Student Affairs NOW

Paying it forward comes to life as Dr. McZee makes good on a commitment to pay forward care for the African American men he mentors until it was paid in full.  The post Here’s The Story: “Paid in Full” appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Dr. Annmarie Caño, a clinical psychologist and author, shares insights from her book on transformative leadership in higher education. She critiques conventional models and advocates for a justice-centered approach that emphasizes accompaniment—supporting rather than solving problems for students. Caño discusses the importance of empathetic leadership, mutual transformation, and fostering equity within academic structures. Her practical strategies, especially during the pandemic, highlight the need for collaborative decision-making and well-being in creating thriving learning environments.

Kevin McClure, a faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and author of The Caring University, discusses a transformative approach to workplace culture in higher education. He emphasizes the need to prioritize faculty and staff well-being to improve student success. By challenging norms of burnout, he advocates for intentional investment in employee care. McClure also shares actionable strategies for fostering organizational change, encourages collaborative ideas, and highlights the importance of transformational leadership in creating resilient institutions.

Anne Brackett and Alicia Wojciuch, co-founders of Strengths University and Gallup-certified strengths coaches, dive into the transformative power of strengths-based leadership. They discuss practical strategies for supervision that prioritize emotional intelligence and inclusivity. The duo highlights the pitfalls of focusing on weaknesses and advocates for cultivating natural talents instead. They share insights on enhancing team dynamics, fostering engagement, and the critical role of self-awareness in inspiring meaningful change in higher education.

In these times, being honestly truthful reinforces listening, hearing and holding students. Dr. Palmer shares the necessary value of understanding the difference between honesty and truth. The post Here’s the Story: “Truthfully Honest” appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Tragedy and loss are inevitable in the career of any Student Affairs professional. In this powerful episode, Dr. R. Bowin Loftin recalls the day he had to deliver heartbreaking news after a sailing tragedy, offering insight into the role of institutions in upholding dignity and healing in the wake of disaster. The post Here’s the Story: “When the Tide Turns: Grief, Honor, and the Role of a University” appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Join scholars Christina Holmgren, Leah Fulton, and Jayne Sommers as they navigate the complex relationships between Black and white women in higher education. They discuss the challenges of trust-building, the impact of misogynoir, and the importance of self-reflection for effective allyship. Personal experiences reveal the dynamics of feminism, power imbalances, and the role of faith in promoting social justice. Their insights advocate for a new model of reciprocity that fosters genuine connections and collective growth in academia.

David Robinson-Morris, a visionary strategist and founder of the Reimagination, joins anthropologist and community ritualist Michelle C. Chapman, alongside gender studies expert Leroy Costa. They dive into the power of contemplative practices in higher education, exploring how inner work can lead to social transformation. The conversation touches on the importance of vulnerability, storytelling, and empathy in fostering community. They emphasize resilience amidst chaos and the necessity of creativity in education, igniting change from within.

Dr. Jessica Riddell, a Shakespearean scholar and professor at Bishop's University, dives into the pressing need for transformation in higher education. She critiques the status quo and presents ten innovative tools to foster hope and a thriving academic environment. Drawing on theatrical metaphors, she highlights the unsung heroes of student success and the importance of meaningful relationships. Riddell advocates for a mindset shift towards unlearning and relearning to navigate challenges, urging institutions to embrace vulnerability and collective efforts for transformative change.

Panelists Heather Shea Dr. Heather Shea is a passionate advocate for fostering critical hope and creating inclusive environments in higher education and student affairs. A past president of ACPA, she brings expertise in equity-centered leadership, student... The post Here’s the Story: “Meeting Gloria, Finding Myself” appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.