As the Executive Director of the Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center for the College of Education & Human Development at Texas A&M University, Kelley leads all retention and persistence efforts for the close to 5,000 undergraduate students enrolled in CEHD. This includes leading the programming for students on academic probation, first-generation student programming, and programming to support the leadership development of students within the college. With experience working with first-gen students and minoritized populations at a two-time ASPEN Award finalist HSI community college, a small private HSI institution, and now at a large Tier I Research Institution he has been involved in creating and implementing multiple programs to support students holistically. Kelley is a current doctoral student, the past Chair of the Advocacy Group for FirstGen Forward (NASPA - Center For First-Generation Student Success), the Co-creator of the Black First-gen Collective, and the Co-Chair for Professional Development for the NASPA Knowledge Community Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs. 

Dr. Joseph Sanchez was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M-San Antonio, followed by a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Texas A&M-College Station, and an Ed.D. in Developmental Education Administration from Sam Houston State University. A third-generation educator, Dr. Sanchez has dedicated the past 14 years to higher education, contributing to enrollment management, recruitment, advising, and student success. Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for the Byrne Student Success Center, overseeing learning communities and academic coaching initiatives within the College of Education & Human Development. Dr. Sanchez is also a proud father of three daughters: Cecilia, Juliana, and Liliana.

Victor Alfonso Castillo joined CEHD as the Assistant Director for the Byrne Student Success Center in September 2024. Born and raised in Bryan/College Station, TX, Victor earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Texas A&M University (TAMU). After completing his undergraduate degree, he spent about ten years advising and managing programs for first-generation and low-income students in multiple roles at TAMU. During this time, he also earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration in Higher Education from TAMU. Victor is passionate about working with first-generation and low-income students because he identifies with their experiences. He draws on his own background to guide his students, helping them navigate their educational journey in ways he himself had to. My primary role is to support and promote student success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Therese Wales earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication and Journalism from Texas A&M University in 2022. As an undergraduate student, she worked in Development as an Administrative Intern and Program Aide. She has planned and coordinated many large events for the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M. She now acts as the Administrative Coordinator and Student Success Advocate for the Byrne Student Success Center.

Destiny Andrews transferred from a community college, Temple College before earning a BS degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She received her Master’s in Adult and Higher Education from University of Houston-Victoria. She has worked in higher education for approximately 7 years with professional experience in scholarships and financial aid, recruitment & onboarding, advising & academic coaching, and worked as a Development Coordinator in the Foundation at the College of the Mainland. Her journey has now brought her back to Texas A&M University as she is currently working towards her PhD in Higher Education Administration and holds a graduate assistantship in the Byrne Student Success Center. “I have served in many different roles carrying one common goal, being of service to students."

Joycelyn Anderson, LPC-S, NCC, serves as the Embedded Professional Counselor IV in the Byrne Student Success Center. Joycelyn approaches therapeutic individual and group counseling from a multifaceted viewpoint, being both gentle and passionate when working with emerging adults at Texas A&M University. Her clinical interests include interpersonal awareness, holistic personal growth/identity development, self-worth/self-esteem, and performance issues. Understanding the competitive nature of credentialing examinations and the pressure applicants face, Joycelyn employs a behavioral blend of solution-focused brief, cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches. She is dedicated to creating a positive, safe environment for all Aggies.

Her research focuses on examining active help-seeking behavior in first-generation college students, the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students, networking institutional resources for strengthened mental health support of college students, and organizational leadership within embedded mental health university counseling settings.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Joycelyn is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at South College and has earned an M.A. in Professional Counseling, an M.A. in  School Counseling from Amberton University, and a B.M.E. from Alcorn State University. She has completed clinical training in Counselor Supervision and has served as a doctoral internship administrative group supervisor.

Peter Lake is a professor of law, Charles A. Dana Chair, and the Director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson University College of Law. He has spent 30 years in the classroom teaching law students and served as Stetson’s interim director of Title IX compliance in 2015. He is an internationally-recognized expert on higher education law and policy. He has been quoted or referred to in hundreds of newspapers and court opinions throughout the United States, including the Supreme Courts of California and Massachusetts in 2018. Professor Lake, an award-winning academic, has authored numerous law review articles, books, and other publications. Professor Lake is a highly sought-after speaker, and he has served as a presenter or keynote speaker at several hundred international, national, regional, and local meetings. He has trained thousands of campus personnel on student safety and other issues, including student mental health, alcohol and drug abuse, Title IX and sex discrimination, and First Amendment issues. Professor Lake is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and serves as a Senior Higher Education Consulting Attorney at the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC.

Dr. Kari Finley is a Research Scholar and the Director of the Center for Health and Safety Culture. Dr. Finley holds a Ph.D. in Human Services from Walden University and a master’s degree in Social Work (M.S.W.) from Colorado State University. At the Center, Dr. Finley’s key roles include research, scientific writing, and tool development, and she is a principal investigator for multiple projects.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dr. Finley’s previous clinical experience in the mental health and addiction fields brings expertise in behavior change to research projects that seek to make a difference at the national, state, and community level on issues including substance misuse, child maltreatment, and traffic safety. She is a contributing author in the book: Traffic Safety Culture: Theory, Foundation, and Application, and is a published author in multiple academic journals. Dr. Finley has been a keynote speaker and has presented at national and international conferences.

Dr. Jess Kirby is an assistant professor of Health Promotion and Sport Psychology at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), and Director of the Center for Critical Sport Studies. She completed her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Kirby is the program director of the Mountain Lion Strong program on campus, aimed at supporting the well-being, resilience, and mental health of all UCCS student-athletes through comprehensive peer wellness education and a community of support. Dr. Kirby's research focuses on exploring the sport and physical activity experiences of diverse individuals across the lifespan, as well as the impact of social connection and quality peer relationships on the psychological well-being of young adults. She is a certified QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper trainer and a GRIT Resilience Coach. She has 15 years of experiences in teaching, research, leadership, and program development supporting mental health and wellness in college students. Dr. Kirby specializes in professional speaking and consulting to educate athletes, coaches, leaders, and parents on how to enhance the mental wellness and resilience of student athletes to improve enjoyment, longevity, and achievement potential, while also reducing the mental health crises experienced by young people. 

Dana Carnes Pursley (she/her/hers) is a leadership educator committed to developing students who will create change by leading their organizations, communities, and the future. In her 15+ year career, Dana has experience in residence life, leadership development, campus organizations, student government, fraternity and sorority life, civic engagement and service, union management, large-scale programming, and campus traditions. Currently, Dana serves as the Director of the Alford Community Leadership and Involvement Center at Denison University. Prior to Denison, Dana served as the Associate Director of the Center for Leadership at Elon University. Dana's professional interests include organizational development, voter education/registration, hazing prevention, first-gen student support, LGBTQIA+ student support, and assessment. Dana's professional involvement includes ACPA, NACA, NASPA, and NCLP.

McKenzie Sorrells-Western is the Director of Wellness Services at Boise State University, where she leads the development and management of integrated wellness programs for the campus community. She holds a Master’s in Health Education from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing an MBA from Boise State University. As a Certified Health Education Specialist, Exercise Physiologist, and National Board Health and Wellness Coach, McKenzie brings a wealth of expertise in aligning university strategies, resources, and initiatives to enhance student health and well-being at a population level. She is adept at creating effective systems and roles that ensure wellness initiatives are impactful and sustainable. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, golfing, and paddleboarding.

Hannah Monbleau, M.Ed. is the Assistant Director of Student Life & Well-being at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In this role, Hannah uses her knowledge as an RYT-200 Certified Yoga Instructor and Barre Above Instructor, as well as her experience in Student Affairs to support students in improving their holistic well-being. Hannah obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Endicott College in 2019 and her Master’s of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2021. She formerly served the students of UMass Lowell as a Graduate Fellow in Student Conduct, where she learned first-hand the struggles students have related to their well-being.

Dr. Robert Anthony Valdez serves as the Director for Conference and Event Services and Interim Director for Catering for University Housing and Dining here at The University of Texas at Austin. He oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of events, from events and large-scale university functions to intimate gatherings and high-profile catering services.

With over 19 years of experience in higher education and hospitality, Dr. Valdez brings a wealth of expertise to their role. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail, strategic thinking, and ability to manage complex logistics with ease. Under his leadership, the Conferences, Events and Catering team has consistently delivered outstanding experiences that meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring every event is executed flawlessly. Dr. Valdez has unique experience in his roles at UT Austin that has equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry, as well as a strong network of vendors and partners that he can leverage to deliver exceptional service.

Dr. Valdez is passionate about creating memorable experiences and takes pride in his ability to bring students’ and University visions to life. Whether it’s a small or large event or an intimate catered affair, Dr. Valdez approaches each project with the same level of dedication and enthusiasm. He truly believes in UT Austin’s motto What Starts Here Changes the World. Dr. Valdez wanted to change the world and has by sitting on the Presidential HIS Steering Committee for The University of Texas at Austin. He brought to life an annual traditional event called Longhorn Fiesta and has thousands in attendance each year. 

In addition to his professional achievements, he received his bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Business Administration with a focus on accounting and finance from Our Lady of the Lake University and a doctorate in higher education leadership and administration from Colorado State University. Dr. Valdez also sits on numerous boards for higher education associations across the United States. This allows him to know and understand trends within higher education. 

When not planning the next big event, Dr. Valdez enjoys spending time with his family, which are here today in this crowd. He loves going for walks with his 15-year-old Pomeranian named Ozzy, and really loves to relax by any body of water. This helps him stay creative and inspired in his work. When does he sleep… it’s the mystery we will never know

Dr. Kara Dillard is the interim Executive Director of the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and Assistant Professor in the School of Communication. She has over 15 years of  experience researching, teaching and professional practice in the deliberative democracy and public engagement fields. Her research has been featured in Journal of Applied Communication Research, Journal of Political Science Education, National Civic Review, and the International Journal of Communication. 

Dr. Patty Robinson has worked at College of the Canyons since 1999 and has served in various roles, including Sociology Professor, Sociology Department Chair, and Dean of the Social Sciences and Business Division. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Davis, where she pursued her interests in women's history and medical sociology and eventually focused on the rise of 19th and 20th Century women's organizations. Inspired by A Crucible Moment (2012) and longing to return to her "sociological roots," she currently spearheads the College's campus-wide emphasis on civic, community, and political engagement as Faculty Director, Civic and Community Engagement Initiatives.

Jessica Henault, MS (she/her) is NASPA’s program coordinator for the Culture of Respect Collective. Before joining NASPA, Jessica was Kansas State University’s first violence prevention specialist, where she developed and implemented a university-wide violence prevention plan. She is passionate about improving the safety and well-being of college campuses and holds a master’s degree in Counseling and Student Development. Currently, Jessica is a doctoral student at Kansas State University studying Prevention Sciences, focusing her research on the intersection of sexuality, sexual agency, and political resistance within erotic fanfiction.

Jennifer E. Henkle, MSW, LMSW (she/her/hers) is the director for sexual violence prevention and response. Jennifer oversees the Culture of Respect initiative and guides NASPA's work as a collaborative partner towards resolving systems of gender- and power-based violence. She is a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Virginia and has formerly worked in residence life, survivor advocacy and respondent services, campus sexual violence prevention and education, and higher education case management.

Diana Ali is currently the director of policy research and advocacy at NASPA. Diana analyzes emerging policy issues at state and federal levels, creates tools for student affairs professionals to understand and respond to these issues, and organizes and supports NASPA advocacy and civic engagement efforts. Since moving to the area, Diana has been a non-profit advocate and is currently a mental health group facilitator in the Chicagoland community. She served as an AmeriCorps volunteer for two years and graduated with a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Ke’Ana Bradley is the Director of Justice, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, and Early Career Initiatives for NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Ke’Ana’s role with NASPA involves contributing to ongoing association efforts related to equity and social justice through programming and research as well as coordination of programming for early career students and professionals such as Careers in Student Affairs Month, the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows and Graduate Associate Programs, and the New Professionals and Graduate Student Steering Committee. Ke'Ana brings 17 years of varied experience in higher education. Prior to joining the NASPA staff, Ke'Ana's roles included Director of Student Life at Mountain View College, International Student Advisor at Lynn University, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Services and Programs at the University of Notre Dame, and Coordinator of Student Activities and Multicultural Student Affairs at both Southern Methodist University and Texas Woman's University. Ke'Ana holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, a master's degree in Communications from The University of the Incarnate Word, and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Ke'Ana is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX). Ke'Ana lives in the Dallas area with her husband and their two kiddos. 

Born in Harlem, New York and raised by a single parent in the South Bronx, Dr. Salvador Mena is a graduate of the New York City public school system, and was the first in his family to attend college. Leaving New York City to attend the University of Maine proved to be a transformative experience that inspired him to pursue a career in higher education and reaffirmed his commitment to issues of inclusion and social justice.

After joining Rutgers in August of 2014 as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Mena was elevated to the role of Senior Associate Vice Chancellor in 2017, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in 2018. As Senior Associate Vice Chancellor, he managed the day-to-day operations of the Division of Student Affairs and helped provide leadership for the 25 offices and departments that make up the division. Specifically, he supervised the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement, and departments of Dining Services, Residence Life, Student Centers and Activities, and Cultural Centers.

With a robust professional history of serving students in various administrative roles at both public and private colleges and universities, Dr. Mena has held positions at the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Maryland–College Park, Goucher College, Brown University, Illinois State University, and the University of Maine.

Professionally, Dr. Mena has also been involved with a number of higher education professional organizations, including NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. He served a two-year appointment on the ACPA/NASPA Joint Task Force on the Future of Student Affairs and served as the inaugural co-chair of NASPA’s Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community. He also served as a faculty member and organizer of NASPA’s inaugural New Professionals Institute and served on the 2017 NASPA Annual Conference Planning Committee. He currently serves an editorial reviewer for the NASPA Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice (JSARP) and was recently recognized as a Pillar of the Profession by NASPA. Dr. Mena is a regular presenter at national conferences and has published in the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice and contributed a book chapter in Cultural Centers in Higher Education: Perspectives on Identity, Theory, and Practice, Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing. He’s also served as a consultant to institutions on organizational change and diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s of Education in Student Development and Higher Education Administration from the University of Maine, he received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Mena’s dissertation study titled – The New South: A Case Analysis of Latino Students Attending a Historically Black University in North Carolina – focused on understanding the growing phenomena of Latinos enrolling at HBCUs in the South.

Lauren Parish is a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of ADELLA Counseling & Wellness, PLLC located in Houston, Texas. Lauren believes that everyone deserves a cathartic space where they feel safe, valued, and seen. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, recognizing that mental health services are a privilege that should be experienced by all who are in need.

Inspired by the inclusive, warm, and selfless environment provided by her grandmother and mother, Lauren decided to pursue a career in social services and education. Her experiences include protective services casework, education equity and access, college and career counseling, and mental health therapy. Her extensive background in education combined with her dedication to mental health advocacy, uniquely positions her to address the challenges and provide valuable insights into supporting DEI initiatives in the face of political adversity.

Lauren received her bachelor degree from the University of New Orleans and her master’s and doctorate degrees from Prairie View A&M University.

Dr. Amelia Parnell, who has recently assumed the presidency of NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, is an accomplished higher education executive and an internationally recognized thought leader regarding current issues and emerging trends in the field. She is a passionate advocate for higher education as a tool for personal advancement and impact, and she seeks opportunities to partner with organizations and individuals who share her sincere commitment to centering students' needs.

As the vice president for research and policy for NASPA, Dr. Parnell leads many of the association's scholarly and advocacy-focused activities. During her eight-year tenure in this role, she has fostered genuine partnerships with college administrators, researchers, grantmakers, and other higher education professionals. Dr. Parnell’s previous policy and practitioner experiences include roles in association management, legislative policy analysis, internal audit, and TRIO programs. Her research portfolio includes studies of leadership in higher education, with a focus on college presidents and vice presidents.

As a frequent keynote speaker at national and regional conferences, Dr. Parnell presents on topics related to student affairs, college affordability, student learning outcomes, and institutions' use of data and analytics. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and PBS Newshour.

Dr. Parnell recently completed four years of service on the Board of Directors for EDUCAUSE, where she was chair of the Finance & Investment Committee and the Audit Committee. She is also the chair of the Higher Education Equity Network (HEEN), a collective impact network representing more than 25 organizations at the forefront of addressing racial equity in higher education.

Dr. Parnell enjoys her work as an adjunct instructor and campus lecturer because it helps her ground her work through enriching engagements with students and peers. She is energized by making complex concepts easy to understand, so she hosts her podcast, Speaking of College, a source of reliable answers to college-related questions. She is also the author of the book, You Are A Data Person, which she wrote to encourage all higher education professionals to discover and embrace their unique data identity.Amelia holds a Ph.D. in higher education from Florida State University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration from Florida A & M University.

Dr. Scott Sheehan currently serves as the director of Advising and Career Communities at the Greene Center for Career Education and Connection at the University of Rochester. He is a proud alumnus of SUNY Plattsburgh, where he received a BA in History and Political Science and an MS in Student Affairs and Higher Education. Scott received his Ed.D. from the University of Rochester in Higher Education Administration. His professional interests include student well-being, the intersection of public policy and student success, and career and workforce development.  

Scott is passionate about higher education public policy and educating others about the implications of federal and state policy development and implementation.  He is the current Director of the Public Policy Division (PPD) at NASPA and is the youngest member of the NASPA Board of Directors in the history of the organization.  Through the PPD Scott has helped create and facilitate educational opportunities for NASPA members.  These educational opportunities include panel discussions among leading thought experts in campus free speech and expression, consideration of race in the admissions process, and Title IX regulations.  During the 2024 NASPA Annual Conference, Scott led the team that created the first Public Policy Division Case Study Competition.           

D’Najah Pendergrass Thomas (She/Her) is a practitioner whose work is centered around organizational behavior with a focus on recruitment, professional development, and career advancement. Committed to helping organizations and communities bring about transformational change in these areas, she currently serves as director of The Placement Exchange (TPE) - a partnership of ACUHO-I and NASPA, in collaboration with NACA, NODA, ASCA, and AFA. 

Monica Nixon serves as Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Previously, she held diversity, equity, and inclusion and student affairs roles at Saint Joseph’s University, Seattle University, Colgate University, the University of Puget Sound, and the University of Virginia, for which she currently serves on the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Fund alumni board.

Monica received her Master of Arts in Counselor Education and her B.A. in English in 1995 from the University of Virginia. She earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington, where her dissertation focused on the positionality and agency of women of color chief diversity officers in higher education institutions. Monica co-authored a chapter in the 2012 NASPA-published book Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Higher Education and has served actively with NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, ACPA – College Student Educators International, and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.

Markie oversees Active Minds’ work in higher education, focusing on mental health support for college and university students, staff, and faculty. She focuses on making Active Minds' programs inclusive of different institution types and student populations. Markie received her bachelor’s in psychology from Marquette University and her Master’s of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University-Bloomington. Before joining the Active Minds Staff, Markie worked at Auburn University focusing on mental health programming and peer health education for their Division of Student Affairs, and was the co-advisor for the campus’s Active Minds chapter. 

Suzanne is a social justice and systems-focused social worker and educator with twenty years of experience spanning K-12, public and private colleges, and nonprofits. Through her work, she aims to build bridges between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to enhance student success.

A first-generation, low-income college graduate, Suzanne has dedicated her career to advancing programs, policies, and multi-sector partnerships across the K-20 pipeline to promote college access and attainment. She has worked with nationally recognized programs including The Posse Foundation, TRIO, and Promise scholarships and has led private and federal grants geared toward systems-level changes in high schools and at Hispanic-serving community colleges.

Suzanne holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame, a master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in higher and postsecondary education from New York University, where she was a doctoral fellow and program associate at the Steinhardt Institute for Higher Education Policy. Her doctoral research focused on how performance in dual enrollment coursework could be leveraged as a predictor of college readiness for policy purposes.

Suzanne supports Phase Two Advisory's national research on transformative, equity-forward developmental placement approaches as well as our Holistic Student Support Implementation Network in California.

Dr. Melinda Mechur Karp is a nationally recognized expert on improving students’ transitions to college and supporting them once there. She founded Phase Two Advisory after nearly twenty years conducting research and working with colleges on education reform as Assistant Director at the Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University. The proud granddaughter of refugees, Melinda works with national and institutional leaders, campus-based faculty and staff, and philanthropists to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to realize the intergenerational mobility higher education provides. She frequently writes, speaks, and comments on education reform at professional meetings, in the media, and in academic forums.

Melinda holds a BS in human development and family studies from Cornell University; and both an MA and a PhD in sociology and education from Columbia University. She chairs the Effective Advising Practice Guide Panel for the Institute on Education Science’s What Works Clearinghouse, and she is a member of the inaugural editorial team for the Journal of Postsecondary Student Success.

Dr. Pace serves as the vice president of academic success at the Community College of Aurora (CCA), where he has served in a variety of capacities since 2008. Dr. Pace served as adjunct, faculty, chair, and dean before being named VP in 2021. During his tenure, he led his college’s first comprehensive academic program review with the faculty and chairs—selecting 30 programs for sunsetting and reinvestment of those resources into program revitalization and new program development. Under his leadership, CCA has launched four new engineering degrees and secured $2.5 million dollars from the state to begin a school of nursing as well as launch new pathways in behavioral health.

Michelle Quispe, an alumnus of Northern Arizona University, received her Master of Arts in Health Psychology and is currently a Health Educator Sr. who supports health promotion and prevention at Arizona State University. She has 7+ years of experience in higher education using health promotion, prevention, and recovery initiatives to support student well-being and student success. As a Health Educator Sr., she utilizes peer educator strategies to drive student support models across the university to address high-level health education issues.

Yvonne Giovanis is the Assistant Director for Wellness Education & Health Promotion in the Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion department at Texas Christian University. She has a Master's in Counseling, with a specialization in student affairs, and is currently a doctoral candidate in TCU’s Higher Education Leadership program. Yvonne created, developed, and sustains the current peer education program at TCU. Prior to her current role, she served for 10 years in the TCU Alcohol and Drug Education Center. She previously worked at two other institutions in the areas of housing and residence life, student conduct, leadership development, and diversity education.

Tanya has developed, implemented and assessed a range of health promotion interventions focusing on bystander intervention, transforming masculinities, hazing prevention, and wellbeing equity. She is invested in bringing restorative practices, feminist theory and research on the social determinants of health into all of her health promotion work. She is also a dedicated reproductive justice advocate and a trained full spectrum doula. Tanya received a BA in Political Science and Women’s Studies from Montclair State University and a Masters in Public Health from Rutgers University. When not at work, you can find Tanya playing drums, embroidering or volunteering for a local animal rescue.

Allison is a public health professional with experience working in clinical, non-profit, and higher education settings. She began her public health career working as a Medical Assistant at Planned Parenthood of Maryland while volunteering at a local Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center. Through that work she became dedicated to pursuing a career promoting healthcare accessibility, health equity, individual autonomy, and interpersonal violence prevention. Allison moved to Rhode Island after spending several years at Towson University designing, implementing, and evaluating trauma-informed programming to build a campus culture of consent. Allison holds a BS in Neuroscience from Christopher Newport University and a Masters in Public Health from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In her spare time, you can find Allison playing volleyball, kayaking, or consuming every book in sight.

Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D. is a learner, educator, facilitator, and author. Proud of her rural hometown of Vidrine, Louisiana; her working-class, Cajun roots; and her first-generation college student to Ph.D. journey, Sonja holds degrees from Louisiana State University, Florida State University, and North Carolina State University. She considers herself a scholar-practitioner of higher education; she served as an administrator for 10 years before shifting to the faculty in 2015. She currently serves as an associate professor of higher education and student affairs at Clemson University. Sonja studies social class identity, college access and success for rural and first-generation college students, student and women’s leadership, and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs. Sonja has published six books, one monograph, and numerous book chapters and journal articles. She stays engaged in the broader field through ACPA, AFLV, ASHE, the Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA, SACSA, and several journal editorial boards. She enjoys books, traveling, music, sports, laughing, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and pup. Learn more about Sonja's work here.

Eric R. Felix is the proud son of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants. Born and raised in Anaheim, he is the product and beneficiary of public education from kindergarten to graduate school. A first-generation college student, he now gets to be a faculty member at San Diego State University teaching in Student Affairs and Community College Leadership programs. Using Critical Policy Analysis, he explores the ways policymakers craft higher education reform and how institutional leaders implement them. Particularly, Dr. Felix focuses on understanding how the implementation of lauded student success reforms may benefit, harm, or render invisible Latinx students and other racially minoritized groups in the community college context.

 Dr. Tammeil Y. Gilkerson is the Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District. Dr. Gilkerson is a leader in a number of statewide efforts to find solutions that address students’ basic needs, support undocumented and mixed-status students, and improve the quality and delivery of distance education in community college. She is passionate about building learner-centered institutions that reflect students' lived experiences, provide hope, and practice love. Core to this vision, she recognizes the need to nurture leadership and community-building at all institutional levels and has tried to create spaces where individuals can be supported and affirmed as they engage in the vulnerable act of learning and leading with authenticity, courage, and humility. Dr. Gilkerson sees herself simultaneously as a teacher and a student, consistently asking, what could be possible if we believe we can achieve liberation and social justice in our communities? And what will I risk to achieve it?

As a first-generation queer, Latinx, joto, they engage their scholarship through post-structuralist and transformative paradigms rooted in Xicana/Latina feminists epistemologies. Dr. González’s research agenda focuses on three strands; 1) examining the conditions, experiences, and outcomes for queer and/or trans communities; 2) Latinx Leadership and organizational change; and 3) racial equity policy implementation all within the community college context. Dr. González's foundational research has been published in many leading community college and higher education journals such as the Community College Journal of Research and Practice (CCJRP), the Journal of Research for Community Colleges (JARCC), the Journal for Student Affairs Research and Practice (JSARP), New Directions for Community Colleges (NDCC), and the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education (IJQSE).

Prior to Dr. González's appointment at Fresno State, they were a postdoctoral scholar in the Pullias Center for Higher Education at the University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education. Dr. González informed the creation and development of the Change Leadership Toolkit (CLT) funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. González has over 10 years of Higher Education and Student Affairs experience having worked across institution types (private, state, R1, community colleges, HSIs, MSIs, PWIs) and functional areas (residence life, student development, student government, student life, student conduct, academic advising, retention based programs).

Julie Edwards is the Director of the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives where she and her team advance campus well-being through institutional leadership, education, research, and public engagement. Julie leads Cornell’s Health Promoting Campus efforts, which includes managing the multidisciplinary Community of Practice structure, engaging students in providing input, and measuring the progress of these population-level approaches to support campus well-being. Julie currently serves in roles within several national organizations, including the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network and the American College Health Association.

Julie’s research focuses on strengths-based approaches that align with the PERMA model and positive psychology principles. She has personal and professional experience with mental health and well-being and strives to help others recognize the inherent strengths they have within themselves to pursue the life they want to live.

Dr. Chrissy Davis Jones currently serves as the vice president for Student Success and chief enrollment officer at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) in Central Pennsylvania with nearly 25 years of experience at various post-secondary institutions, and with 18 of those years focused on developing, restructuring, and implementing student success-related programs. 

Since Chrissy arrived at HACC, she has quickly made an impact by securing a 2.3-million-dollar Title 3 SIP Grant to transform the first-year experience for greater student success. She also oversaw the selection of HACC becoming one of seven colleges selected to become an Achieving the Dream institution in 2022 - focusing on whole college transformation for student success and data literacy. Lastly, Dr. Davis Jones established and co-leads the College's strategic enrollment planning committee. Her focus on the implementation of a collegewide strategic enrollment plan with student access and success at the center led to an increase in HACC's fall-to-fall and fall-to-spring retention for the first time in 10 years. 

Dr. Davis Jones is considered a systems thinker; this coupled with her research and data-informed approach, has led to Chrissy being asked to serve as a consultant to higher education institutions in need of support to facilitate change.

Angela M. Campbell, Ph.D., LPC serves as the Assistant Vice President of Assessment, Planning and Strategy. She is responsible for planning, managing strategic initiatives, process improvements and quality assurance projects that improve Student Success and Enrollment Management (OSSEM) program performance. Angela works closely with OSSEM executives and collaborates across the college to establish objectives, develop and implement short-and-long term strategies, oversees Assessment for the Division, and supports a model for institutional capacity building in data literacy. She serves as the co-chair of strategic enrollment management and collaborates with other college leaders for Institutional Effectiveness.

Angela has worked at HACC Central Pennsylvania’s Community College for 20 years serving in various roles and most recently in her current position for the past three years. As Co-Chair of SEM, she assisted in the development and implementation of a plan that lead to an increase in our F2F and F2S retention at the college for the first time in 10 years. Angela was recently nominated for the Building a Culture of Assessment Award by SAAL - Student Affairs Assessment Leaders organization.

Angela earned her Ph.D. from Western Michigan University in Psychology, Applied Behavior Systems Analysis with an emphasis in Educational Systems.

Shelly Blanchette, M.S., LPC serves as the Director of Student Success Operations and Strategy at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. She is responsible for monitoring enrollment metrics and honing leading indicators to better predict and track progression toward enrollment targets. Shelly leverages data-informed insights and collaborative partnerships for process improvements, to pilot programs, and identify strategic interventions leading to student success and sustainable enrollment health. 

Shelly earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and M.S. in Counseling from Shippensburg University. She has worked in higher education across various institution types for over 20 years both within student services and as an adjunct faculty member. Shelly credits her experience in overseeing the launching of student services at an expansion campus with readying her for the work she currently does.

Jackie Clark is an associate professor at Saint Martin’s University.

She has designed and implemented, and currently leads, two new

programs at her institution: an MEd in higher education and student

affairs and a PhD in leadership studies. Her research interests include

small college environments, equity and assessment, academic program

development, and college leadership.

Jeannette Smith is the vice president of student affairs at the

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Massachusetts.

She has worked at large, public institutions, small private colleges,

and public liberal arts colleges. Smith is a scholar–practitioner with

19 years of experience spanning student unions, residence life, academic

advising, financial aid, and shared governance. Her research

areas of interest include policy, equity, student development, professional

work environments, and financial aid.

Melissa Norris is a Health Educator at California State University, Fresno, where she has spent the last 12 years putting her strength as a developer of persons and programs in action and supporting student success by engaging students in experiences beyond the classroom. Melissa completed her Bachelors degree in Psychology, Minor in Deaf Studies, Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and shortly after earned her Masters degree in Counseling and Student Services with an emphasis in Higher Education. 

Taylor Whittington, Ed.D. has been a Health Educator in the Student Health Center at California State University, Stanislaus since 2016. She possesses a certificate in Health Literacy from the Institute for Healthcare Advancement and is a California Certified Prevention Specialist (CCPS) through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Her research interests include: health literacy, health equity, college health initiatives, and tobacco control.

Sarah Sasaki is a third-year graduate student at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She will be graduating from the Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE) program in May 2024. At the CSULB Career Development Center, she has been working as the Coordinator for the Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP). Prior to this, she was a Career Peer Advisor for four years. She has helped plan and emcee the CSU Peer Leadership Summit to encourage self-care, build community, and raise awareness about resources across the CSU campuses. During her time as a CSULB undergraduate, she was involved with various programs that support student wellness, such as Beach Buddy and the University Honors Peer Mentoring Program.

Stephanie McGuire is a Health Educator at California State University, Fullerton. She has been in the health education field on CSU campuses since 2015. Stephanie educates and spreads awareness on sexual health and general wellness outreach topics to the student body. She earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Merced, and shortly after her Master’s in Public Health from the University of California, Davis. Stephanie is a Certified Family Planning Health Worker, NASPA BACHUS CPE Trainer, and a Step up! Bystander Facilitator.

Candice Chick, MS, has been supporting in different roles in higher education for over 20 years at California State Long Beach (CSULB) always with a focused on holistic approaches (mind, body & spirit) for students' success. Including a decade, as the Student Affairs Coordinator with student athletes, following with supporting the campuses Health and Wellness Initiatives. Currently she is the Interim Director of Beach XP (short for Beach Experience) a partnership between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to help establish a learning community for incoming first-time, first year students. She strives to always relate to the students' changing needs by lecturing in a master's program in sports management while also volunteering with student' organizations. In addition, Candice loves being active in her free time with her daughter.