Magic from the Middle: The Impactful Role of Mid-Level Leadership in Sustaining Success Through Organizational Transitions

Anthony has dedicated nearly 15 years of his career in higher education to breaking down barriers to student and staff success, serving his community, and making a positive impact in his corner of the world to advance the well-being of others. Currently serving as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services, Anthony takes pride in working alongside an exceptional team, providing leadership and oversight to enhance TRIO students' retention, completion, and holistic success. Additionally, he actively contributes to various institutional strategic planning committees focused on enhancing advocacy and engagement for college students. A native of Greenville, Mississippi, Anthony's journey into higher education and student success began during his undergraduate years at Jackson State University, where he discovered his passion while working as a work-study student in the Dean of Students Office. As a TRIO McNair Scholar, he recognized the importance of accessing resources, building community, and involvement in college life. Throughout his professional tenure, Anthony has remained devoted to empowering students from historically marginalized backgrounds, facilitating their access to post-secondary opportunities, and supporting their transition into adulthood at both two-year and four-year colleges. Anthony's commitment to supporting first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities stems from his personal experience as a proud first-generation college graduate. He intimately understands the challenges students encounter while pursuing higher education to improve their lives and those of their families. This firsthand experience fuels his determination to dismantle barriers by advocating for system improvements and policies affecting all students. Before joining Eastern Michigan University in 2021, Anthony served as a student success advocate at Washtenaw Community College, primarily assisting students in Career and Technical Education programs. He also gained valuable experience in enrollment management during his nearly five-year tenure at the University of Michigan. These diverse professional experiences have shaped his career trajectory significantly. In recognition of his dedication, Anthony was honored with the NASPA Region IV-East Mid-Level Professional of the Year Award for Michigan in 2023, highlighting his commitment to the student affairs profession. Having resided in Michigan for over a decade, Anthony is a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University's Higher Education Student Affairs program. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Wayne State University. Beyond his professional endeavors, Anthony finds joy in connecting with friends and family and aspires to travel more in the future. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, he is passionate about nurturing leaders and engaging with community members to foster impactful conversations. A quote attributed to Bro. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Everybody Can Be Great Because Everybody Can Serve" deeply resonates with Anthony, embodying his commitment to guiding students toward success, promoting equity and inclusivity, and leaving a lasting impact on those he serves. With dedication and determination, he envisions a future of equal opportunities where everyone can thrive and excel on their path to happiness.

Julia R. Heck is a seasoned higher education and student affairs professional with over a decade of experience, and is a catalyst for positive individual and organizational growth. Through her current role as AVP for Student Life & Support Programs and Dean of Students at California State University Channel Islands, her work focuses on building intentional student support services, enhancing student experience, and integrating student success into policy development. Heck is a Certified Student Affairs Educator (CSAEd) with a specialization in Student Conduct Administration (CSAEd-SC), and currently completing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at EMU. She received her Master's degree in Educational Leadership - Higher Education & Student Affairs from EMU and dual Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She also possesses numerous specified training certificates including but not limited to Strategic Higher Education Finance & Planning, Diversity & Inclusion, and Student Affairs Law & Policy. Heck’s expertise spans policy design, programmatic enhancement, professional mentorship, program evaluation, student retention and success, and leadership development.

LaMarcus D. Howard, Ph.D., serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, overseeing Student Health and Wellness at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina. In this capacity, Dr. Howard provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for critical student-focused areas, including the Student Health Center, Student Counseling Center, Student Accessibility Services, and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Dr. Howard holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration from Eastern Michigan University (EMU). He also earned both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master’s in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education Administration from Central Michigan University. His educational background and leadership expertise underscore his commitment to fostering holistic student success and well-being.