SA Voices From the Field

In the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, host Dr. Jill Creighton welcomes Dr. Hollie Chessman for a timely and essential conversation on the wellbeing and career pathways of student affairs professionals. As the field continues to encounter mounting pressures—from student needs to institutional demands—this episode delivers both a candid look at the challenges and practical pathways forward. If you're a higher education professional or anyone invested in cultivating thriving environments on campus, this is a conversation not to miss. Dr. Hollie Chessman brings invaluable expertise from two decades in student affairs as well as her research focused on wellbeing in the profession. Reflecting on her own journey—transitioning from housing and student activities roles to policy and research in D.C.—she shares unique insights into why so many early- and mid-career professionals struggle with burnout and how institutional practices impact wellbeing. Key findings from Dr. Hollie Chessman's research highlight that professionals who remain in student affairs for 12 years or more report significantly higher wellbeing than those newer to the field. This invites an important question: What supports, structures, and cultures keep professionals thriving in the long term? The episode discusses how factors such as autonomy at work, positive relationships, sense of purpose, salary, and even perceived health all predict a more positive work experience. Dr. Jill Creighton and Dr. Hollie Chessman stress that institutions bear real responsibility. Wellbeing is not just an individual's burden; it is shaped by the systems, policies, and leadership present on campus. They urge supervisors and senior leaders to engage in honest assessment of staff wellbeing, support career development conversations, and critically examine organizational cultures that may be contributing to stress and dissatisfaction. The conversation also delves into the broader context—how post-pandemic realities, changing student needs, and evolving workplace norms have affected wellbeing in the field. The episode is rich with encouragement for graduate students, supervisors, and VPSAs alike, offering both easy wins and complex challenges that, when addressed, can make a lasting impact. For anyone seeking actionable insights and inspiration to create a healthier, more supportive environment for student affairs professionals, listening to this episode is a must. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the latest research and practical strategies that can advance wellbeing on your campus today! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher ed professionals wherever you happen to be. This is Season 15, Enhancing the Career Pathways and Well-Being of Student Affairs Professionals. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Welcome back to our next episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field. Today, I'm pleased to welcome Dr. Holly M. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:34]: Chessman, who is currently the Director for Retreat and Evaluation Services at the Association for Community College Trustees in Washington, D.C. She joined ACCT in August of 2026 after almost 9 years as Director and Principal Program Officer and as the resident college student mental health and wellbeing expert at the American Council on Education, or ACE. Dr. Chessman joined ACE in December 2017, bringing almost 20 years of professional experience in higher education. Prior to her current role at CCT, she was the Director of Research and Projects at the Council of Independent Colleges and a postdoctoral associate at ACE. She earned her PhD from George Mason University in 2015, prior to which she spent 17 years as a student affairs professional serving in various roles and institutions, including 10 years in housing and residence life. Her primary interests include college student mental health and wellbeing, student affairs professionals' wellbeing, graduate student choice, and organizational change and leadership. I'm really thrilled to talk to Holly today about her research about wellbeing and student affairs professionals. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:37]: Holly, welcome to SA Voices. Hi, Jill. It's great to be here. Thanks for inviting me. You've got so many great things to talk about today regarding the wellbeing of student affairs professionals. You've done some really great research in this area, and I'm looking forward to digging into some of that detail. But you are one of our colleagues who started in student affairs and now are working in more of an education-adjacent role in the policy and advocacy sphere in DC. And I think our listeners would really love to know how you made that transition and how you got to your current seat. Dr. Hollie Chessman [00:02:08]: Absolutely. I'd be happy to talk about that. So I spent 17 years in student affairs. During my— I went to undergrad and got my undergraduate degree and then had an opportunity for an internship in our new campus recreation center that I helped run the referendum for as an undergraduate, and it paid for my graduate school. So I said, I'm going to go to grad school at it because I didn't want to sub because I graduated in December. I was going to be a K-12 English speech and journalism teacher. So I went to get my undergrad, graduated, and started working in residence life at Tulane University. And then I hopped from Tulane to Ohio at Lake Erie College as the director of campus involvement. Dr. Hollie Chessman [00:02:47]: And then Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, and I had to go back to New Orleans to give back to the city that had given so much to me. So I went back and took a job at Loyola University where I was associate director of co-curricular programs, where I did student activities on the programming board and did other special projects for the Vice President of Affairs. And then I had an opportunity to work with my mentor at George Mason University. And also George Mason University had a PhD program. And so after some consideration, I applied for a job at George Mason and became the Associate Director of Residence Life at George Mason, where I worked full-time and also worked on my PhD. And that was a pretty big undertaking. And those of us who have done that can pretty much testify that you probably wouldn't recommend working full-time and working on your PhD, but sometimes that's the only way that we can afford to go to school. And so— Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:36]: I'll co-sign that. I did the same thing. It was a journey. Dr. Hollie Chessman [00:03:39]: It was a journey, right? It's like you can get a quote unquote free PhD, but it comes at a pretty significant cost. So 5 years, basically with no nights or weekends to do much of anything. And so I graduated in 2015. And during my time working at George Mason, I learned that I really didn't want to be a vice president of student affairs or a senior student affairs officer. That was my initial goal. for getting the PhD. And I said, I don't think this is for me. I've been on call for 6 years dealing with fire, flood, blood, and drugs. Dr. Hollie Chessman [00:04:08]: And I said, you know, I don't want to do that for the rest of my professional career, 'cause guys, residents of student affairs get called for the really serious stuff. And so I decided to look at other opportunities and my chair of my dissertation and a great friend and colleague, Jamie Lester, basically said, hey, there's this, this, this, assistantship opened up at American Council on Education, and it's a 9-month opportunity to do a postdoc with them. What do you think about applying? And I applied and I received it. And, um, I did 9 months at ACE, and then I had to find a job. And I ended up going to the Council of Independent Colleges for about almost 2 years. I ended up not being a fan of being locked in an office with spreadsheets all day. I'm an extrovert, so I found that being a research department of one was not, was not my forte. And then ACE had an opportunity that opened back up and went back to ACE to work on building out a portfolio of work on college student mental health and ended up broadening that to campus mental health because our vice president of research at the time felt like my experience with the student affairs and wellbeing work that I had done in my dissertation and my work with college students and their, and working in residence life for 10 years really gave me a good sort of foundation and to sort of build that work out at ACE for college presidents. Dr. Hollie Chessman [00:05:27]: And so that's what I did. And just recently I left ACE and I came to the Association for Community College Trustees, and I've been here about 4 weeks. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:05:34]: Well, I'll give a shout out to Jonathan Fansmith, who we've had on the podcast a couple of times, one of Holly's former colleagues at ACE. And then Holly, can you tell us a little bit about what your current organization does? Dr. Hollie Chessman [00:05:45]: Sure. So the Association for Community College Trustees is a membership organization that helps community college trustees And they work— our office in particular works with community college trustees and with presidents to build a good, strong relationship, good governance relationship, so that they can really sort of steward our really important institutions of community colleges. And good governance really serves a significant portion of our country's students. And so having good governance really gives those opportunities to our students. Thank you. gives great opportunity for those who are, who are starting at community colleges and looking to further their credentials, either thro

In the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, listeners are treated to a dynamic conversation with Dr. Jamarco Clark and Dr. Jason Lynch, co-editors of a special 2025 edition of the Journal of Education of Human Resources. Hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton, this episode delves into critical issues facing student affairs professionals, shining a spotlight on well-being, workplace culture, and the evolving definition of professionalism in higher education. One of the podcast's most engaging themes is the importance of workplace well-being—not just for students, but for the professionals charged with supporting them. Dr. Jamarco Clark emphasizes the need for a staff-centered, student-focused approach, arguing that when staff are empowered and cared for, student success naturally follows. Both speakers reflect on lessons learned during the COVID-19 era, noting that while much research emerged in response to pandemic challenges, the issues of burnout, compassion fatigue, and the complexities of balancing personal and professional boundaries remain urgent and relevant. The episode explores the multi-generational workforce in student affairs, discussing how differing views on professionalism and workplace expectations can impact collaboration and staff satisfaction. Dr. Jason Lynch and Dr. Jamarco Clark highlight how traditional concepts of professionalism—often based largely on appearance—are being re-examined, making room for more inclusive and flexible environments where effectiveness takes precedence over simply being "busy." Remote and hybrid work also come up as hot topics, with the guests candidly sharing their personal experiences navigating both the positives and challenges of work-from-home arrangements. Their stories underline the importance of trust, flexibility, and recognizing the diverse needs of staff—especially when responding to student crises and managing cyclical job demands. What emerges is a clear call for leaders in student affairs to proactively cultivate psychological safety within their divisions, to recognize staff contributions, and to intentionally prepare the next generation of practitioners. The dialogue is brimming with actionable ideas for supervisors, from empowering staff to take ownership of divisional projects, to focusing more on mentorship and less on micro-management. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to student affairs, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical strategies for enhancing your own well-being and advancing your career. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded that supporting staff is not just good management—it's essential for the success of our students. Ready to rethink your approach to student affairs? Listen to the full episode and join the conversation on the future of the profession! TRANSCTIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher ed professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 15, Enhancing the Career Pathways and Well-Being of Student Affairs Professionals. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Welcome back to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, where today we're going to be talking to 2 authors who helped co-edit a special edition of a journal focusing on the wellbeing of student affairs professionals in the workplace. Our first guest is Dr. Jamarco Clark, who serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Wichita State University, where he works collaboratively across campus to strengthen the student experience and position student affairs as a strategic partner in student success. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:51]: Prior to joining Wichita State, Dr. Clark served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. He also is an active scholar and graduate faculty member teaching in doctoral and master's programs in higher education leadership. His scholarship focuses on workplace wellbeing, trauma-informed supervision, and the experiences of student affairs professionals with particular attention to how institutions support the people who support students. Clark is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and has been appointed by governors in both Illinois and Iowa to statewide service commissions where he contributed to efforts advancing civic engagement, volunteerism, and community service. Dr. Clark earned his Ed.D. from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a master's degree in strategic leadership from Mount Mercy University, and a bachelor's degree in educational foundations from Iowa Wesleyan University. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:35]: Our second guest is Dr. Jason Lynch, who is a passionate educator and innovative scholar-practitioner. He's a native North Carolinian and first-generation college student growing up in Whiteville, a small rural town in the southeastern region of the state. His scholarship and teaching are informed by his practical experience in functional areas, including housing and residence life, student conduct, leadership development, multicultural affairs, fraternity and sorority life, assessment and evaluation, and statewide system policy and governance. He is committed to equipping educators and educational leaders with the tools to provide transformational learning opportunities for students while also fostering the growth and wellbeing of staff, faculty, and leadership. His research interests explore the nature and impact of trauma within educational contexts, with a specific focus on secondary traumatic stress, organizational trauma, and trauma-informed leadership in postsecondary education. He's held multiple leadership roles, including founding executive editor for the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice editorial board and co-editor of the Trauma-Informed Practice in Higher Education published by Bloomsbury. Welcome to SA Voices, Jamarco. Dr. Jamarco Clark [00:02:35]: Hello. Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here with you. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:37]: And hello, Jason. Glad to have you on the show. Dr. Jason Lynch [00:02:39]: I'm so glad to be here. Thanks for having me. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:42]: And today we are here talking, minus one of your co-editors, about an edition that happened in January of 2025 of the Journal of Education of Human Resources. And it was a special edition on workplace wellbeing and the student affairs professional, which just fits so nicely with our theme this season of enhancing the wellbeing and career pathways of student affairs professionals. Could not pass up this opportunity to talk to you all about this incredible curated volume of research that I don't know that a lot of student affairs practitioners check out this journal. So looking forward to digging into that. But before we get started with all of the goodness of the journal articles, we'd love to get to know you a little bit more. So, Jamarco, let's start with you. How did you get to your current seat? Dr. Jamarco Clark [00:03:22]: Absolutely. So I'm Jamarco Clark. I'm currently the Vice President for Student Affairs at Wichita State University. At the time of taping, been here for about 2 months. And so it's been a very busy start to fall semester. Prior to this role, I was at the University of Illinois Springfield as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and just was kind of in a space of we had accomplished some good work at UIS and knew that I'd like to get to a larger school. And Wichita State was one that checked a lot of boxes for me as it relates to what the university stands for, the way that access is created for students. And so, get into the process and, and really saw it as a place where I could see myself contributing to the great work that was happening and, and ultimately help enhance both the student and staff experience. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:05]: And Jason, how about you? How did you get to your current seat? Dr. Jason Lynch [00:04:07]: Well, so I'm proud to say this is the longest position I've been in. So, I started as a faculty member at App State in fall 2020. And prior to that, I spent about a decade as a student affairs practitioner, primarily in residence life roles. But as of this semester, I'm the new program director for our HESA program at Appalachian State. I help with curriculum and admissions and all that sort of stuff. My primary bread and butter is studying issues around traumatic stress in college environments, as well as on issues of workplace wellbeing. And all of it's kind of grounded in my professional experience prior to becoming a faculty member. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:43]: I love the theory to practice elements that you two were able to collaborate forward on with one of you being a practitioner and one of you being in the faculty. We also have a 3rd co-editor in this edition, Dr. Tammy Samuels. Would one of you like to introduce a little bit about her? Dr. Jason Lynch [00:04:56]: Yeah, definitely. So Tammy is a good friend. She and I used to work together at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Prior to that, really, she was at Rutgers University, and a lot of her career path deals with career advising. But she recently graduated with her doctorate from USC and is really passionate about creating sustainable work environments. Her specialty area is kind And how did the 3 of you come together and decide you wanted to take on this project? Yeah, so I think that all 3 of us have this shared interest, and I think that there was a call for special topic issues in this particular journal. And I think that whenever— I forgot, Jamarco, if we had already been collaborating on something, but it just was sort of serendipitous in that like all 3 of us were doing some similar work and we're friends and we're like,

What happens when student affairs professionals become college parents themselves? The latest episode of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field" tackles this unique blend of personal and professional experience, yielding candid and relatable insights for anyone working in higher education—or embarking on the college transition with their own child. Host Dr. Jill Creighton welcomes Dr. Gourjoine Wade and Miriam Khalil, both seasoned student affairs leaders, as they reflect on their experiences sending their own children off to university. Their stories illuminate the challenges, emotional dynamics, and surprising discoveries that arise when the boundaries between "the job" and "parenthood" blur in profound ways. A core theme runs through the episode: The journey to college looks different for everyone, and no amount of professional expertise can fully prepare a parent for the emotional impact. Even though Dr. Gourjoine Wade had coached countless families through orientation, he shared that all of the professional advice went "blank" when it was his turn to drop off his daughter. Both Dr. Gourjoine Wade and Miriam Khalil note that their students—having grown up around campus life—were actually more prepared than many of their peers. This "insider knowledge" led to increased confidence for their children, demonstrating the subtle ways children absorb lessons from their parents' work. Another important discussion centers on the balance between empowerment and involvement: how do you, as an expert, step back to let your own child take charge? Both guests emphasized the importance of encouraging independence, coaching their students through processes without taking over, and resisting the urge to leverage professional networks for shortcuts. It's about trusting the process—and the staff—just as they encourage other families to do. The episode also confronts the role of privilege in the college journey, candidly acknowledging that not all families possess the same resources or insider knowledge. Dr. Gourjoine Wade and Miriam Khalil urge their student affairs colleagues to give grace to staff, offer support to fellow parents, and use their unique vantage point to enhance onboarding experiences for all. Ultimately, this conversation shines a fresh light on how lived experience as a college parent can deepen empathy, inform more intentional practices, and bring both greater transparency and humanity to the world of student affairs. If you're curious about how your colleagues are navigating college transitions with their own children, or simply want a heartfelt reminder of what families experience, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and join the conversation! TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher ed professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 15, Enhancing the Career Pathways and Well-Being of Student Affairs Professionals. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Welcome back to Student Affairs Voices from the Field. Today, we have a really unique conversation to share with you between 2 student affairs professionals who are also sending their own young adult children to university this fall. So you're going to hear from them both as the administrators that they are in senior leadership positions in student affairs, as well as their perspective as parents. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:47]: I really loved this dialogue. Our first guest is Miriam Khalil Yousuf Khalil. Miriam Khalil is a higher education professional with extensive experience in academic advising, student success, retention, and institutional effectiveness across the GCC region. She's advised diverse student populations across disciplines and partnered with senior academic leaders to advance student retention, accreditation, quality enhancement, and student engagement initiatives. Her expertise includes academic advising, the first-year experience, assessment, and data-informed decision-making to support student achievement. An active contributor to the student affairs profession, Midyem has authored and contributed to NASPA publications, including articles featured in the NASPA Global publication of 2026, and has presented at regional and international conferences. Miriam Khalil is the Regional Director of IACIS in the Middle East. Through her collaboration with NCADA, she has supported efforts to advance academic advising practices and professional development opportunities within the Middle East region. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:40]: She currently serves as the Director of Academic Advising at Northwestern University in Qatar. Our next guest is Dr. Gorjwan M. Wade, who is a pioneering collegiate executive, higher education loyalist, student success champion, first-generation advocate, and talent cultivator with over 2 decades of transformative and inspirational shaping student access, achievement, and institutional excellence. Currently serving with the Alamo Colleges District as Vice President for Student Success at San Antonio College, Dr. Wade integrates strategy, compassion, and innovation to drive meaningful outcomes, fueling enrollment and retention growth, advancing first-generation persistence, and cultivating inclusive campus cultures where all students can thrive to build lives that they want. A proud first-generation college graduate originally from Louisiana and now rooted in Texas, Dr. Wade is nationally recognized for his outcomes-driven, data-informed, and student-centered leadership that challenges higher education to reimagine pathways for access, belonging, and student success. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:35]: Throughout his career, he's designed scalable first-generation programs at HBCUs and HSIs, initiated enrollment and retention strategies that improved persistence and graduation outcomes at 4-year universities and community colleges, secured millions in grants and stewarded fundraising relationships to strengthen the student experiences at private liberal arts institutions, and amplified institutional impact through innovative digital storytelling nationwide. He's also deeply committed to developing the next generation of higher education leaders through mentoring and national service. Dr. Wade earned a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Public Administration with a minor in Political Science from Grambling State University. At the core of his kind leadership philosophy is an ongoing dedication to authenticity, transparency, inclusive excellence, and putting people first, with students and his team always at the center of the mission, anchored by a steadfast belief in the life-changing power of education, a belief he also champions as a board leader for Dollar Match, where he advances national efforts to close the college opportunity gap for first-generation students. A lifelong believer in the transformational impact of learning, Dr. Wade shares this passion for education with his wife, Shara, a dedicated K-12 education leader. Together, they emphasize the importance of learning, leadership, and service in their family, raising 2 wonderful daughters who inspire their commitment to building a better future through education. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:57]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field. So excited to have you here, Gourjwan. Dr. Gourjoine Wade [00:04:01]: I'm excited to be here. Thank you for the opportunity to have a conversation today. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:04]: And Miriam Khalil, we're also very excited to have you in from Qatar today. Miriam Khalil [00:04:08]: Thank you. And I'm very happy to be here and looking forward to the conversation. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:13]: This is an episode that I've been looking forward to recording for such a long time because I've got so many colleagues that are in the same boat. And it's a conversation we've been having, I think, in the profession for a while, but capturing it for SA Voices, I think, is going to give it some new perspective. And the topic today is student affairs professionals who are also sending their own students to university for the first time. There's so many things that we think about as professionals on our end as we're preparing to welcome students. I know on my campus, we just welcomed a whole bunch of new students and their families. And I know we have expectations for the experience that we're delivering for the students and their families, and I'm sure you do too. But then being on the other side and being the family that's being received, it's gotta just be such a wild different experience. So that's what we're gonna dig into today. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:05:02]: But before we go there, like to get to know you both just a little bit more. So, Gourjuan, starting with you, can you tell us how you got to your current seat in Texas? Dr. Gourjoine Wade [00:05:11]: Absolutely. And thank you for everyone listening and having conversation with us today. So, I landed in Texas. Texas was not unfamiliar. Before that, I was in Louisiana. I was the AVP and eventually interim vice president at my undergrad alma mater, which was the same space that I did my work study. So, that's a whole nother conversation for another day. Ended up going to Texas Lutheran University as the VPSA. Dr. Gourjoine Wade [00:05:36]: And then here at San Antonio College as the Vice President for Student Success. Before that, I was actually teaching as an adjunct here, and my students kind of coerced me into seeking the opportunity, just hearing their feedback. And then fast forward, and here I am today. So looking forward to our conversation and getting a chance to talk about all the things dad

In the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field podcast, the conversation centers around one of NASPA's most dynamic offerings: the NASPA Strategies Conference. Host Dr. Jill Creighton is joined by Dr. Emma Spalding, Senior Director of Wellbeing Initiatives and Statewide Coalition Projects, and Whitney Platzer-O'Regan, Senior Director of Prevention and Safety Initiatives. Together, they explore not just the logistics and evolution of the Strategies Conference, but also the importance of holistic professional development in student affairs. A Conference with Broad Appeal and Deep Impact The NASPA Strategies Conference is unique in its ability to bring together five major content areas—Alcohol, Other Drug, and Violence Prevention; Mental Health; Peer Education; Sexual Violence Prevention and Response; and Wellbeing and Health Promotion Leadership—under one roof. This multi-conference environment means that professionals can tailor their experience, stepping between tracks and broadening their expertise far beyond their home specialties. Both Dr. Emma Spalding and Whitney Platzer-O'Regan highlighted the power of breaking down traditional silos and building inter-campus connections, a theme that runs throughout the episode. The presence of undergraduate peer educators is particularly valuable; their on-the-ground perspective not only energizes the conference but also ensures its relevance for today's rapidly shifting campus realities. Practical Tips and Professional Development For newcomers, the advice is clear: take advantage of NASPA's dedicated first-time attendee sessions and make strategic use of the conference app to maximize your experience. The episode also delves into creative funding advice and action-planning for those hoping to bring students to the conference, emphasizing how this investment can have ripple effects campus-wide. When the conversation turns to career pathways, Whitney Platzer-O'Regan and Dr. Emma Spalding remind supervisors and VPSAs that fostering professional growth—and prioritizing well-being—go hand in hand. Simple actions like encouraging PTO use and seeking out personal, not just role-related, professional development opportunities can significantly impact staff retention and satisfaction. Why Listen? This episode is a must for anyone considering attending NASPA Strategies or just wanting to recharge their professional batteries with actionable ideas. Whether you're a seasoned administrator or an emerging professional, the insight and encouragement offered by Dr. Jill Creighton, Dr. Emma Spalding, and Whitney Platzer-O'Regan will help you navigate both conference season and your broader career journey. Tune in for an energizing, informative discussion on transforming your professional development and supporting the well-being of everyone in your student affairs community. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher ed professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 15, Enhancing the Career Pathways and Well-Being of Student Affairs Professionals. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Welcome back to another episode of SA Voices from the Field. Today we're featuring 2 NASPA staffers who are going to be talking to us all about the NASPA Strategies Conference. Our first guest is Emmis Balding, who serves as the Senior Director of Wellbeing Initiatives and Statewide Coalition Projects at NASPA. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:45]: She has been with NASPA for 7 years, and in her role, she oversees the Colorado Coalition of Campus Alcohol and Drug Educators, also known as CADE, and the Healthy Colleges Montana, or HCM. In addition, she works in the Inter-Association Wellbeing Collaborative, or IWC, representing NASPA along 20 other higher education associations. She also serves on the core team for planning the NASPA Strategies Conferences, and born and raised in Colorado, she still calls Denver home with her partner and pup. Our second guest is Whitney Platzer-O'Regan, Ed.D. Dr. Platzer-O'Regan serves as the Senior Director of Prevention and Safety Initiatives at NASPA. Whitney received her doctorate in educational leadership and policy from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, where her research focused on student sense of belonging and engagement through a public health lens. She has significant experience working to reduce high-risk substance misuse on college campuses with functional area experience in student affairs, policy, student conduct, crisis response, peer education, and health promotion. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:44]: Welcome to our first-time guests on the pod, Whitney and Emma. Whitney, so lovely to meet you. Whitney Platzer-O'Regan [00:01:50]: Hi, thank you so much for having me. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:51]: And Emma, so glad to see you as well. Dr. Emma Spalding [00:01:53]: Yes, excited to be here with you today. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:56]: Whitney and Emma are 2 of our NASPA staffers, and we love having our NASPA staffers here on the pod. They're here today to talk specifically about the Strategies Conference that's coming up. And NASPA Strategies is such a longstanding staple of the NASPA community. I feel like it's an important gathering point for specialists in our field in particular areas, and it's just a very accessible conference for those who want to enter NASPA but are a little bit like, I don't want to be with 5,000, 7,000, 10,000 of my closest friends at Annual. So we'll get into all of that, but we love to start with getting to know our guests. Emma, so glad to have you in the conversation today. Welcome. Dr. Emma Spalding [00:02:32]: Sure. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:33]: And I'd love to know from you, how did you get to your current seat at NASPA? And I specifically want to hear a little bit more about your work with Cade, just as a former peer educator and a former health promotion person in Colorado. It was so lovely to see that on your bio. Dr. Emma Spalding [00:02:47]: Yeah, wonderful. Similar to Whitney, I've had a winding path to get where I am, but it started in undergrad, as many of us do, of having a wonderful experience with some great student affairs professionals on campus and planting the seed that I maybe wanted to go into this field. I took a few years off after undergrad before I ended up going to get my master's in higher education at the University of Denver. And while I was there, a graduate assistant position opened up. The Bacchus Initiatives of NASPA— previously the Bacchus Initiatives was a standalone nonprofit that merged with NASPA in 2014. And one of the signature projects that we worked on was CAEDAR, the Coalition of Colorado Alcohol and Drug Educators. And so for the 2 years I was getting my degree, I I started with NASPA full-time and have been working here since then. So just over 7 years. Dr. Emma Spalding [00:04:02]: And alongside the CADE Coalition, I was able to work with our Healthy Colleges Montana, which is a coalition in the state of Montana that does similar work around health and wellbeing, but a focus and a foundation in commercial tobacco prevention. So I've definitely found my niche within higher education in this health and wellbeing space. Throughout my career at NASPA, I've had lots of opportunities for different roles and expansions, which is how I'm in the role I am today. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:31]: I love that you referenced the Bacchus Network. Just for a complete throwback, I earned my peer health educator certification as an undergrad when it was called Bacchus and Gamma. So it's gone through many, many iterations over the years, but with the same core. Dr. Emma Spalding [00:04:43]: Yes, definitely. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:44]: Now, Emma, your current title is the Senior Director of Wellbeing Initiatives and Stateside Coalition Projects at NASPA. That's a lot of words. Dr. Emma Spalding [00:04:52]: You've described some of the portfolio that you're leading right now, but what Alongside the 2 statewide coalitions in Colorado and Montana that I mentioned, I help with our national and international wellbeing work. And so one of the keystones of this, besides the NASPA Strategies Conferences, which we'll talk about, is the Inter-Association Wellbeing Collaborative, which is a conglomerate of over 20 higher education associations that serve different parts of higher education coming together with the shared goal of moving forward wellbeing on campus and Specifically in a systems and settings approach. So really thinking about how we change the campus environment, not just for students, but also for professionals, the staff and faculty on campus. And so it's a big group project. So it's been a lot of herding folks, but I think that it's really cool to have NASPA be part of the model of bringing together associations so that campuses can see that they can break down silos and work across campus as well, because everyone has a role in impacting the wellbeing of the campus environment. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:05:58]: And that's a really powerful area to do coalition building around because our students struggle with a similar wellness set of items on each campus. And there are so many different ways to approach wellness from a public health strategy perspective in the university setting. It's such a great initiative that you're working on. Emma, I'm wondering when a member might work with you directly. Dr. Emma Spalding [00:06:18]: If any members are in Colorado and Montana and work in a health and wellbeing space, happy to have them be a part of the coalitions. It's a bummer we don't have coalitions in all 50 states managed by NASPA. Otherwise, I would work with folks that way. But the other opportunity is

On the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field podcast, host Dr. Jill Creighton welcomes the editorial team behind NASPA's new book, In the Middle: Leading as a Mid-Level Professional in Student Affairs. This conversation brings together C. Spencer Platt, Darryl B. Holliman, and Dr. Gigi Secuban for a rich dialogue about supporting, empowering, and reimagining what it means to thrive as a mid-level professional in student affairs. Main Themes: 1. Embracing Nonlinear Career Journeys: The editors bring decades of experience and candidly share their own career paths—often starting outside traditional student affairs roles and navigating into the field through academic advising, admissions, and cultural centers. A key message: there's no single "right" way to build a career in higher education, and each journey offers invaluable perspective. 2. The Importance of Representation and Networking: All three editors emphasize the necessity of building networks, not just for advancement but for mentorship and collaborative growth. Their own partnership was born from conference conversations, mutual aspirations, and the desire to uplift voices in the mid-level space, especially those historically underrepresented. 3. A Modern, Practical Resource: What sets In the Middle apart is its up-to-date take on pressing issues: political landscapes, diversity, equity, belonging, self-care, and evolving best practices in supervision. Mid-level professionals are encouraged to find themselves in the book—its chapters range from core competencies and intercultural resilience to the "politics in practice" of today's higher ed environment. 4. Permission to Grow—Or to Stay: A recurring refrain challenges the idea that everyone must "climb the ladder." It's okay—and sometimes ideal—to find fulfillment at a mid-level role. The editors encourage professionals to pursue authentic leadership and make choices based on passion rather than external expectations. 5. Prioritizing Well-Being and Authenticity: The panelists reflect on the importance of self-care, both for professionals and for those they supervise. They emphasize the value of kindness, community, and letting go of micromanagement—and remind us that supervisors can best lead others by bringing their whole, authentic selves to the work. If you're ready for honest insights and practical advice—whether you're a mid-level manager, aspiring leader, or simply interested in the evolving field of student affairs—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear firsthand perspectives, learn about In the Middle, and find encouragement for wherever you are on your professional journey. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher ed professionals wherever you happen to be. This is Season 15, Enhancing the Career Pathways and Well-Being of Student Affairs Professionals. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton, she/her/hers, your SA Voices from the Field host. Welcome back, listeners, to our next episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field. Today, we're introducing you to 3 editors of a brand new NASPA book called In the Middle: Leading as a Mid-Level Professional in Student Affairs. This book fits really nicely with our enhancing career pathways and wellbeing theme this season, and I'm really excited to introduce you to 2 new voices to the show and one returning voice. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:50]: Our first new voice is C. Spencer Platt, who is an associate professor of higher education administration at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Platt currently directs the Community College Leadership Alliance, and is the former director of the Center for Innovation in Higher Education at the University of South Carolina. He earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science from the University of Dayton and a baccalaureate degree from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Platt has over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, student affairs, community engagement, diversity, equity, and academic affairs on college campuses. His research typically focuses on diversity, equity, access, and excellence in education with an emphasis on underrepresented students, faculty, and staff experiences at predominantly white universities. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:30]: He has secured over $1 million in extramural funds for research through the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. His research is published in numerous books and articles, including the Journal of College Student Development, AERA Open, and the Journal of Negro Education. He has co-edited 4 books, the one that we're talking about today, another called From Boyhood to Manhood: Deconstructing Black Masculinity Through a Lifespan Continuum, a 3rd book called Multicultural Education in the 21st Century: Innovative Research and Practices in Higher Education, and a 4th book, Comprehensive Multicultural Education in 21st Century: Increasing Access in an Age of Retrenchment. He has presented his work at numerous national and international academic conferences and institutes, including the American Educational Research Association, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, the International Conference on Doctoral Education, and the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education. He's a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and a fall 1998 initiate of the Zeta Epsilon chapter at the University of South Carolina. Our second new voice to meet today is Dr. Gigi Secuban, who currently serves as the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland. She brings more than 25 years of higher education experience, including the inaugural vice president roles for inclusive excellence at Texas State University and Ohio University. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:47]: Previously, Dr. Secuban held leadership positions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she oversaw the renovation of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, and at the University of Arkansas, where she served as senior associate director for the freshman engineering program, director of the Multicultural Center, director of student affairs and diversity services in the College of Education, and Health Professions, as well as an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Her work centers on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and belonging, DEIB, promoting student success, and fostering campus environments where all individuals are valued, supported, and heard. She's led initiatives focused on cultural and resource centers, inclusive excellence planning, DEIB fundraising and branding, and campus climate assessment. In March of 2026, Dr. Sukuban co-released a book with NASPA that we're talking about today, and she was also recently honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award for the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions recognition of her leadership and impact in higher ed. Dr. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:42]: Sukuban earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Ed Administration, Master of Science in Health Science, and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, all from the University of Arkansas. Soror Gigi is a proud 33-year member and Silver Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Initiated into the Kappa Iota chapter on April 11th, 1993, at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Sukuban has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to leadership and service within the sorority. She previously held membership in the Epsilon Epsilon Omega chapter in Central Illinois, where she served as chapter hostess and is a charter member of the Phi Alpha Omega chapter in the Northwest Arkansas area. She also served as a chapter advisor to the Kappa Iota chapter for 3 years, mentoring undergraduate members and supporting their leadership development. Dr. Sukuban was selected in 2021 as one of 25 fellows in the sorority's inaugural Executive Leadership Academy, further strengthening her leadership capacity and impact. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:32]: She has served as a voting delegate at multiple national and regional conferences, and she actively contributes to the development of others through her participation in leadership institutes like the Great Lakes Leadership Experience and by facilitating workshops at regional chapter meetings. Our 3rd guest today is a voice that you got to know in the spring of 2026, Dr. Darryl B. Holliman, who is also our current NASPA Board Chair. He is a distinguished leader in higher education with over 3 decades of experience in student affairs, academic administration and institutional advancement, governance and board relations, and human talent management. He's worked at several regional and nationally recognized higher education institutions where he supervised collectively over employees and overseeing budgets of more than $300 million. His extensive experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to student success and institutional excellence make him a transformative leader in higher education. His contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of academic communities. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:05:25]: Dr. Holliman has several articles and book chapters to his credit, and his research examines the way that disadvantaged groups develop and demonstrate their agency in educational systems, particularly within urban school settings. He is the co-editor of the book entitled From Boyhood to Manhood: Deconstructing Black Masculinity Through a Lifespan Continuum through Peter Lang Press. Welcome back, SA Voices. We are so glad to be here today with authors of a book that we're excited that NASPA has launched for you all. The book is In the Middle: Le