Dr. Jhenai Chandler is the Vice President of Research and Policy at NASPA, where she leads efforts to advance student success and equity through research-based policy. She previously served as Senior Director of College Completion Policy at TICAS and has held leadership roles at Education Strategy Group and within Florida’s higher education systems. A first-generation college graduate and former parenting student, Chandler is committed to expanding access and support for diverse learners. She holds degrees from Florida A&M University, Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University.

Alexa Wesley Chamberlain is the director of research and strategy at NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Her research portfolio spans a variety of topics related to advancing student-centered redesign of campus policies, practices, and systems. Prior to joining NASPA, she focused on federal postsecondary education policy and institutional finance strategies through internships at Lumina Foundation, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, and the U.S. Education Department. Alexa holds a master’s degree in public policy and a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Dr. Kimberly J. Blea (she, her, ella) serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at New Mexico Highlands University, a regional public comprehensive Hispanic-Serving Institution. She has nearly 20 years of experience in both academic and student affairs, and notably developed NMHU’s CARES advocacy program in 2009 with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. Her current responsibilities span a wide range of student-focused services, including residence life, student conduct, career readiness, counseling, health and wellness, accessibility services, basic needs, student life, recreation, Title IX compliance, and initiatives supporting student success, particularly for first-generation and underserved populations. Dr. Blea also has significant experience managing federal, state, and private grants with a focus on service to vulnerable and under resourced communities. A long-time advocate for social justice, she is committed to creating more equitable systems and enhancing student well-being through service and community engagement. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Public Affairs from NMHU, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico, where her research focused on how senior student affairs officers implement federal campus safety mandates. Dr. Blea has held several leadership roles within NASPA.

Stanley DeMerri bio: Dr. Stan DeMerritt currently serves as the vice president for student affairs at South Plains College. He earned is Ph.D. in higher education from Texas Tech University in 2011.  His career in the profession began in 1996 at Wayland Baptist University as a registration coordinator and VA certifying official.  After 8 years of progressing upward, including as the university registrar, he was promoted to associate academic vice president.  After serving Wayland for 20 years, he transitioned to South Plains College for a brief assignment as the dean of students in 2016 moving into his current position in August 2017. 

Stan has been actively involved in different professional organizations that not only assist with the development of the profession but also assist his institution in being on the forefront of ensuring student success.  Activities include AACRAO where he has served two terms as vice president for finance, on multiple taskforces and workgroups including the most recent revision of professional competencies and the association curriculum alignment, with TACRAO as the secretary, SACSCOC as an external reader for decennial reaffirmations, and NASPA as a James E. Scott Academy Board member, annual conference program reviewer, and participant in the development and review of the top issues in student affairs survey.

Kevin Willis serves as the Membership Manager at NASPA. Prior to starting with NASPA, Kevin has served on college campuses working in both Residence Life and Admissions/Campus Visits. Today Kevin serves with NASPA to assist in Membership questions/concerns and serves as the Staff Liaison for NASPA's Graduate Associate Program (GAP). 

Maddie Cuckow (she/they) serves as one of the Assistant Directors of Residence Life at The College of Wooster in Wooster, OH. Maddie began her journey in Student Affairs at Bowling Green State University where she obtained her Master's Degree in College Student Personnel in the spring of 2022. For the past 3 years, Maddie served as a Residence Hall Director at the University of New Hampshire before transitioning to The College of Wooster in the Summer of 2025. Maddie has been an active part of the NPGS team since the summer of 2023, originally working with the Industry Engagement working group, then moving up to the role of Co-Chair with Leiana Boldon in fall of 2024. Maddie is passionate about student development, DEI Education, and weaving curriculum into every aspect of the college experience. When Maddie isn't working, you can find her cozied up with a good book, sipping a cup of coffee, or working on her latest and greatest crochet project. 

Elizabeth Bluth (she/her) is a seasoned student affairs professional with experience developing, implementing, and managing programs and communication campaigns to support students’ belonging, wellbeing, and thriving in higher education settings. She currently serves as a Marketing Administrator, Graduate Admissions for USC Bovard College, supporting current and prospective students in the online graduate programs. Within NASPA, she holds positions on the New Professionals and Graduate Students Knowledge Community Leadership Team and the Region VI Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Board. In 2024, she was awarded the Region VI Graduate Rising Star Award at the NASPA Western Regional Conference for her focus on inclusivity and accessibility in the student affairs profession. Elizabeth holds a BA in Theatre and Creative Writing from the University of Redlands, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from The New School where she held a competitive Graduate Teaching Fellowship, and a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the USC Rossier School of Education. 

Elizabeth Bluth (she/her) is a seasoned student affairs professional with experience developing, implementing, and managing programs and communication campaigns to support students’ belonging, wellbeing, and thriving in higher education settings. She currently serves as a Marketing Administrator, Graduate Admissions for USC Bovard College, supporting current and prospective students in the online graduate programs. Previously, as the Communications Coordinator for the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, she worked closely with the VP and her senior leadership team, supporting student engagement, development, and awareness of key programs and services through strategic communication and project management. During her graduate studies at USC Rossier, Elizabeth served as an admissions student ambassador and the Director of Professional Relations (‘23-’24) and Operations (‘24-’25) of the PASA Network, leading the student affairs alumni mentorship program, hosting career development events for PASA grad students, and helping to plan the annual Higher Education Summit. During her career, she has held positions as a faculty member at multiple institutions. As a professor, Elizabeth advised a diverse array of students, utilizing a holistic, culturally competent mentoring approach influenced by appreciative, proactive, and self-authorship advising theories and led experiential learning courses abroad, managing and instructing groups of students and alumni in the UK and Greece. Within NASPA, she holds positions on the New Professionals and Graduate Students Steering Committee Leadership Team and the Region VI Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Board. In 2024, she was awarded the Region VI Graduate Rising Star Award at the NASPA Western Regional Conference for her focus on inclusivity and accessibility in the student affairs profession. Elizabeth holds a BA in Theatre and Creative Writing from the University of Redlands, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from The New School where she held a competitive Graduate Teaching Fellowship, and a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the USC Rossier School of Education. 

Maddie Cuckow (she/they) serves as one of the Assistant Directors of Residence Life at The College of Wooster in Wooster, OH. Maddie began her journey in Student Affairs at Bowling Green State University where she obtained her Master's Degree in College Student Personnel in the spring of 2022. For the past 3 years, Maddie served as a Residence Hall Director at the University of New Hampshire before transitioning to The College of Wooster in the Summer of 2025. Maddie has been an active part of the NPGS team since the summer of 2023, originally working with the Industry Engagement working group, then moving up to the role of Co-Chair with Leiana Boldon in fall of 2024. Maddie is passionate about student development, DEI Education, and weaving curriculum into every aspect of the college experience. When Maddie isn't working, you can find her cozied up with a good book, sipping a cup of coffee, or working on her latest and greatest crochet project. 

Leiana Boldon (she/her) serves as a Residence Hall Director at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. Leiana began her journey in Student Affairs at Illinois State University where she received her Master's Degree in College Student Personnel Administration in May of 2024. Leiana has a wide array of experiences in NASPA including being a member of the Graduate Associate Program (GAP) in the '23-'24 Cohort. Leiana also served on the Communications and Marketing team in NPGS before being promoted to Co-Chair in the summer of 2024. Leiana's passions include serving others, loving others, and connecting with others- all while practicing joy and having fun! 

Nancy T. Nguyen (She/Hers) currently serves as an Assistant Dean of Students at Stanford University. Prior to Stanford, she served in various campus life roles at San Jose State University (SJSU), Cal State San Marcos, and UC San Diego. While at SJSU, Nancy co-coordinated the campus-based NUFP program and served as a NUFP mentor to a number of fellows - many of whom are now committed colleagues in the field! The Multicultural Center at the University of the Pacific in her hometown of Stockton, CA was where Nancy was first introduced to Student Affairs and NUFP.

Nancy has continued to benefit from mentorship through her NASPA network – these mentors and colleagues have shaped and contributed meaningfully to her professional life (and kept her sustained in this work!). Wanting to support and provide these similar opportunities to others is what drives Nancy to stay involved and connected with NASPA for the last 15 years. On the NUFP Advisory Board, Nancy has served as the Region VI NUFP Representative, Communications/Social Media Coordinator, Assessment/Learning Outcomes Chair, and is the current Board Chair until March 2026. As a Region VI NASPA member, she has also served on multiple regional conference committees and facilitated workshops and presentations for various pre-conferences (e.g., NUFP, Graduate Students, New Professionals, and Mid-Level Professional Institutes).

Leticia Lynch (she/her) currently works as the Assistant Director for Orientation and New Student Programs at Hofstra University. Her passion for student affairs and higher education started with her own undergraduate leadership experiences at Ithaca College. Working as an Orientation Leader and First-Year Resident Assistant taught her the importance of intentional programming and initiatives to support new students' transition to college. Leticia's experience as a NUFP fellow solidified her excitement to join the field and aided her transition from student leader to student affairs professional. Upon graduation from Ithaca, she earned her master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs at New York University and worked at Barnard College to support New Student Orientation and campus-wide programming. Leticia recently joined the NUFP Advisory Board to expand her participation in NASPA and hopes to carry on the mission of the program that supported her own career journey.

IC Ulep engaged the NUFP and DLI experiences in 2016 as a fellow from Old Dominion University. Using connections in the program, IC joined Rutgers University—New Brunswick as a graduate hall director with the largest residential housing program in the country at the time. While there, IC coordinated the campus's NUFP chapter, supported by the Dean of Students. After graduate school, IC then travelled 2,700 miles to join the housing team at the University of San Diego. Here, IC supported the existing NUFP chapter by bringing NUFP alum from across the Division of Student Affairs and identifying passionate student leaders from across the campus. In addition to NASPA, IC has served in other capacities with ACPA and TPE.

Now, IC serves on the NUFP Advisory Board as a Mentors Subcommittee Co-Chair alongside exciting colleagues from across the country. IC is currently supporting the post-COVID restart of the NUFP chapter at USD, with a new group of professionals and NUFP alum. If you need support starting your program, or learning different ways to mentor with the program, feel free to reach out to IC and the Mentors Subcomittee!

Ms. Karla A. Fraser is a higher education professional and consultant with over 10 years of international experience. She is also an expat career strategist, current expat, global educator, and entrepreneur. Additionally, she is the founder of Roseapple Global, LLC, a company that provides expat career coaching and higher education consulting services. Karla has lived and succeeded in eleven (11) countries. She has leveraged her education and career expertise to build a business while navigating nine (9) of these countries.

Karla merged her passion for global adventures with education and, over her twenty-plus years in higher education, developed a career expertise in student affairs administration. Karla is proficient in strategic planning, fostering leadership skills in young adults, staff engagement, and policy development, particularly in start-up environments or organizations in transition. She is a strategist who enjoys helping people and educational organizations achieve their goals and pathways.

As a thought leader in the international education sector, Karla writes articles on trending issues impacting global higher education, with a specific focus on the development and growth of student affairs practices at institutions in the Global South. She also publishes articles about the realities of expat life, drawing on her career experience and expertise to help individuals navigate international moves and careers. Additionally, she is a passionate speaker on important topics such as essential life skills for youth, employee enrichment activities, expat living, and self-care during your global journey.

Ms. Fraser’s international experience has inspired her to help others pursue international careers through expat coaching. She continues to fulfill her purpose by consulting in student affairs and services. Karla uses a collaborative approach with her individual, group, and institutional clients to ensure steady progress toward their goals and desired outcomes.

She has traveled to over 50 countries and enjoys beach destinations, exploring historical sites, reading, watching movies, being creative in the kitchen, and discussing trending current events. 

Currently serving as the Director of the Peer Learning and Academic Enhancement unit and the Director of the Academic Enhancement Program at St. George's University, with over 8 years of leadership experience in academic support and program innovation, and 19 years of experience in higher education administration. As an instructor in the Master of Education program, I provide impactful and robust research mentorship, focusing on educational leadership, research practicum, and research seminar courses.  

Geo Ciril Podipara is a higher education professional with over seven years of experience in student affairs. He has held progressively responsible roles in residential programming, orientation design, student organisations, and institutional development at various campuses across India. As part of the Founding Team at Nayanta University, Geo is helping shape a student experience that is equitable, dynamic, and meaningful. Geo was a member of the Steering Committee for India’s first-ever Student Life Symposium last year and continues to serve as an advisor for the 2025 edition. He is also building a local network of student affairs professionals in India to foster regular engagement and peer learning among institutions. As a passionate advocate for knowledge sharing, Geo aspires to collaborate with counterparts across the world to co-create educational ecosystems that learn from one another. Geo holds an MA in English from the English and Foreign Languages University and was a Young India Fellow at Ashoka University. His academic interests include linguistic anxiety, student leadership frameworks, and intersectional practices within higher education institutions in India. Outside of professional work, Geo is a cinema enthusiast who enjoys exploring pop culture, cricket, and politics.

Paul is a first generation student who became a student affairs professional as a result of participation in student government. After working in various educational settings after graduation he started his higher education staff journey working with international students, and has subsequently held a number of management roles. He became Head of Student Advice and Safeguarding support at the University of the Arts, London in 2016. He became an Executive Committee member of AMOSSHE, The Student Services Organisation in July 2023.

Dr. Kerrie Montgomery Orozco boasts a 25-year career in higher education, specializing in international education, student programming, strategic planning, leadership, and teaching. She's held progressively responsible roles in academic advising, study abroad, and campus life at various institutions. Kerrie is also an accomplished writer, with publications in the peer-reviewed Journal of International Students. 

Kerrie has been an active member of NASPA for more than 20 years. She has held a number of volunteer leadership roles and currently serves as Professional Development Chair for the Global Division, Membership & Engagement Chair for the Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee, and NASPA-FL Conference Chair. She is a past Chair for the International Symposium, and remains active on the planning committee for the 2024 International Symposium.

Kerrie holds a BA in Classical Studies, dual Masters degrees from the University of Florida in Art History and Higher Education, and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Denver.

Nancy T. Nguyen (She/Hers) currently serves as an Assistant Dean of Students at Stanford University. Prior to Stanford, she served in various campus life roles at San Jose State University (SJSU), Cal State San Marcos, and UC San Diego. While at SJSU, Nancy co-coordinated the campus-based NUFP program and served as a NUFP mentor to a number of fellows - many of whom are now committed colleagues in the field! The Multicultural Center at the University of the Pacific in her hometown of Stockton, CA was where Nancy was first introduced to Student Affairs and NUFP. 

Nancy has continued to benefit from mentorship through her NASPA network – these mentors and colleagues have shaped and contributed meaningfully to her professional life (and kept her sustained in this work!). Wanting to support and provide these similar opportunities to others is what drives Nancy to stay involved and connected with NASPA for the last 15 years. On the NUFP Advisory Board, Nancy has served as the Region VI NUFP Representative, Communications/Social Media Coordinator, Assessment/Learning Outcomes Chair, and is the current Board Chair until March 2026. As a Region VI NASPA member, she has also served on multiple regional conference committees and facilitated workshops and presentations for various pre-conferences (e.g., NUFP, Graduate Students, New Professionals, and Mid-Level Professional Institutes).

Benjamin (Ben) Mendoza (he/him/él) is a Resident Director at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). He approaches practitioner-based work through the lens created by his identities of being a first-generation, low-income, heterosexual, cisgender Latino man from Orange County, California. Ben is a product of a Mexican and Bolivian family that prioritizes life-long learning and a genuine care for helping others. Through his experience in Residential Education and NASPA as a NUFP, Ben was able to strengthen his core values and proudly embrace his authentic self. As Ben navigated earning his M.A. in Student Affairs and becoming a new professional, his passion for holistically assisting underserved and underrepresented students in higher education emerged. Through his leadership roles with the NUFP Advisory Board and the NASPA Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community, Ben has continued to develop as a student affairs practitioner and looks to search for ways to grow with his community.

Dr. Smita Ruzicka (she/her/hers) serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Middlebury College where she provides leadership for a wide portfolio of services and programs aimed at enhancing the overall student experience. Smita has over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education in a variety of institutions and regions of the country. Prior to joining Middlebury, she served as the Dean of Student Life at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  She has also served as the Assistant Vice President for Campus Life at Tulane University in New Orleans and served in various leadership positions at the University of Texas at Austin. Smita has served as adjunct faculty and taught various academic courses at these institutions including first year seminar classes and courses on equity and inclusion as well as leadership development.  Smita also serves on the NUFP advisory board and has been involved in other NASPA programs and initiatives

Ben Williams (He/Him) CSAed  serves as Associate Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Trinity University. In this role, he co-chairs the university’s Student Success Team, oversees Student Engagement & Development, including student organizations, fraternity and sorority life, and leadership development, advises the Student Government Association, and leads key strategic initiatives that advance student engagement and success. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, Ben has held student affairs leadership roles at Miami University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Colorado Boulder.  Outside of his day job, he serves on the NASPA Foundation Board of Directors, co-chaired the NASPA Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee, and contributes to the NUFP Advisory Board and AER KC. He has presented nationally on student success, equity, and the mid-level leadership experience, and has published on topics including diversity and inclusion, family engagement, and organizational leadership.

Ariel D. Adams, M.A. (she/her) serves as the Director of Student Activities at Hamilton College, bringing nearly a decade of experience in higher education. Her professional background spans student activities, residence life, and orientation, with a focus on fostering community, promoting student learning, and supporting holistic development through inclusive, student-centered programming and advising. Dedicated to cultivating a diverse and welcoming campus environment, Ariel is passionate about creating spaces where all students feel a genuine sense of belonging. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wells College and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from SUNY Stony Brook.

Dr. Anwar Cruter (he/him/his) serves as Director of Residential Education at San Diego State University (SDSU). With over 15 years of experience in higher education, he has worked at both public and private institutions, focusing on student success, equity-minded practices, and student life. He has contributed significantly to institutional and departmental strategic planning, ensuring alignment with university goals and student development.

An active member of NASPA, Anwar is Chair-elect of the NASPA NUFP Board, Region VI representative for the Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Knowledge Community (AER KC), and has presented widely on student success, leadership, and equity at campus, regional, and national conferences.

A strong advocate for mentorship, Anwar has created and supported programs that guide undergraduate students especially first-generation and underrepresented students through academic, personal, and professional growth. He emphasizes meaningful connections between students and mentors to promote retention, leadership, and career readiness.

As an educator, he has taught courses in multicultural leadership, leadership education, and student development. His commitment to access and equity extends to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts for faculty, staff, and students. He identifies as an equity-minded practitioner-scholar dedicated to supporting the success of BIPOC students through a student-centered approach.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Anwar earned a B.A. from Elon University, an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Appalachian State University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Georgia. In his free time, he enjoys southern cuisine, pecan pie, traveling, and visiting Walt Disney World.

Dr. Brooke Paradise (they/them/their) is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Inclusion and Engagement at Skidmore College, bringing over 15 years of experience in Higher Education across multiple institutions. Brooke has built a comprehensive residential curriculum, created initiatives to foster belonging, and led efforts to bridge faculty and staff collaboration to enhance student success.

They are actively involved in NASPA, serving as a NUFP Executive Board member and chair of the Undergraduate Student Conference, reflecting their dedication to developing diverse, equity-minded Student Affairs professionals. Professional development remains central to their work, as they mentor staff and students while continuing to invest in their own growth.

A first-generation college student and former resident assistant, Brooke’s vision for Student Affairs is rooted in ensuring every student feels they matter and belong. For them, Student Affairs is not just a career, but a calling to empower students and professionals alike.

Dr. Amelia Parnell is an accomplished higher education executive and an internationally recognized thought leader regarding current issues and emerging trends in the field. She is a passionate advocate for higher education as a tool for personal advancement and impact, and she seeks opportunities to partner with organizations and individuals who share her sincere commitment to centering students' needs.

In her prior role as vice president for research and policy for NASPA, Dr. Parnell led many of the association's scholarly and advocacy-focused activities and fostered partnerships with college administrators, researchers, grant makers, and other higher education professionals.

As a frequent keynote speaker at national and regional conferences, Amelia presents on topics related to higher education, student affairs, college affordability, student learning outcomes, and institutions' use of data and analytics. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and PBS NewsHour.

Amelia recently completed four years of service on the Board of Directors for EDUCAUSE, where she was Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee and the Audit Committee. She is also the past chair of the Higher Education Equity Network (HEEN), a collective impact network representing more than 25 organizations at the forefront of addressing racial equity in higher education.

Amelia enjoys opportunities to teach, and she is energized by making complex concepts easy to understand. She has had enriching engagements with students and peers as an adjunct instructor and lecturer and she is the author of the book, You Are a Data Person, which she wrote to encourage all higher education professionals to discover and embrace their unique data identity.

Amelia holds a Ph.D. in higher education from Florida State University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration from Florida A & M University.

Dr. Michael N. Christakis serves as Vice President for Student Affairs.

Christakis was named Vice President for Student Affairs in May 2015. In this position, he leads a team responsible for a broad range of services and programs related to undergraduate student recruitment, enrollment and support; campus programming and planning; assisting in creating a campus culture that promotes the academic achievement and personal development of all students (undergraduate, graduate and professional); supporting crisis response and institutional initiatives; advocating on behalf of students; and fostering collaborative relationships among students, faculty, and staff.

Since his arrival to the University in 1999, Christakis has served in numerous positions in student affairs, having served as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs prior to his appointment as Vice President. As a member of the Vice President’s staff since 2007, Christakis developed assessment and evaluation practices; improved the effectiveness of divisional planning, professional development, communications and risk management; and provided oversight to critical campus life areas.

He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Association for Public and Land Grant University’s (APLU) Council on Student Affairs. Previously, Christakis served as Regional Director for NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Region II, while concurrently serving on NASPA’s Board of Directors. He is the immediate past national president of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and past national co-chair of NASPA’s Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Knowledge Community. He currently serves as the president of the Board of Directors for University Auxiliary Services at UAlbany.

A Fellow of the State Academy for Public Administration, he was appointed Public Service Professor in 2013 and teaches undergraduate courses in public policy, public administration and political science for which he was honored with Rockefeller College’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2010 and the UAlbany Student Association’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2014.

Christakis holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from Alfred University, and a M.P.P. and Ph.D. from the University at Albany Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.