NASPA Online Learning Community

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

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

Includes a Live Web Event on 04/10/2025 at 1:30 PM (EDT)

During this session, the presenters will explore how mid-level leaders are crucial and integral parts in navigating and sustaining success during organizational change. Being tasked with balancing strategic vision with operational expertise, these leaders are critically important in bridging the gap between executive directives and frontline execution, ensuring stability and continuity during times of change. The presenters will create space for dialogue and highlight the often-underestimated power of mid-level leadership in driving long-term organizational resilience. Learning Outcomes 1. Participants will understand how mid-level leaders act as pivotal agents in bridging organizational strategy and operational execution during transitions. 2. Participants will acquire practical tools and strategies for leading teams through organizational transitions. 3. Participants can apply foundational leadership and change management theories to real-world case studies, demonstrating how these concepts can address challenges faced during organizational transitions.

Anthony Webster, Ph.D.

Director, TRIO Student Support Services

Eastern Michigan University

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 Heck

Associate Vice President for Student Life and Support Programs & Dean of Students

California State University-Channel Islands

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.

Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Health and Wellness

North Carolina Central University

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.

Components visible upon registration.
Continuing Education Credits

This session counts for 1.0 CSAEd-CORE credit 

NASPA has been approved by the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs Certification to provide CE credit for Certified Student Affairs Educators (CSAEd). NASPA is solely responsible for all aspects of this program.

Guidelines for earning CE credit: 

No partial credit will be rewarded. 

Participants must also complete the feedback survey in the Online Learning Community.

1 Credit is available for attending the live session or viewing the on-demand recording. 

To receive CSAEd credit, attendees must complete the feedback survey that offers the certification in each session. Once you have attended all the live sessions or watched the on-demand sessions for which you would like to request credit, visit the Continuing Education (CE) website to fill out the Student Affairs Education Certification Request Form for all the sessions. All certificants must fill out one for the live session and a separate one for the on-demand sessions. Visit the Continued Education (CE) website to learn more regarding deadlines and receive your certificate of completion for the Virtual Conference.

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