Dr Niamh Nestor (she/her) is the Director of the University College Dublin Student Advisory Service. Niamh manages a team of advisers whose work is focused on student support, mental health and wellbeing among approximately 38,000 UCD students. Niamh’s background is in sociolinguistics, migration and integration, and her doctoral research focused on Polish children and teenagers who had migrated to Ireland since Poland joined the European Union in 2004. For ten years before coming into her current role, Niamh was the Student Adviser in UCD Veterinary Sciences, providing pastoral support to veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing students.

Niamh is an active member of the community life of UCD. She runs UCD Purl Jam, the university’s craft/creative group. She co-founded the UCD Veterinary Community Garden. She is an active member of the UCD Community Choir. Niamh is involved in the implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives in UCD. She co-chairs the UCD LGBT+ committee as well as the UCD LGBTI Staff Network. She is an active member of Athena SWAN in UCD. She is deeply committed to challenging injustice, intolerance and bigotry and in achieving equality, diversity and inclusion for all. She believes in active allyship and she is passionate about fighting against complacency. The work of Athena SWAN is vital in this regard, and Niamh is particularly interested in empowering and supporting students to continue the fight for equality into the future. Outside of work, Niamh loves to garden, travel, and be creative, recently taking up sewing. She also volunteers for Dublin Lesbian Line.

Dr. Kerrie Montgomery Orozco boasts a 25-year career in higher education, specializing in international education, student programming, strategic planning, leadership, and teaching. She's held progressively responsible roles in academic advising, study abroad, and campus life at various institutions. Kerrie is also an accomplished writer, with publications in the peer-reviewed Journal of International Students. 

Kerrie has been an active member of NASPA for more than 20 years. She has held a number of volunteer leadership roles and currently serves as Professional Development Chair for the Global Division, Membership & Engagement Chair for the Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee, and NASPA-FL Conference Chair. She is a past Chair for the International Symposium, and remains active on the planning committee for the 2024 International Symposium.

Kerrie holds a BA in Classical Studies, dual Masters degrees from the University of Florida in Art History and Higher Education, and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Denver.

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.

Iliana joined Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in February 2023 and serves as the Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students. CCU Is a public liberal arts institution located in Conway, S.C., with an enrollment of over 11,000 students. 

With over a decade of experience in higher education, Iliana has held pivotal roles at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Texas State University, and the University of Texas at Austin. She is a certified constructive dialogue facilitator and is actively involved in NASPA, serving as the South Carolina representative for the NASPA Region III Latino Knowledge Community.

As a first-generation college graduate, Iliana is passionate about mentoring students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. She holds degrees from St. Edward’s University and Texas State University. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her wife and daughter.

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 Niamh Nestor (she/her) is the Director of the University College Dublin Student Advisory Service. Niamh manages a team of advisers whose work is focused on student support, mental health and wellbeing among approximately 38,000 UCD students. Niamh’s background is in sociolinguistics, migration and integration, and her doctoral research focused on Polish children and teenagers who had migrated to Ireland since Poland joined the European Union in 2004. For ten years before coming into her current role, Niamh was the Student Adviser in UCD Veterinary Sciences, providing pastoral support to veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing students.

Niamh is an active member of the community life of UCD. She runs UCD Purl Jam, the university’s craft/creative group. She co-founded the UCD Veterinary Community Garden. She is an active member of the UCD Community Choir. Niamh is involved in the implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives in UCD. She co-chairs the UCD LGBT+ committee as well as the UCD LGBTI Staff Network. She is an active member of Athena SWAN in UCD. She is deeply committed to challenging injustice, intolerance and bigotry and in achieving equality, diversity and inclusion for all. She believes in active allyship and she is passionate about fighting against complacency. The work of Athena SWAN is vital in this regard, and Niamh is particularly interested in empowering and supporting students to continue the fight for equality into the future. Outside of work, Niamh loves to garden, travel, and be creative, recently taking up sewing. She also volunteers for Dublin Lesbian Line.

Dr. Kerrie Montgomery Orozco boasts a 25-year career in higher education, specializing in international education, student programming, strategic planning, leadership, and teaching. She's held progressively responsible roles in academic advising, study abroad, and campus life at various institutions. Kerrie is also an accomplished writer, with publications in the peer-reviewed Journal of International Students. 

Kerrie has been an active member of NASPA for more than 20 years. She has held a number of volunteer leadership roles and currently serves as Professional Development Chair for the Global Division, Membership & Engagement Chair for the Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee, and NASPA-FL Conference Chair. She is a past Chair for the International Symposium, and remains active on the planning committee for the 2024 International Symposium.

Kerrie holds a BA in Classical Studies, dual Masters degrees from the University of Florida in Art History and Higher Education, and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Denver.

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.