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Leading Well: The Importance of Supervisor Training and Preparation

Leading Well: The Importance of Supervisor Training and Preparation

Student affairs professionals are critical to the overall success of institutions of higher learning. Currently, the profession is at a turning point in navigating many complex issues. One of these issues is ensuring adequate levels of job satisfaction and employee morale. Units who employ supervisors who are competent leaders can see increased employee satisfaction and morale when training appropriately to handle the complexities of supervising others. When supervisors are ill-equipped to manage, employees report increased issues in the workplace.

This session will highlight findings from a recent doctoral study surrounding supervisor training and preparation and its impact on job performance and satisfaction. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on their training and preparation and think practically on ways they can enhance their supervisor skill set and emphasize its relevance in their work on a regular basis. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand a broad overview of research in the field regarding supervisor training and preparation. 
  • Develop their own practical philosophy surrounding supervisor training and preparation.



    Emily Holmes, Ed.D.

    Director, Office of Leadership and Student Involvement

    The University of Southern Mississippi

    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.

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