher education. He discusses some of the initiatives and partnerships NASPA has undertaken durin

Welcome back to SA Voices From the Field. In this episode, titled "Discovering Resilience: Clarissa Mae Calimbas' Story of Professional Transformation," we are joined by Clarissa Mae Calimbas, Assistant Director for Student Organizations at San Jose State University. Clarissa Mae takes us on a journey through her professional career, from her early days as a transfer student to her current role overseeing 350 student organizations. She shares her experiences of being terminated from her first professional position during the height of the pandemic, and how she found the strength to rebuild her professional confidence. Through her story, Clarissa Mae reveals the importance of finding the right fit and staying true to one's values, even in the face of uncertainty. We also delve into the topic of transitions in Student Affairs, exploring the challenges faced by professionals and the various opportunities for growth and development. Join us as we dive deep into Clarissa Mae's inspiring journey and gain valuable i

Welcome back to another exciting episode of SA Voices From the Field! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Chicora Martin, the board chair of NASPA, the leading association for student affairs professionals. Dr. Martin shares their incredible journey in leadership, from initially doubting their own nomination to now serving as the board chair. We dive into their experience at NASPA, the importance of color and texture in leadership, and the outstanding work of the NASPA staff in keeping the organization running smoothly. Dr. Martin also walks us through NASPA's thoughtful process of selecting the board chair, emphasizing the importance of representation and engagement within the association. We'll also touch on Dr. Martin's involvement in the LGBTQ+ knowledge community and their commitment to addressing gender issues within the profession. So tune in and join us as we explore the dynamic world of leadership and higher education with Dr. Chicora Martin in this episode of SA Voices From the F

We are very excited to be preparing for Season 9 of SA Voices from the Field. This season we will be looking at things that we do something we do many times in our careers, transitions. Take a listen while Jill Creighton and Chris Lewis talk abmany times in ourout the new season. Please subscribe to SA Voices from the Field on your favorite podcasting device and share the podcast with other student affairs colleagues!   Transcript Jill Creighton: Welcome to Student Affairs voices from the field. The podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. This is season 9 on transitions in student affairs. This podcast is brought to you by NASPA. And I'm Doctor Jill Creighton. Sheherhers, your SA voices from the field host. Happy August, Chris. Christopher Lewis: It is great to be back and really excited about this new season and new school year. and just new in general. Jill Creighton: You've got a lot of major things happening in your life right now about to sun. Well

This week on  SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed Gian Luca Giovannucci, President of the European University College Association.  Gian Luca is a lawyer registered with the Italian bar association. He has been on the board of directors of Collegio Universitario Internazionale di Roma (CUIR) since 1992, advocating for the integration of life skills in the academic curricula and working for national recognition of University Colleges of Merit (Collegi di Merito) to foster academic excellence in Italy.  Recognizing the added value of internationalization in higher education, Gian Luca promoted the creation of the European University College Association (EucA) in 2006, and he has been its president ever since. During his tenure with EucA, Gian Luca has pursued the association’s growth, and official recognition by European Union institutions of University Colleges’ role in providing a holistic education for students that strengthens their development and employability. While at EucA, he has overseen the crea

This week on SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed Dr. Niamh Nestor, Student Adviser at the Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin.  Niamh’s work is focused on student support, primarily on mental health and well-being among veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing students. Niamh’s background is in sociolinguistics, migration, and integration, and her doctoral research focused on Polish children and teenagers who had migrated to Ireland since Poland joined the European Union in 2004. At UCD, Niamh’s work is focused on student support, primarily on mental health and well-being among veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing students.  She supports the rollout of the HEA National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework at UCD. Niamh is an active member of the community life of the university. She runs UCD Purl Jam, the university’s craft/creative group. She co-founded the Veterinary Community Garden on campus. She is also an active member of the UCD Community Choir. Niamh is

This week on SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed David Pe, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at NYU Shanghai.  In his role, David Pe oversees the student life experience for NYU Shanghai’s diverse student community and ensures that all students are provided the support and resources needed to thrive during their studies at this university. His areas of oversight include Residential Life, New Student Programs, Student Belonging, Athletics & Fitness, Student Health, Career Development, Student Involvement, and Inbound/Outbound Mobility. David joined NYU Shanghai in 2012 as an inaugural member of the university’s administrative team, helping to build NYU Shanghai from the ground up. He has also served in various capacities within student life at the NYU campus in New York.  David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from New York University, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change

This week on SA Voices From the Field we bring you the third episode of our conference recap. In this episode we bring you the voices of about 70 professionals who attended the NASPA Annual Conference as they answer the question: What topics would you like to see more in future conferences? Special thanks to all of the professionals who shared their voices with us. If you have an interest in sharing your voice or ideas with us about a future podcast, email us at savoices@naspa.org Please subscribe to SA Voices from the Field on your favorite podcasting device and share the podcast with other student affairs colleagues!

This week on SA Voices From the Field we bring you the second episode of our conference recap. In this episode we bring you the voices of about 70 professionals who attended the NASPA Annual Conference as they answer the question: What would you like to learn about student affairs practices around the world? Special thanks to all of the professionals who shared their voices with us. If you have an interest in sharing your voice or ideas with us about a future podcast, email us at savoices@naspa.org Please subscribe to SA Voices from the Field on your favorite podcasting device and share the podcast with other student affairs colleagues!

This week on SA Voices From the Field we bring you the first episode of our conference recap. In this episode we bring you the voices of about 70 professionals who attended the NASPA Annual Conference as they answer the question: What is one thing that is changing within the field that excites you? Special thanks to all of the professionals who shared their voices with us. If you have an interest in sharing your voice or ideas with us about a future podcast, email us at savoices@naspa.org Please subscribe to SA Voices from the Field on your favorite podcasting device and share the podcast with other student affairs colleagues!

This week on SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed Hala Al-Abdulrazzaq, Dean of Student Affairs at the American University of Kuwait (AUK).  Hala Al-Abdulrazzaq earned a B.A. in Psychology from George Washington University in 2005 and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Educational Leadership  at the University of Central Florida. Since joining American University of Kuwait in 2008 as an academic advisor, Ms. Abdulrazzaq was appointed as Assistant Director in 2012 and Director of the Academic Advising Center in 2017. Ms. Abdulrazzaq continuously improved upon the academic advising landscape at AUK always maintaining the academic and holistic success of students as her ultimate goal.  She was responsible for the efficient and effective operations of academic advising activities and carried out the responsibilities of quality academic advising services while continuously interfacing with faculty and staff alike.  As Dean, Ms. Abdulrazzaq is in charge of the Academic Advising Center, the Office of Student Life

This week on SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed PhD candidate in China, Echo Zhao. Echo Zhao was an international student in the United States for about six years and a double alumnus of Iowa State University. Like many international students, she entered college underprepared to succeed. Her parents valued education but could not help her navigate college with their language barriers. She struggled with her academics, self-confidence, and sense of belonging. She switched three majors because she was unsure of what she wanted to do. With different student affairs professors’ support and help, she continued her master’s degree in higher education-student affairs. Her college experience became the catalyst for her career in student affairs. She has worked in 5 different departments within Student Affairs in 3 different types of institutions in her past working experiences. She realizes the need to connect practical practices with theoretical knowledge to further contribute to the international higher educ

This week on SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed Mirela Mazalu, Secretary General of the European University College Association (EucA).  Mirela Mazalu spends her day job in the European higher education by helping students explore career pathways and gain confidence in their potential.  When she's not pursuing directly students' aha moments, she does it indirectly by organising professional development initiatives for student affairs staff internationally. Her official job title is Secretary-General of the European University College Association - EucA, a non-profit association based in Belgium.  She joined EucA in 2010 and serves in her current capacity since 2017.  Mirela speaks 5 languages, Romanian, Italian, English, Spanish and French, and has lived in 3 countries, Romania, Italy and Belgium.  But the best title she has is, simply, international educator. When asked where home is, she feels most comfortable replying “Europe”. Please subscribe to SA Voices from the Field on your favorite podcasting

This week on SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed Wadad Youssef El-Husseiny, Consultant to VP of Student Affairs at Qatar University. Ms. Wadad Youssef El-Husseiny Consultant to VP of Student Affairs at Qatar University. She has worked at multiple institutions in the Middle East and started her career as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities till 2009. Joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Since 2012 her role as consultant for the VP entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University. Former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Certified Sp

This week on SA Voices From the Field, we interviewed Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur, DEI Strategist/Consultant, Speaker, and Trainer with Sumun Pendakur Consulting. Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur (Sumi) believes that we have infinite capability to imagine and enact a more just, equitable, and compassionate world. Sumi is a scholar-practitioner, an activist-educator, a skilled facilitator, and a mom. With nearly 20 years in the field of higher education and a decade as a DEI speaker and trainer, Sumi's work and research focuses on helping campuses, corporations, non-profits, and other organizations build capacity for social justice and racial equity by empowering individuals at all levels to be transformational agents of change in their spheres of influence. Most recently, Sumi was the Chief Learning Officer and Director of the USC Equity Institutes at the USC Race and Equity Center, dedicated to advancing racial justice in higher education and other sectors. Prior to that position, Sumi held roles as the Assistant Vice Presid