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). 

Dr. Ke’Ana Bradley is the Assistant Vice President of Justice, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, and Early Career Initiatives for NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Ke’Ana’s role with NASPA involves contributing to ongoing association efforts related to equity and social change through programming and research as well as coordination of career pathway programs and resources for senior leaders. Prior to joining the NASPA staff, Ke'Ana's roles included Director of Student Life at Mountain View College, International Student Advisor at Lynn University, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Services and Programs at the University of Notre Dame, and Coordinator of Student Activities and Multicultural Student Affairs at both Southern Methodist University and Texas Woman's University. Ke'Ana holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, a master's degree in Communications from The University of the Incarnate Word, and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Ke'Ana is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX). Ke'Ana lives in the Dallas area with her husband and their two kiddos.

Dr. Chase serves as the Director of the LSA First-Generation Commitment. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Chase brings enthusiasm and experience with developing, designing, implementing, and evaluating student success initiatives within and across higher education institution types. 

Prior to joining LSA and the First-Generation Commitment, Dr. Chase served as Dean of Students/Chief Student Affairs Officer at Eureka College, overseeing all aspects of co-curricular engagement, including strategic planning, co-curricular assessment, housing and residential life, student activities, new student and family programs, and inclusive excellence. Prior to Eureka, Dr. Chase served as the Executive Director for Student Affairs Bradley University for over six years, leading initiatives to promote student success and engagement.

Dr. Chase believes in the transformative power of higher education and is excited about building this new and exciting initiative. As a practitioner-scholar, Dr. Chase’s professional experience and scholarship cut across two areas: student success and identity-centered engagement. 

Outside of serving as a director, Dr. Chase is an aspirational foodie who enjoys spending time with family and friends while cheering on the Detroit Pistons and the Oakland University Basketball teams.

Dr. Leanna Fenneberg serves as Senior Vice President for Student Life at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Her 25-year service to higher education and student affairs has been in the 4-year, private school setting, including mission-centered, Catholic institutions, underscoring a commitment to transformational, holistic student learning and success that shapes leaders who will go out and serve the world.  Her individual service has spanned local communities and professional volunteer service to NASPA and JASPA in numerous capacities.   Her expertise is evidenced through peer-reviewed articles, countless national presentations, and instruction in master’s and doctoral programs in higher education administration. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Fenneberg holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration (Saint Louis University), an M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services (University of South Carolina), and a B.A. in Communication (Marquette University).

Corin Edwards is an executive search consultant in the Education market at WittKieffer. Prior, she spent two decades in Student Affairs, working in residence life, student activities, and fraternity and sorority life. Corin's last role in higher education was the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Leadership and Learning at the University of Delaware. She has also worked at University of Maryland, UMBC, and Adelphi University. Corin holds a master's degree in Higher Education Student Affairs from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and two boys.

 Dr. Fran’Cee Brown-McClure is the Associate Vice-President and Dean of Students at Louisiana State University. Prior to joining the LSU administration, Dr. Brown-McClure served as Vice-President for Student Affairs at Jackson State University, Vice-President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Union College, Dean of Students at Spelman College and Associate Dean of Residential Education at Stanford University. During her career she has served as an administrator in both public and private universities as well as large and small colleges and universities. 

Dr. Brown-McClure received a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin in Educational Administration in 2015, A Masters of Social Work from Boston University in 2006, and Bachelor of Science in psychology from Jackson State University in 2004. 

Dr. Brown-McClure is a sought out speaker and facilitator. She frequently speaks to students and administrators about topics related to leadership, student success, Greek life, and emotional intelligence. She has presented nationally on motherhood and management, black girl magic, cross generational working relationships, leading as a young, black VPSA, and the importance of cross-racial friendships. 

The most important role that Dr. Brown-McClure holds is that of mom. She is the mother of a 16-year-old daughter, McKenzie. She tries every day to give to students what she was given in college and what she hopes future leaders will give to the future generations of students.

Taaron S. Branch (she/her/hers) is a Student Success Coach in the Office of Student Success at the University of Maryland Global Campus and a graduate student at Nova Southeastern University, pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education College Administration with a concentration in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. She currently serves as President of the College Student Affairs Association at Nova and is active nationally as a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee for NASPA’s New Professional and Graduate Student Steering Committee, as well as Student Outreach Chair on the NASPA Florida Board.

Recognized for her leadership and commitment to student engagement, Taaron has received awards such as Student Affairs Co-Curricular Advisor of the Year (2024). Fun fact: she completed an internship with Carnival Cruise Lines. She is passionate about student advocacy, leadership development, and creating supportive environments that empower students to thrive academically and professionally

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.

Omneya Badr, an educator and student affairs professional, gained a culturally diverse experience studying, teaching, and working in Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, UK and the USA. Omneya is a longtime NASPA volunteer. She was the director of MENASA NASPA area 2022-2024, the 2021 and 2022 MENASA Conference chair, member of NASPA's International Symposium Committee and the International Education Knowledge Community (IEKC). She is a frequent presenter at NASPA conferences and her research interests are culturally based Academic Advising, supporting First-generation students, FYE, and cross-cultural communication. She holds an MBA from the University of Bath – UK, a Certificate of Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operation from the Academy of Arts, California - USA, and a BA in Management from the American University in Cairo - Egypt. She recently acquired a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida - USA. As an educator, Omneya enjoys giving back to the profession and is interested in creating professional development opportunities and encouraging Student Affairs Professionals to research and share knowledge among counterparts around the world.

Jenny Tyniec is the Senior Assistant Dean of Students for Residential Life and Student Engagement at Claremont McKenna College. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education spanning admissions, community service, student activities, orientation, residential life, and academic advising. She has also served as adjunct faculty, teaching psychology classes and first year seminars. She is an avid marathon runner and dog love. She earned a Master of Education in Psychology and Counseling from Springfield College and her Bachelor of Arts in History from Drew University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the USC Rossier School of Education in the Global Executive program.

Meeghan Milette serves as the Associate Director of Professional Development in University Life at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She provides leadership to divisional professional development initiatives and signature professional development programs coordinated by the Professional Development team. Ms. Milette has a background in professional staff training, building and facilitation of professional learning experiences, collaborative programming, along with supervision and staff management. Milette is committed to enhancing professional staff experiences through her work. Professionally, Milette worked in Housing & Residence Life for over 15 years in various professional roles gaining skills and professional competency in staff management, crisis response, leadership, and training development. 

Milette currently serves as a co-chair on the NASPA Mid-Level Administrator Steering Committee and has previously served on the Mid-Level Administrator Conference planning team. 

Milette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a focus in International Relations from the University of Rhode Island. She earned a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. She has presented multiple times nationally and regionally on topics that include Supervision Skills and Strategies, Professional Development Design, the Multigenerational Workforce, Graduate Assistant Experience, Second-Year Experience, Inclusive Housing Practices, Leveraging Technology in Collaborative Work Environments, amongst others. 

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.

Jack Nesmith is a proud Black First Generation student affairs professional from Jersey City, New Jersey. He has his Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and Masters of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership/Higher Education from Rider University. Jack has 10+ years of experience as a public speaker, mentor, and leadership programs professional creating annual leadership workshops and programming for various organizations including NASPA, ACUI, EOF, and First Gen. He is the founder of the Project L.E.A.D. leadership series focusing on core skills for college students on a variety of topics during their undergraduate experiences. Jack has a lifelong passion for mentorship, student leadership programs, first generational student support programs, and professional development for undergraduate and graduate students.