Looking for ways to continue to increase student engagement at your institution? 

Join this session for insights on trends and hear about ways that other institutions have solved the student engagement challenge. We’ll cover overarching trends we’re seeing in student engagement, how technology is shifting strategies, and ways that higher education institutions are using technology to take engagement to the next level. 

Leave the webinar with ideas that you can implement at your institution to enhance the student experience, learn how institutions continue to get students’ attention, and ways to encourage engagement throughout the year. 

Joining the team in July 2021, Jack serves as the event management and training coordinator. Within his role, Jack serves as the primary advisor to the Activities Board, while also assisting with other large-scale campus events and initiatives. He also aids student organizations through their development and event planning. Jack earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky.

Caroline Tiara is a certified professional mediator and executive coach with over two decades of experience in training, client experience, team leadership, and project management. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Copenhagen Business School.

She currently serves as the Manager – Student Experience at Aga Khan University, Kenya, where she leads initiatives to enhance student engagement and well-being for both graduate and undergraduate communities. Previously, she was the Manager of Graduate and International Programs at Strathmore University Business School (SBS). Her earlier career was rooted in ICT leadership roles, including ICT Manager at Elimu Sacco Society and Head of ICT at Cooperative Development Information Centre Ltd.

In addition to her professional career, Caroline is deeply committed to mentorship and youth development. She regularly speaks to young people across churches, sharing insights on personal growth, leadership, and career development.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Brandi Scott is a seasoned higher education administrator with over fifteen years of experience leading organizations and building strong, collaborative, and effective teams. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations clarify their goals and create actionable plans to achieve them.
Brandi holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and brings specialized training as a SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) facilitator, an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) facilitator, and a certified salary negotiation trainer through the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Work Smart & Start Smart programs.
As the founder of her own consulting and coaching practice, Brandi supports individuals navigating career transitions and professional growth. She also partners with teams and organizations to drive change, foster belonging, and address conflict with intention and care.

Karl Uzcategui [Name/They Series] serves as the Associate Director of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs at Fairfield University, where they oversee peer education, mentoring, and LGBTQ+ initiatives. A doctoral candidate researching second-generation American identity and belonging in higher education, Karl integrates restorative practice, servant leadership, and student development theory into their approach to coaching. Beyond Fairfield, Karl serves as Governor-Elect for the New England & Bermuda District of Kiwanis International and as Co-Chair of NASPA’s Success Coaching Knowledge Community.

D’Najah Pendergrass Thomas (She/Her) is a practitioner whose work is centered around organizational behavior with a focus on recruitment, professional development, and career advancement. Committed to helping organizations and communities bring about transformational change in these areas, she currently serves as director of The Placement Exchange (TPE) - a partnership of ACUHO-I and NASPA, in collaboration with NACA, NODA, ASCA, and AFA. 

Stephanie A. Gordon, Ed.D. is the Vice President for Strategy and Impact at NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she leads efforts in VPSA programs, corporate development, global impact, consulting programs, and strategic planning. Since joining NASPA in 2003, she has held key leadership roles, shaping professional development and advancing strategic priorities.

Before NASPA, Gordon held leadership positions in residence life, first-year programs, and admissions at Chatham University, Colgate University, and Simmons College. Her research focuses on the competencies of chief student affairs officers and the persistence of first-generation students. She is also a published author in the student affairs field.

Gordon holds an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania, an EdM from Harvard University, and a BA from Simmons College. She is mom to Benjamin, a joyful 5-year-old, and Sadie, a spirited Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle.

Monica Nixon brings to NASPA three decades of experience in higher education administration and a commitment to creating student-ready institutions where all students can thrive. Monica serves the non-profit association NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education as Vice President for Community, Access & Professional Pathways. Previously she served in student affairs, DEI, and administrative leadership roles at Saint Joseph’s University, Seattle University, Colgate University, the University of Puget Sound, and the University of Virginia. 

Monica earned her B.A. in English in 1995 and M.Ed. in Counselor Education in 1999 from the University of Virginia. In 2013 she earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington, where her dissertation focused on the positionality and agency of women of color chief diversity officers in higher education institutions. Monica co-authored a chapter in the 2012 NASPA-published book Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Higher Education and served actively as a member with NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, ACPA – College Student Educators International, and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. 

Priscilla Arungwa, or "Pri" for short, is a proud wife, mother, and daughter. She and her husband, Sam, (professor) have been happily married for over a decade and were sealed in the Bountiful, UT temple. They are blessed with five amazing children: Hannah, Sammy, Max, Michael, and Ruth! A first-generation college student, Pri achieved her Ph.D. at the impressive age of 28. She's also the daughter of an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen and dedicated himself to his community, helping build homes and businesses. Pri's mother, a strong figure, retired after serving with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Pri is a driven leader. She serves as the Director of Student Services on the executive team at USU Blanding. Her motto is "live each day to the fullest," and she leads by example through servant leadership. Her passion lies in empowering others. She thrives on helping team members "strengthen their wings" and providing them with the space and freedom to be creative. Beyond her professional life, Pri is also the proud owner of a local micro-bakery, Best Dough Bread, LLC.  When she's not busy, Pri enjoys long walks, online shopping, and cozy movie nights with her family.

Joey (he/him/his) serves as the inaugural executive director of the Consortium and leads its efforts to promote and advance the field through Student Affairs Educator Certification. This new certification program recognizes student affairs educators who demonstrate competency in established domains, commit to ongoing learning and professional development, and comply with the code of ethics.

Joey has also held numerous professional roles with NASPA including founding director of NASPA Advisory Services, assistant vice president for organization development, directing professional development programs, and managing volunteer engagement efforts. Over the course of his 20-year career, he has led or participated in approximately 50 external reviews of student affairs divisions, programs, and services at public and private colleges and universities of various sizes in the United States and Canada.

He holds an M.Ed. in College Student Personnel and a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.

bill harcleroad is a lifelong activities professional who began his career at the University of Rochester, his alma mater, and now works at SUNY Oneonta where he has worked for 20 years as Director of Campus Activities and Leadership. He has both a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Curriculum Development from the University of Rochester. He is a lifelong learner who has recently earned a badge in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida as well as has completed multiple Lumen Fellowships including, most recently, Belonging and Inclusive Teaching. He is an avid listener of podcasts, which serve as great education and inspirational tools for him. Lastly, he is most proud of raising an amazing human being.

Helen Mulhern Halasz (she/her) serves as Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives for the Division of Student Affairs at UNC Greensboro. She also had roles in student affairs assessment at East Carolina University (NC) and the University of South Carolina Columbia. Her focus is on fostering a culture of evidence and building assessment confidence and capacity among department assessment leaders related to professional competency areas.

Helen previously served in academic and student support roles at large universities and small colleges in academic advising, dean of students, fraternity/sorority life, residence life, student conduct, study abroad, and as acting VP of student affairs. She was recognized with university and national research awards for her dissertation research on advising students in academic transition leaving selective academic programs. Helen is an alum of Davidson College and earned a master’s degree and PhD at the University of South Carolina. She earned Student Affairs Educator Certification in January 2024.

Harmony D. Osei is the Director of The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program at New York University where she cultivates a culture of inclusivity and belonging and enhances high-impact initiatives grounded in the frameworks of Dr. King. She has worked in higher education for 15 years and presented on hair discrimination, leadership strategies, Caribbean culture, racial trauma and grassroots organizing. In 2023 she co-authored a book chapter titled “Exploring the Relationship between Mindset, Mental Health, and Academic Performance Among College Students." Harmony earned a B.S. in Human Development from SUNY Plattsburgh and an M.A. in Higher Education from NYU. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Education and Certificate in Africana Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center. Harmony was in the first cohort of professionals to earn the Student Affairs Educator Certification and is an active NASPA member.

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.

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).

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.