Student Affairs Workforce Evolution and Certification
Our field is experiencing significant challenges impacting our workforce and talent pipeline. This includes recruiting, upskilling, and sustaining staff with the knowledge and competencies necessary to be successful in today's rapidly changing higher education environments. In this session, a diverse group of panelists will speak to gaps in the workforce and strategies for addressing them. Emphasis will be given to how Student Affairs Educator Certification is being used to address these gaps and support SApros and the institutions they serve.
Learning Outcomes
1. Summarize current challenges impacting the student affairs workforce and talent pipeline
2. Recognize how certification is a resource to support staff recruitment, professional development, and morale
Joseph DeSanto Jones
Executive Director
Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs Certification
Joey (he/him/his) serves as the inaugural executive director of the Consortium and leads its efforts to promote and advance the field through Student Affairs Educator Certification. This new certification program recognizes student affairs educators who demonstrate competency in established domains, commit to ongoing learning and professional development, and comply with the code of ethics.
Joey has also held numerous professional roles with NASPA including founding director of NASPA Advisory Services, assistant vice president for organization development, directing professional development programs, and managing volunteer engagement efforts. Over the course of his 20-year career, he has led or participated in approximately 50 external reviews of student affairs divisions, programs, and services at public and private colleges and universities of various sizes in the United States and Canada.
He holds an M.Ed. in College Student Personnel and a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Dr. Priscilla Arungwa, CSAEd
Director of Student Services
Utah State University Blanding
Priscilla Arungwa, or "Pri" for short, is a proud wife, mother, and daughter. She and her husband, Sam, (professor) have been happily married for over a decade and were sealed in the Bountiful, UT temple. They are blessed with five amazing children: Hannah, Sammy, Max, Michael, and Ruth! A first-generation college student, Pri achieved her Ph.D. at the impressive age of 28. She's also the daughter of an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen and dedicated himself to his community, helping build homes and businesses. Pri's mother, a strong figure, retired after serving with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Pri is a driven leader. She serves as the Director of Student Services on the executive team at USU Blanding. Her motto is "live each day to the fullest," and she leads by example through servant leadership. Her passion lies in empowering others. She thrives on helping team members "strengthen their wings" and providing them with the space and freedom to be creative. Beyond her professional life, Pri is also the proud owner of a local micro-bakery, Best Dough Bread, LLC. When she's not busy, Pri enjoys long walks, online shopping, and cozy movie nights with her family.
