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.

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

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).

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). 

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! 

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. 

Dr. Haina Zhu serves as the Dean of Students and Director for Center of International Studies at Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) in China, where she oversees the development and implementation of student affairs programs that integrate both Eastern and Western educational practices. Dr. Zhu has been an integral part of the Kean community for over 12 years. Before her tenure as Dean of Students, she served as the liaison between the Kean University (USA) and Wenzhou-Kean (China), as the Director of Special Counsel Office at Kean University (USA). With extensive experience in student development, leadership training, international student support, and behavioral intervention, Dr. Zhu has been instrumental in shaping WKU’s student affairs system to align with global best practices while addressing the unique needs of a transnational institution.

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.