Jordan Shelby West, PhD (she/her) is currently the Associate Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement at The George Washington University (GW). Prior to serving in this capacity, Dr. West was the Inaugural Director of University Diversity & Inclusion Programs at GW. In her university-wide role, Dr. West is responsible for creating and implementing strategy, vision, and educational opportunities across the institution that inform people, policies, and practices in order to continue shifting the campus towards a more positive and just climate. In her work, Dr. West leads boldly and with an imagination rooted in the audacity to hope. Dr. West prioritizes truth-telling, amplifying voices and experiences often excluded, and leading from an intersectional framework. After working with Dr. West, most people express a deep sense of urgency and responsibility to do what they can from where they are in order to create sustainable change. In addition to her university leadership role, Dr. West has a faculty appointment in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on Black Feminist Theory.

Dr. West identifies as a scholar-activist and is a formally trained social justice and anti-racist educator and facilitator. Prior to joining GW, Dr. West was the Inaugural Senior Diversity & Inclusion Training Specialist at Princeton University, where she created an 18-month Certificate Program called the Inclusion & Diversity Certificate Program (I&DCP) for cohorts of staff and faculty, in addition to leading, designing, and facilitating several opportunities for various departments across the campus. Before joining Princeton, Dr. West worked in the Division of Student Affairs at Syracuse University and directed a dialogue program entitled Conversations About Race & Ethnicity (C.A.R.E.). Dr. West’s experience in higher education also includes working at institutions such as the University of California Berkeley and Pennsylvania State University and in areas such as Residence Life, Greek Life, Multicultural Affairs, Admissions, Athletics, and more.

On a national level, Dr. West serves as a consultant to institutions of higher education and organizations committed to equity and anti-racism. Dr. West works with leaders to develop strategy and long-term efforts grounded in values of diversity, inclusion, equity, justice, and anti-racism at all points. As a consultant, Dr. West works with organizations to develop and facilitate educational opportunities that engage individuals in meaningful, critical, and urgent work about identity, systems of power, privilege, and oppression, and our individual and collective roles in taking action to disrupt inequitable structures. Dr. West is also works with institutions of higher education across the United States to conduct campus climate assessments and has been doing so since 2010. Dr. West is actively involved with higher education organizations, including the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), NASPA, and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Within ACPA, Dr. West serves as an Equity & Inclusion Advisory Board member, Past Chair for the Pan African Network (PAN), and the former Assembly Coordinator for Coalitions & Networks on the Association’s Governing Board.

Dr. West completed her PhD in Cultural Foundations of Education and received her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Women and Gender Studies at Syracuse University. Dr. West earned her Master’s degree in College Student Affairs, emphasizing social justice in higher education at The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. West received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland College Park and is a proud Terp! Dr. West’s experience and continued research interests focus on campus climate, narrative and storytelling as a method, restoration and healing, sister circles, and how People of Color and individuals from historically marginalized identities work towards liberation while in higher education through the lens of Black Feminist Theory and Critical Race Theory.

Dr. Timothy Alvarez recently retired as President Emeritus from Otero College, where he served as only the 5th president. He was relentlessly focused on student engagement, minimizing systematic barriers, equity and inclusion, undergraduate research, career readiness, and mentoring. Professionally, Dr. Alvarez provided leadership to the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA), the Association of Land Grant Universities (APLU), and the broader community. Within NASPA, he has been a regional director, NUFP regional coordinator, state membership coordinator, regional membership coordinator, conference program co-chair, case study judge, program reviewer, and board member for the James Scott Academy.

Dr. Alvarez also enjoys community involvement, as evidenced by his recent participation in the El Pomar Foundation, the Koshare Museum Board of Directors, the La Junta School District Advisory Council, and the La Junta Main Street Board.

Dr. Alvarez has been married to Lori for thirty-eight years. They have three grown children, Joshua, Jason, and Tiffany, and 5 grandsons under the age of 4.

Shawnté Elbert, EdD, a trailblazing figure in college health and wellness, has dedicated 18 years to student well-being and success. As the Chief Health Equity Officer for Columbus Public Health, she leads the Center for Public Health Innovation. A respected administrator, her focus on mentoring nurtures personal growth and leadership development. Elbert champions racial health equity, ensuring every student has equitable access to quality services. Her expertise in harm reduction, prevention, and policy development creates safer environments. A first-generation college student, she passionately supports historically marginalized students and serves as a mentor. Elbert's journey from educator to administrator showcases her commitment to health equity and education, leaving an enduring legacy. She is a co-owner of Sister WELLS, Counseling, Coaching & Consulting, PLLC, and resides in Columbus, OH, with her husband and two boys.

Sherrá Watkins, PhD, a distinguished clinical psychotherapist and certified coach, boasts a decade of mental health and wellness expertise. Presently, she is the Associate VP of Student Health and Wellness at the University of Utah, and she passionately works to enhance access to counseling and addiction services for historically marginalized groups. With four degrees from East Carolina University, including a Doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Counseling & Administration, Watkins is celebrated by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and recognized in the ECU Leadership Awards' 40 under 40 Inaugural Class. As a sought-after keynote speaker and author of "Healing – In Review," she provides invaluable tools and journaling for readers to navigate their healing journeys. Residing in Salt Lake City with her husband and two sons, Watkins maintains her dedication to self-care and personal growth through recent publications.

Joi Alexander serves as the Director of the Wellness Empowerment Center at Georgia Tech. She plays a key role in proactively leading the development and implementation of health well-being initiatives and programs aligned with evidence and best practices to create an innovative approach to Health and Well-Being for the Georgia Tech community. A part of her role is to collaborate with various interdisciplinary on and off-campus stakeholders to enable the development and implementation of key programs and initiatives related to health and well-being. In addition, she serves on the leadership team for the Cultivate Well-Being Advisory Board Committee at Georgia Tech, where she can use her public health background to promote and empower culture change throughout Georgia Tech’s campus.

Joi received her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Health Education and Promotion from East Carolina University. She is currently in the last year of her doctorate in public health from Georgia State University. Joi also teaches and serves as a faculty lead for Southern New Hampshire University. She has close to 15 years of progressive experience in public health, a wealth of health and well-being knowledge, and a deep commitment to health equity, diversity, and inclusion. A true advocate for creating diverse and inclusive spaces that empower individuals to choose healthy lifestyle choices that facilitate success and lead to happy, healthy, and well communities. 

With nearly 30 years of experience as a public health educator, Dr. Battle has an unwavering commitment to equity-minded programming that fosters comprehensive personal and professional success. Dr. Battle’s primary practice setting is college and university campuses. Her background includes leadership experience in both academic and student affairs. She has led and supported educational and co-curricular infrastructure for faculty, staff, and students. For example, during her time at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine. She was responsible for wellness programming, student outreach, student leadership development, mentoring and peer tutoring programs, and the organization, management, and evaluation of student activities. She also coordinated orientation, facilitated class meetings, and advised all 41 registered student organizations, including a student-run free clinic. As the Director of Alcohol Education Initiatives for Tulane University (a position she created) and the Director of Health and Wellness Education for Middlebury College, she worked collaboratively with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community members to develop, coordinate, promote, and deliver population level prevention programs. 

Her background includes a track record of identifying new opportunities, creating pipelines and partnerships, and engaging in community at the local, state, and national levels. The person-centered approach she brings to her work is reflected in her career trajectory. After spending 17 years in the field as a practitioner, she entered the classroom full-time in 2013. Dr. Battle has recently returned to the field and is currently serving as the Director of the Teaching Health Center at Access Health Louisiana. Alicia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Science in Public and Community Health, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Education. She also possesses the credentials of a Master Certified Health Education Specialist. For Dr. Battle, being a public health educator is not simply something she does. Being a health educator is who she is as a professional. And working with communities to close equity gaps is not merely a practice focus. She sees it as a lifestyle.

Diana Ali is currently the director of policy research and advocacy at NASPA. Diana analyzes emerging policy issues at state and federal levels, creates tools for student affairs professionals to understand and respond to these issues, and organizes and supports NASPA advocacy and civic engagement efforts. Since moving to the area, Diana has been a non-profit advocate and is currently a mental health group facilitator in the Chicagoland community. She served as an AmeriCorps volunteer for two years and graduated with a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Jill Dunlap serves s the assistant vice president for policy at NASPA- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.  Prior to joining NASPA, Jill worked closely with college student survivors of sexual violence for more than 14 years at three different campuses. In 2014, Jill served as a non-federal negotiator representing four years of public institutions on the VAWA negotiated rulemaking committee. Jill received her Ph.D. in political science and public administration from Northern Illinois University, where her dissertation work focused on the experiences of students impacted by sexual violence on campus.

Bryant Jackson, Ed.D., serves as the Chief of Police at the University of South Dakota and as an adjunct graduate faculty member in the University of South Dakota educational leadership program. He graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Command Course cohort #4 and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Before entering law enforcement, Dr. Jackson served in the US Marine Corps. He has completed an undergraduate degree in transportation and logistics management, a graduate degree in emergency and disaster management, and a Doctor of Education degree in adult and higher education leadership. Dr. Jackson is involved in several organizations including serving as the Mid-America Regional Director for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

Cindi Albrightson, M. Ed. serves as the Title IX & Compliance Coordinator and Campus Safety Advisor for Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). She previously served as an Instructor and Interim Chair of the Department of Engineering Technology, teaching Safety and Environmental Regulations courses. Cindi serves on the Custer County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Custer County Full Scale Emergency Response Team. She has experience with OSHA, PEOSH, EPA, and ADA. Cindi completed her undergraduate degree in Industrial Technology with a specialization in Industrial Supervision and her graduate degree in Education at SWOSU. 

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 more than 18 years as Director of Campus Activities and Leadership. He is a lifelong learner who recently earned a Inclusive and Ethical Leadership badge. He is an avid podcast listener, which is a great education and inspirational tool for him. Lastly, he is most proud to have raised an amazing human being who has recently transferred to SUNY Oneonta.

Jen Jacobsen, MA MPH, serves as the executive director of Health & Wellness at Macalester College; previously, she was director of Health Promotion and Sexual Respect. Prior to this, she was the Director of Wellness & Prevention and deputy Title IX coordinator at Grinnell College for over a decade. Jen has participated in the NCAA Step UP! advisory board, The NCAA Sexual Assault Task Force, the NCAA Division III Alcohol and Other Drug advisory group, the ACHA Campus Safety and Violence Coalition, and currently serves on NASPA’s Culture of Respect, the NIAAA College Working Group, and the NCCHA Executive Board. Jen’s primary areas of research and practice include active bystanderism, the role of alcohol in both sex and sexual assault, mental health promotion, the intersection of student affairs and athletics, and leveraging a public health approach to work on college campuses. She is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy with concentrations in implementation science and adolescent & emerging adult behavioral health.

Kristen Shahverdian is the senior program manager of free expression and education at PEN America, developing campus engagements and public events related to free expression and education. After a decade in dance and choreography, she began researching best practices for participatory art projects and how to teach art that depicts violence and traumatic events. She previously served as a project manager for the Philadelphia Folklore Project, and facilitated workshops on trauma and art at the College Art Association and Dance Studies Association. She is also a writer and editor at the online dance journal thINKingDANCE.

Before joining PEN America, she was a senior lecturer at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and previously was an adjunct professor at Rowan University and Temple University. She received her BA in history and dance from Hamilton College, her MFA in dance from Temple University, and her MA in socially engaged art from Moore College of Art & Design.

Stephanie Gordon serves as the vice president for professional development at NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She joined the Association in 2003 as the director of educational programs. Since then, the Association has doubled in size to more than 15,500 members. She supervises a professional development team at the largest, most comprehensive student affairs association in the United States.

Prior to joining NASPA, Stephanie served as director of residence life and coordinator of first-year programs at Chatham University, assistant director of residence life, staff development, and training at Colgate University, and assistant director of undergraduate admissions at Simmons College. Her research interests focus on student retention, persistence, and readiness to learn. Stephanie also assists student affairs educators in their daily work on campus. She has co-authored a chapter in Student Services: A Handbook for the Profession and authored a chapter in the current edition of The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration. Stephanie received her B.A. in English literature and political science from Simmons College and earned her Ed.M. in higher education administration at Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She recently completed her Doctorate of higher education management at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Matthew Brink is chief content and programs officer for the National Association of Colleges and Employers. He oversees professional development services, meetings and events, content, and all research initiatives. An experienced professional in the field, Brink has overseen career services in a variety of institutions, including, most recently, the University of Delaware, and has been active in employer-focused activities.

Dr. Ashley Finley is the Vice President of Research and Senior Advisor to the President for the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). She was previously the senior director of assessment and research at AAC&U and the national evaluator for the Bringing Theory to Practice Project. Most recently she served as the associate vice president for academic affairs & dean of the Dominican Experience at Dominican University of California, where she implemented a comprehensive framework for student learning and success centered around high-impact practices, including holistic advising and ePortfolios.

Dr. Finley’s research and campus consultations focus on connecting best practices for program implementation, assessment design, and equity with institutional outcomes for student success and strategic planning. A significant component of this work at the campus and national levels has focused on the connection of students’ personal development (such as resilience, belonging, identity, and sense of purpose) with their learning and civic engagement. She has published a number of articles, book chapters, and monographs, including Assessing Underserved Students’ Engagement in High-impact Practices (with co-author Tia McNair), Civic Learning and Teaching; Assessing Underserved Students’ Engagement in High-Impact Practices; and “Well-Being: An Essential Outcome for Higher Education.”

Prior to beginning her national work, Dr. Finley was a faculty member in the department of sociology at Dickinson College. She received a BA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MA and PhD, both in sociology, from the University of Iowa.

Amy Geist is director of strategic initiatives at NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Her work at NASPA focuses on supporting institutions in their efforts to remove barriers to student success. She began managing communications and marketing for the ASN in early 2023 after leading NASPA’s emergency aid efforts and other projects since 2016. Prior to her work at NASPA, she served in a variety of student affairs and university administration roles for 14 years at the University of Notre Dame and one year at California State University—Long Beach. She earned a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Jacksonville University.