Gavin earned their Ph.D. in Foundations of Education and Inquiry from the University of South Carolina’s College of Education and completed a graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. Prior to joining the faculty at Illinois State University, Gavin worked for several years as a university administrator in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina, where they led and supported social justice- and equity-focused initiatives. Earlier in their career, Gavin was an outdoor educator at Princeton University, leading youth in backpacking and other experiential education programs, work that continues to inform their approach to leadership, pedagogy, and community building.

SMF is the NASPA Region 2 Faculty Representative and co-lead for the NASPA Faculty Institute. With over 25 years of professional experience in res life, student life, and academic affairs, his scholarship focuses on mattering, belonging, graduate teaching, and graduate student services. Prior to Villanova, he was a visiting professor and faculty-in-residence at the University of North Texas.  A graduate of the University of Florida and The Ohio State University's HESA programs, he unofficially majored in college at Florida Atlantic University. He is a proud cat dad.

Kerry earned an Ed.D. in Counselor Education, Graduate Certificate in Gender & Women’s Studies, and M.S. in College Student Affairs from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Before joining the faculty, their career included practitioner experience in identity-based centers at private and public institutions, community college counseling, and public university academic advising. Drawing on this broad background, Kerry enjoys supporting students navigate graduate pathways and career progression in student affairs. Their work is rooted in mentorship and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education.