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.

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. 

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).

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

Miriam is the Director of Academic Advising and Student Success at Northwestern University in Qatar. Before this role, she was the Senior Academic Adviser at the American University in Dubai, where she gained extensive experience in academic advising and academic and student affairs.

Throughout her career, Miriam has held various academic positions across Lebanon and the GCC, advising diverse students in engineering, business, international relations, and media studies. She has successfully led a team of advisors and contributed to numerous academic committees focused on curriculum and quality enhancement.

Miriam’s expertise lies in multitasking, mentoring, researching, and implementing best practices to create a culture of student engagement. She is skilled in developing student-centered strategies, conducting data analysis and reporting, enhancing student retention and success, and supporting first-year student experiences and accreditation processes.

In her teaching career, Miriam has instructed finance, management, accounting, and mathematics courses, and has published research papers on academic advising.

Her passion for data analysis led her to complete three certificates in data analysis and reporting in 2021. More recently, she has completed a postgraduate program in AI and Machine Learning at the California Institute of Technology, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Recognized for her dedication, she was nominated for NASPA’s Dedicated Professional Award in 2021.

Miriam earned her MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance with distinction from the Lebanese American University in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

She currently serves as the Communication Team Lead for MENASA NASPA, where she continues to contribute to the field of student affairs and higher education.

Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.

Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.

Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.

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).

Ms. Rachel Baldwin joined AKU as the Vice Provost, Students, in May 2024. 

Rachel is responsible for the strategic growth, management, and evolution of all student affairs related offices and services at AKU. With support and leadership from the student affairs staff, Rachel's work will focus primarily on the holistic advancement of students' experience across all AKU campuses. This global role encompasses her passion for student development and success, as part of her extensive career history. 

Prior to joining AKU, Rachel spent 12 years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a variety of roles as a Consultant (Student Life) for Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dean of Student Affairs at Abu Dhabi University, and Dean of Student Affairs at the American University in Dubai. Her specializations within student affairs range from athletics, alumni affairs, campus wide events and activities, diversity and inclusion, housing and residential life, international student services, orientation, special needs accommodation, student governance and advisement, and student conduct. 

Before pursuing her student affairs career abroad, Rachel worked for three U.S. universities, and dedicated her longest term to Princeton University, where she spent nearly 8 years as Director of International Student Programs/Associate Director of the Davis International Center, and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Students. Rachel's tenure at Princeton was cap stoned by several awards, including a Fulbright Award for International Education Administrators (Korea), an honorary membership in the Princeton Class of 2008, as well as the Princeton University Special Performance Award. 

Rachel holds an MSc in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Buffalo State University, with a research focus on the holistic student experience of U.S. students of color, and a BA in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame.

Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.

Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.

Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.

Tisha currently works at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as the Associate Director of Student Recruitment. Her main responsibilities include international student recruitment, educational partnerships, short-term programs, and marketing. Prior to this role, Tisha worked at the university leading Saudi graduate recruitment and development efforts. Tisha is excited to continue highlighting the rapid growth taking place within Saudi Arabia and the educational opportunities available.

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. 

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).