Matt Gregory joined the Texas Tech University Community in July of 2016 where he serves as the Dean of Students and Vice Provost for Student Life.  At Texas Tech, Matt’s supervision portfolio consists of departments across Student Life, Campus Life and Student Wellbeing. Student Life departments are focused on the lived experience of approximately 40,000 Red Raider students. Matt has 28 years of experience working within the university environment including student housing, fraternity and sorority life, campus law enforcement, student conduct, and students of concern/BIT. Matt embraces a student-centered approach and prioritizes relationships across campus to enhance the student experience.

Matt is a Past President and past Secretary of the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) Board of Directors. Matt has taught courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in women and gender studies and higher education administration. He volunteers as a Council Director for Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and is a certified Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instructor.

Matt has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Education in Counseling and Student Affairs from Western Kentucky University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University.

Dr. KC White joined the University of North Alabama (UNA) in July 2022 and serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs. UNA is a public regional institution located in Florence, AL with an enrollment of over 10,000 students. With progressive leadership roles at large public universities, as well as private institutions, KC and her teams strive to provide a student-centered experience to support their academic pursuits, career aspirations and to empower their success.

Working with organizational teams which support the institution’s mission, purpose and values while producing results drives KC’s purpose and passion. KC demonstrates her commitment to the growth and development of students by encouraging and challenging them to lead with integrity and compassion and she strives to create campuses where all students experience a sense of belonging, affiliation, and purpose.

As an advocate for health and well-being, KC tries to create an environment that supports her colleagues and which fosters a sense of belonging, affiliation, and purpose.

Dr. White holds a Doctor of Education degree from Florida State University, a Master’s of Education from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Stetson University.

David Chadwick founded RealResponse in 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina, following graduation from Valparaiso University where he played Division 1 basketball.

During college, Chadwick recognized that a positive student-athlete experience had everything to do with culture, strong support services, and the relationships formed with coaches and teammates. This insight led to the launch of RealResponse.

Founded in 2015, RealResponse provides a secure, confidential platform for individuals to provide feedback on difficult or sensitive issues within an organization. The technology ensures voices are heard and people are empowered – with real-time, two-way anonymous communications, surveys, compliance support, competitive benchmarks, and metric data. These insights enhance communications between participants and their respective organizations and provide valuable opportunities to turn feedback into positive change.

In March 2024, RealResponse was named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Charlotte Business Journal named RealResponse as one of the “Fifty Most Innovative Companies in the Region” in 2021, and RealResponse has been recognized by The New York Times, the Associated Press and other national media organizations.

David and his family reside in Charlotte, North Carolina where he was born and raised.

As the Executive Director of the Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center for the College of Education & Human Development at Texas A&M University, Kelley leads all retention and persistence efforts for the close to 5,000 undergraduate students enrolled in CEHD. This includes leading the programming for students on academic probation, first-generation student programming, and programming to support the leadership development of students within the college. With experience working with first-gen students and minoritized populations at a two-time ASPEN Award finalist HSI community college, a small private HSI institution, and now at a large Tier I Research Institution he has been involved in creating and implementing multiple programs to support students holistically. Kelley is a current doctoral student, the past Chair of the Advocacy Group for FirstGen Forward (NASPA - Center For First-Generation Student Success), the Co-creator of the Black First-gen Collective, and the Co-Chair for Professional Development for the NASPA Knowledge Community Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs. 

Dr. Joseph Sanchez was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M-San Antonio, followed by a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Texas A&M-College Station, and an Ed.D. in Developmental Education Administration from Sam Houston State University. A third-generation educator, Dr. Sanchez has dedicated the past 14 years to higher education, contributing to enrollment management, recruitment, advising, and student success. Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for the Byrne Student Success Center, overseeing learning communities and academic coaching initiatives within the College of Education & Human Development. Dr. Sanchez is also a proud father of three daughters: Cecilia, Juliana, and Liliana.

Victor Alfonso Castillo joined CEHD as the Assistant Director for the Byrne Student Success Center in September 2024. Born and raised in Bryan/College Station, TX, Victor earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Texas A&M University (TAMU). After completing his undergraduate degree, he spent about ten years advising and managing programs for first-generation and low-income students in multiple roles at TAMU. During this time, he also earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration in Higher Education from TAMU. Victor is passionate about working with first-generation and low-income students because he identifies with their experiences. He draws on his own background to guide his students, helping them navigate their educational journey in ways he himself had to. My primary role is to support and promote student success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Therese Wales earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication and Journalism from Texas A&M University in 2022. As an undergraduate student, she worked in Development as an Administrative Intern and Program Aide. She has planned and coordinated many large events for the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M. She now acts as the Administrative Coordinator and Student Success Advocate for the Byrne Student Success Center.

Destiny Andrews transferred from a community college, Temple College before earning a BS degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She received her Master’s in Adult and Higher Education from University of Houston-Victoria. She has worked in higher education for approximately 7 years with professional experience in scholarships and financial aid, recruitment & onboarding, advising & academic coaching, and worked as a Development Coordinator in the Foundation at the College of the Mainland. Her journey has now brought her back to Texas A&M University as she is currently working towards her PhD in Higher Education Administration and holds a graduate assistantship in the Byrne Student Success Center. “I have served in many different roles carrying one common goal, being of service to students."

Joycelyn Anderson, LPC-S, NCC, serves as the Embedded Professional Counselor IV in the Byrne Student Success Center. Joycelyn approaches therapeutic individual and group counseling from a multifaceted viewpoint, being both gentle and passionate when working with emerging adults at Texas A&M University. Her clinical interests include interpersonal awareness, holistic personal growth/identity development, self-worth/self-esteem, and performance issues. Understanding the competitive nature of credentialing examinations and the pressure applicants face, Joycelyn employs a behavioral blend of solution-focused brief, cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches. She is dedicated to creating a positive, safe environment for all Aggies.

Her research focuses on examining active help-seeking behavior in first-generation college students, the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students, networking institutional resources for strengthened mental health support of college students, and organizational leadership within embedded mental health university counseling settings.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Joycelyn is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at South College and has earned an M.A. in Professional Counseling, an M.A. in  School Counseling from Amberton University, and a B.M.E. from Alcorn State University. She has completed clinical training in Counselor Supervision and has served as a doctoral internship administrative group supervisor.

Dr. Amelia Parnell, who has recently assumed the presidency of NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, 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.

As the vice president for research and policy for NASPA, Dr. Parnell leads many of the association's scholarly and advocacy-focused activities. During her eight-year tenure in this role, she has fostered genuine partnerships with college administrators, researchers, grantmakers, and other higher education professionals. Dr. Parnell’s previous policy and practitioner experiences include roles in association management, legislative policy analysis, internal audit, and TRIO programs. Her research portfolio includes studies of leadership in higher education, with a focus on college presidents and vice presidents.

As a frequent keynote speaker at national and regional conferences, Dr. Parnell presents on topics related to 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.

Dr. Parnell 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 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.

Dr. Parnell enjoys her work as an adjunct instructor and campus lecturer because it helps her ground her work through enriching engagements with students and peers. She is energized by making complex concepts easy to understand, so she hosts her podcast, Speaking of College, a source of reliable answers to college-related questions. She is also 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.

Emily Holmes (she/her) is a student affairs educator and lifelong learner. She currently serves as director of the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement at the University of Southern Mississippi where she directs the co-curricular student engagement experience through student organizations and leadership development. Overseeing close to 200 student organizations, the campus programming board, Golden Eagle Welcome Week and the first-year seminar course, Emily is passionate about student success and the belonging that occurs outside of the classroom. With over fifteen years of student affairs experience, Emily has previously worked in first-year programs, transition programs, new student orientation, and fraternity and sorority life. She has been active in NASPA for many years and most currently serves as a member of the Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee, a group of passionate mid-level professionals who guide and equip NASPA leaders and members with the tools and resources to promote the success of mid-level administrators in their professional roles.

Dr. Anshu Paliwal has a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology and a Gold Medalist with diplomas in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Training and Development. With 22 years of diverse experience, her current role emphasizes strong interpersonal skills, team building, and managerial competencies. She brings creativity, innovation, and practical solutions to resolve concerns, leveraging automation and strategic paradigms to drive outcomes. As a primal leader, she influences others through emotional intelligence, analytical, and leadership skills. 

Her extensive experience in educational institutions has equipped her with deep insights into stakeholder management. She thrives on enhancing student experiences both academically and in extracurricular engagements. Her background in psychology and behavioral sciences has honed her keen observation skills and understanding of interactive dynamics.

She has held diverse roles, including faculty for Human Development, advisor to the International Model United Nations Conference, convener of various committees, and member secretary of disciplinary and grievance boards. She has drafted numerous SOPs and policies to ensure smooth student affairs operations and improve campus life. She published research spans Developmental Psychology and Strategic Management, underscoring her academic and professional excellence.

Dr. Georges Chedid holds a PhD in neuropsychology and cognitive science from the University of Montreal. He is the Director of the Counseling Center at the American University of Kuwait. Dr. Chedid has a wealth of experience leading teams of counselors and art therapists, and training professional therapists. He showed an impact on the mental health, wellbeing, and academic success of students with disabilities and mental health disorders by providing an array of high-quality services at AUK. He plays a key role in Student Affairs by contributing effectively to the organization of events and workshops at the Art Room. Dr. Chedid is a mindful leader who encourages inclusion and diversity and continually strives to enhance the quality of life for students with disabilities and mental health issues. He effectively manages and supervises the counseling center staff, clinical operations, art and music therapy rooms, budgets, and daily operations.

Benjamin M. Williams is the Assistant Dean of Students at Miami University where he oversees restorative practices in conduct and Title IX cases, outreach for the Office of the Dean of Students, and manages Campus Climate Concerns, and supports students in crisis. Prior to this role, he has worked in higher education for ten years and most recently served as a Development Officer and the Director of Student Orientation & Family Engagement at Georgia State University. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Georgia State University, his Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Miami University, and is completing his Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies at Georgia State University studying sense of belonging and campus ecology.

Outside of his professional work, he volunteers with a variety of organizations included NASPA as a memberFoundation Board of Directors and the Co-Chair of the Mid-Level Administrator Steering Committee, Board of Directors for Equality Ohio, and on the Board of Visitors for the College of Arts & Sciences at Georgia State University.

Laura Egan oversees the development and implementation of programmatic offerings, including Clery Center membership benefits and consultation services, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values. Laura provides strategic direction for program evaluation and the planning and growth of products, training, and services. She presents nationally and provides individualized support on compliance with and implementing Clery Act requirements, campus safety, compliance, and gender based violence and discrimination. Prior to joining Clery Center, Laura worked at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA, for five years, serving in both residence life and student conduct roles after working as a school counselor for three years within the School District of Philadelphia. Laura’s program development work at Clery Center has led to meaningful collaboration and partnerships with organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), National Organization for Victim Assistance, the State University of New York’s Student Conduct Institute (SUNY SCI) and Victim Rights Law Center. Laura has contributed to Campus Safety Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Christian Science Monitor. Laura earned a B.A. in Psychology from Villanova University and a M.A. in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University.

Abigail Boyer has been with Clery Center since 2012, becoming Associate Executive Director in 2015. She leads the Clery Center team in providing educational resources, training curriculum, and technical assistance tools to help improve campus safety nationwide. She manages the organization’s Office on Violence Against Women technical assistance grants designed to support institutions in enhancing their dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking prevention and response efforts. She also presents nationally on topics related to the Clery Act and campus safety. Prior to joining Clery Center, Abigail served as the Community Outreach Coordinator for The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc., where she was instrumental in the development and implementation of programs targeted toward law enforcement, colleges and universities, and other students, parents, and community members. Abigail earned a B.A. in Political Science at West Chester University and an M.S. in Organization Development and Leadership with a concentration in Adult Learning and Training at Saint Joseph’s University. She has been a contributor to Campus Safety Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the LA Times, and the Huffington Post.

Paul leads the development and provision of Clery Center’s live and virtual interactive Clery Act Training Seminars to help institutions in their role of providing safe, educational environments and complying with the Clery Act. In addition, he creates and implements the annual National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM) programming each September. Prior to joining Clery Center, Paul spent seven years in student conduct and Title IX, working to enhance education, training, and compliance. He champions increasing transparency and understanding of the complexities of campus safety legislation and related university processes. Paul earned his M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of West Florida and a B.A. in English Literature and Secondary Education from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Cecilia develops and implements programs and training related to campus safety, with a focus on the areas of hazing, sexual assault, and fire safety, and also provides technical assistance to Clery Center members. Prior to joining Clery Center, Cecilia spent ten years in higher education, serving in student conduct roles for most of that time, as well as in Title IX and Housing. Cecilia earned a Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture from Florida Tech and a Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of West Florida.

Dr. Waleed is currently the Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs in Khalifa University and Associate Professor in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department. He received his BSc degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, in 2006.  He went to graduate school at Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA, and received his MSc and PhD degrees in Petroleum Engineering in 2010 and 2015, respectively.

Dr. Georges Chedid holds a PhD in neuropsychology and cognitive science from the University of Montreal. He is the Director of the Counseling Center at the American University of Kuwait. Dr. Chedid has a wealth of experience leading teams of counselors and art therapists, and training professional therapists. He showed an impact on the mental health, wellbeing, and academic success of students with disabilities and mental health disorders by providing an array of high-quality services at AUK. He plays a key role in Student Affairs by contributing effectively to the organization of events and workshops at the Art Room. Dr. Chedid is a mindful leader who encourages inclusion and diversity and continually strives to enhance the quality of life for students with disabilities and mental health issues. He effectively manages and supervises the counseling center staff, clinical operations, art and music therapy rooms, budgets, and daily operations.