Eman Alsamara serves as a Graduate School and Career Advisor at NYU Abu Dhabi. In her role, she is responsible for supporting students and alumni from diverse backgrounds in career exploration and readiness and preparing for graduate school. Eman advises and supports students specializing in the social sciences and oversees career pathways in Law, Policy, Education & Social Impact. 

Eman is Arab American born and raised in Chicago in the US and is originally from Palestine. Eman has been working in higher education for a few years now in various capacities related to education, student programming, and student engagement. Prior to joining NYU Abu Dhabi, she served as the Assistant Director of Academic Advising in the Dean of Students Office at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago for three years where she oversaw academic advising and support programs, international student experience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for graduate students.
Eman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with minors in Political Science and Public Policy (2018) and a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy (2019) from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Eman has a passion for social justice and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Malak Elmoh is a Career Services Officer in the Office of External Relations at Georgetown University in Qatar. In her previous role as a Student Development Officer in the Office of Student Life, she played a key role in designing and implementing student programming, while also mentoring and advising student clubs, the Student Government Association (SGA), and the broader student community. A proud GU-Q alumna, Malak also holds a Master of Public Policy from Hamad bin Khalifa University. Her experience extends beyond academia, having worked on high-profile events like the Doha Forum and with Memac Ogilvy's Public Relations team, where she developed a robust network in Doha. In her current role, Malak focuses on supporting students and recent graduates through career coaching and graduate school advising as well as further departmental initiatives such as professional development workshops, employer events and career fairs.

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.

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.

With over 10 years of experience in student affairs, Dr. Tyger is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive campus communities that empower students to thrive. Currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life at the University of Florida, James oversees the Student Engagement Team, which includes the offices for Campus Engagement, Community and belonging, Sorority and fraternity Life, and Student Legal Services. 

Dr. Tyger is a proud double Gator, having earned both a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He also holds a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Virginia Tech. 

In addition to his role at the University of Florida, Dr. Tyger is the Director-elect for the Public Policy Division of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and serves on the Virginia Tech Student Affairs Advisory Council. 

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.

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.