Events
Events
Whether it’s the Annual Conference, New Professionals Retreat, or presenting at NASPA, or the College Student Values Conference, ACSD provides you with many opportunities for fellowship, learning, research presentations, and effective job search and placement.
The 2024 Conference will be held June 3-6, hosted by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in Belton, Texas.
Approximately 600 members and guests attend the annual summer conference.
Highlights of the annual conference include:
- Distinguished keynote addresses from a distinctly Christian theological thought
- Educational and engaging break-out sessions
- Professional job interview and placement services
- Pre-conference workshops
- Corporate worship and prayer
- Fellowship and networking opportunities
Past Conference Highlights
Past Conference Hosts
INSTITUTION | YEAR | THEME |
---|---|---|
Anderson University (SC) | 2023 | Great Purpose |
Indiana Wesleyan University | 2022 | This. |
LeTourneau University (Virtual) | 2021 | Good Work |
LeTourneau University | 2020 | Postponed |
Wheaton College | 2019 | Remembering Forward |
Biola University | 2018 | Design Matters |
John Brown University | 2017 | Imagine! |
Gordon College | 2016 | Come to the Table |
Moody Bible Institute | 2015 | Repurpose |
Bethel University | 2014 | So That… |
Northwest Nazarene University | 2013 | Develop Different |
Taylor University | 2012 | Cultivating Wisdom |
Evangel University | 2011 | Diverse Callings Unified Purpose |
Messiah College | 2010 | What’s Your Story? |
LeTourneau University | 2009 | Canceled |
Cedarville University | 2008 | It Begins with a Dream |
Northwestern University (MN) | 2007 | The Big Picture |
Indiana Wesleyan University | 2006 | Ordinary People, Extraordinary Leadership |
George Fox University | 2005 | Beyond the Edges: Explore. Dream. Discover. |
John Brown University | 2004 | Strength for the Journey |
*In 1980, the Christian Association for Student Affairs (CASA) and the Christian Association of Deans of Women (CADW) merged to become ACSD. From 1958 – 1978, CASA had been known as the Association of Christian Deans and Advisors of Men (ACDAM).
ACSD 2024 Conference | June 3-6, 2024
Dr. Eileen Hulme
Eileen Hulme, Ph.D., serves as the Vice President for Enterprise Development and Regional Ventures at Indiana Wesleyan University. She possesses 35 years of experience in higher education administration. Hulme has served as a professor in the doctoral program in higher education at Azusa Pacific University (APU) and as vice president for student life at both Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. Additionally, she has taught at both the master’s and doctoral levels for the past 15 years and co-directed the M.S. in Student Services Administration Program at Baylor University. As a 2001 Fulbright Scholar in Germany, Hulme became passionate about preparing the next generation of justice-oriented global leaders. During her tenure at APU, Hulme was awarded the Chase Sawtell Inspirational Faculty Member of the Year and conducted research on the development of curiosity in college students, emerging trends in the academy, and a strengths-based approach to leadership. Hulme consults with organizations and universities across the US regarding the future of higher education.
Dr. Christina Edmondson:
For over a decade, Christina Edmondson served in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, including recently as Dean for Intercultural Student Development at Calvin University. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University, as well as a master’s degree in Family Therapy from the University of Rochester and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hampton University. As a Certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator and mental health therapist, Dr. Edmondson frequently consults with and serves churches, universities, and other organizations seeking assistance with leadership development, anti-racism, and mental health issues. She is one of the co-hosts of the Truth’s Table podcast, and her forthcoming book with Chad Brennan, Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change, will be published with InterVarsity Press in March 2022.
We want to come together and learn from your best thinking and practice as we meet again as a physical community for ACSD 2022.
Our vision is to provide meaningful moments of learning and collaboration as we explore the critical topics, new ideas, and places of growth. Workshop proposals should seek to fulfill this vision and open up opportunity for challenge, encouragement, and inspiration for our diverse body of student affairs professionals.
Workshops should answer the call to remember, reimagine, and recommit to the goodness and power of Student Development work amidst the never-ending challenges of the current season.
Proposals will be evaluated and selected based on the following criteria:
- Distinctly Christian approach to relevant topics
- Diversity of presenter voices
- Variety of topics
- Practical application to diverse audiences
- Quality of content and expertise
- Relevance to current issues affecting student affairs professionals
- Alignment with ACSD purpose and core values
- Relevance and application to a variety of professional levels and practices
The deadline for submission has been extended to April 1st! After the deadline, proposals will be reviewed and presenters will be notified by April 15, 2022.
With the submission of a proposal, the workshop selection committee assumes you plan to attend the conference in person. If your attendance plans change, please notify us by March 17, 2022 so we can take this into account during the selection process.
Workshop Registration is now closed.
Pre-Conference & Retreats
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
2PM-5PM Registration for NPR/MPR Retreats & SGA Summit
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
All Day NPR/MPR Retreats & SGA Summit
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
All Day NPR/MPR Retreats & SGA Summit
2PM-5PM Pre-Conference Registration
5PM-6:30PM Faithful Antiracism Pre-Conference Dinner
Conference
MONDAY, JUNE 6
8AM-3PM Faithful Antiracism Pre-Conference
10AM-5PM Conference Registration
1PM-5PM Gold-Level Vendors Open
3PM-4PM Placement Exchange
4:30PM-5PM First-Time Attendee Gathering
5PM-5:30PM Opening Reception
5:30PM-7PM Opening Banquet
7:30PM-8:45PM Opening Plenary Session
9PM Kickoff Party: Live on the Lawn
TUESDAY, JUNE 7
7AM-8:30AM Breakfast
8:30AM-9AM Community Devotion & Announcements
9:15AM-10:15AM Workshop Session 1
10AM-6PM Vendors Open
10:30AM-11:30AM Workshop Session 2
11:45AM-1PM Lunch
12PM Women’s Leadership Luncheon
1:15PM-2:15PM Workshop Session 3
2:30PM-3:30PM Workshop Session 4
3:30PM-4PM Hosted Break
5PM-7PM Dinner
7:30PM-8:45PM Plenary Session 2
9PM Entertainment: Tuesday Night Trivia
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
7AM-8:30AM Breakfast
8AM-2:30PM Vendors Open
8:30AM-9AM Community Devotion & Announcements
9:15AM-10:15AM Business Meeting
10:15AM-10:45AM Hosted Break
10:45AM-11:45AM Workshop Session 5
11:45AM-1PM Lunch
1:15PM-2:15PM Workshop Session 6
2:30PM-5PM Wellness Window (Individual & team opportunities available!)
5PM-7PM Dinner
7:30PM-8:45PM Plenary Session 3
9PM Entertainment: Bluegrass & Bonfires
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
7AM-8:30AM Breakfast
8:30AM-9:30AM Community Worship & Devotion
9:30AM-11AM Closing Session
11AM Departure
Live on the Lawn
June 6th Enjoy an evening of live music and refreshments as you catch up with old friends and get acquainted with new ones. Band: BeOnIt – An Indianapolis native group of artists who bring a unique, refreshing and dynamic sound…we can’t wait for you to enjoy!Tuesday Night Trivia (TNT)
June 7th Sign-up with a team and compete in Tuesday night Trivia. Refreshments will be provided and prizes will be awarded for best team name, school spirit, and the top 3 teams.Bluegrass and Bonfires
June 8th Wrap up the conference with a night of live Bluegrass and Bonfires. Refreshments will be provided. Band: Rock Bottom Boys of Madison County – Supporters of this work in HigherEd, who bring bluegrass, good vibes, and fun…the best way to cap our week together.NBA Finals
We do plan to have the NBA Finals streamed on campus. Grab a friend and come watch some games together!Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child
Indiana Wesleyan University
Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Development (MAHE)
The Crossover CUPS Mission
The Virtual Care Group
Pharos Resources, LLC
Dr. Eileen Hulme
Eileen Hulme, Ph.D., serves as the Vice President for Enterprise Development and Regional Ventures at Indiana Wesleyan University. She possesses 35 years of experience in higher education administration. Hulme has served as a professor in the doctoral program in higher education at Azusa Pacific University (APU) and as vice president for student life at both Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. Additionally, she has taught at both the master’s and doctoral levels for the past 15 years and co-directed the M.S. in Student Services Administration Program at Baylor University. As a 2001 Fulbright Scholar in Germany, Hulme became passionate about preparing the next generation of justice-oriented global leaders. During her tenure at APU, Hulme was awarded the Chase Sawtell Inspirational Faculty Member of the Year and conducted research on the development of curiosity in college students, emerging trends in the academy, and a strengths-based approach to leadership. Hulme consults with organizations and universities across the US regarding the future of higher education.
Dr. Christina Edmondson:
For over a decade, Christina Edmondson served in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, including recently as Dean for Intercultural Student Development at Calvin University. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University, as well as a master’s degree in Family Therapy from the University of Rochester and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hampton University. As a Certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator and mental health therapist, Dr. Edmondson frequently consults with and serves churches, universities, and other organizations seeking assistance with leadership development, anti-racism, and mental health issues. She is one of the co-hosts of the Truth’s Table podcast, and her forthcoming book with Chad Brennan, Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change, will be published with InterVarsity Press in March 2022.
We want to come together and learn from your best thinking and practice as we meet again as a physical community for ACSD 2022.
Our vision is to provide meaningful moments of learning and collaboration as we explore the critical topics, new ideas, and places of growth. Workshop proposals should seek to fulfill this vision and open up opportunity for challenge, encouragement, and inspiration for our diverse body of student affairs professionals.
Workshops should answer the call to remember, reimagine, and recommit to the goodness and power of Student Development work amidst the never-ending challenges of the current season.
Proposals will be evaluated and selected based on the following criteria:
- Distinctly Christian approach to relevant topics
- Diversity of presenter voices
- Variety of topics
- Practical application to diverse audiences
- Quality of content and expertise
- Relevance to current issues affecting student affairs professionals
- Alignment with ACSD purpose and core values
- Relevance and application to a variety of professional levels and practices
The deadline for submission has been extended to April 1st! After the deadline, proposals will be reviewed and presenters will be notified by April 15, 2022.
With the submission of a proposal, the workshop selection committee assumes you plan to attend the conference in person. If your attendance plans change, please notify us by March 17, 2022 so we can take this into account during the selection process.
Workshop Registration is now closed.
Pre-Conference & Retreats
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
2PM-5PM Registration for NPR/MPR Retreats & SGA Summit
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
All Day NPR/MPR Retreats & SGA Summit
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
All Day NPR/MPR Retreats & SGA Summit
2PM-5PM Pre-Conference Registration
5PM-6:30PM Faithful Antiracism Pre-Conference Dinner
Conference
MONDAY, JUNE 6
8AM-3PM Faithful Antiracism Pre-Conference
10AM-5PM Conference Registration
1PM-5PM Gold-Level Vendors Open
3PM-4PM Placement Exchange
4:30PM-5PM First-Time Attendee Gathering
5PM-5:30PM Opening Reception
5:30PM-7PM Opening Banquet
7:30PM-8:45PM Opening Plenary Session
9PM Kickoff Party: Live on the Lawn
TUESDAY, JUNE 7
7AM-8:30AM Breakfast
8:30AM-9AM Community Devotion & Announcements
9:15AM-10:15AM Workshop Session 1
10AM-6PM Vendors Open
10:30AM-11:30AM Workshop Session 2
11:45AM-1PM Lunch
12PM Women’s Leadership Luncheon
1:15PM-2:15PM Workshop Session 3
2:30PM-3:30PM Workshop Session 4
3:30PM-4PM Hosted Break
5PM-7PM Dinner
7:30PM-8:45PM Plenary Session 2
9PM Entertainment: Tuesday Night Trivia
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
7AM-8:30AM Breakfast
8AM-2:30PM Vendors Open
8:30AM-9AM Community Devotion & Announcements
9:15AM-10:15AM Business Meeting
10:15AM-10:45AM Hosted Break
10:45AM-11:45AM Workshop Session 5
11:45AM-1PM Lunch
1:15PM-2:15PM Workshop Session 6
2:30PM-5PM Wellness Window (Individual & team opportunities available!)
5PM-7PM Dinner
7:30PM-8:45PM Plenary Session 3
9PM Entertainment: Bluegrass & Bonfires
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
7AM-8:30AM Breakfast
8:30AM-9:30AM Community Worship & Devotion
9:30AM-11AM Closing Session
11AM Departure
Live on the Lawn
June 6th Enjoy an evening of live music and refreshments as you catch up with old friends and get acquainted with new ones. Band: BeOnIt – An Indianapolis native group of artists who bring a unique, refreshing and dynamic sound…we can’t wait for you to enjoy!Tuesday Night Trivia (TNT)
June 7th Sign-up with a team and compete in Tuesday night Trivia. Refreshments will be provided and prizes will be awarded for best team name, school spirit, and the top 3 teams.Bluegrass and Bonfires
June 8th Wrap up the conference with a night of live Bluegrass and Bonfires. Refreshments will be provided. Band: Rock Bottom Boys of Madison County – Supporters of this work in HigherEd, who bring bluegrass, good vibes, and fun…the best way to cap our week together.NBA Finals
We do plan to have the NBA Finals streamed on campus. Grab a friend and come watch some games together!Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child
Indiana Wesleyan University
Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Development (MAHE)
The Crossover CUPS Mission
The Virtual Care Group
Pharos Resources, LLC
EMERGING Professionals Retreat
OVERVIEW
The Emerging Professional Retreat experience will be a three-day opportunity with Registration on Friday, May 31st 2:00-4:00 pm and the retreat will run from 5 p.m. (dinner) on Friday through 9pm on Sunday, June 2nd. There is a maximum capacity of 25 participants so it will be important to sign up quickly. The price for the retreat is $185 for ACSD members and covers all meals and lodging from Friday noon through Sunday night.
Becky Starkenburg is this year’s EPR chair. If you have specific questions about the retreat, please feel free to email her at starkenburg@hope.edu.
You can register for the retreat as you sign up for the conference.
Learning Outcomes: The EPR seeks to develop professional leaders by providing an experience that embodies the following outcomes:
Objectives:
- Process professional and personal experiences in the field through a faith-based lens
- To develop a personalized Leadership Development Plan
- Encourage participants to increase their support systems by identifying professional mentors or sponsors.
- Encourage participants to building relationships with fellow attendees
- Facilitate conversations around navigating both personal and professional life.
Participants: The EPR is designed to cultivate an intentional learning experience for professionals within ACSD who::
- Have been in the field of student affairs for approximately 3-7 years
- Focused on growing in their current role or are preparing to move into a position with more responsibility; or
- Previously attended NPR and desire to continue their professional learning and growth; or
- Are interested in growing their leadership presence
Learning Outcomes:
All EPR participants will have an opportunity to develop their own Leadership Development Plan by focusing on the following themes during their time:
Spiritual Development:
- Identify spiritual practices to remain grounded through various stages of leadership development
- Understand how to practice healthy boundaries and self-care as a way of living a life of harmony, including modeling this to others
Professional Development:
- Develop rapport and communication with a supervisor
- Understand university culture and how to become a mission-driven employee
- Increase your network and professional connections
- Supervision of professional and paraprofessional staff
- Understand emergent best practices
- Building up your professional image
Diversity and Equity Competency Development:
- Gain knowledge through education about cultural competency and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within Christian Higher Education
- Understanding how to navigate supporting diversity initiatives on campus
- Learning your competency in diversity and integrating it into your work
- If there are no diversity/equity initiatives at your institution, learn how to begin thinking about starting these initiatives on campus
Coba Canales, Dean of Students Azusa Pacific University
Coba Canales has served in college or campus ministry and student development for 18 years, mostly at Azusa Pacific University. While finishing seminary and preparing for a career in academic theology, Coba stepped into a role as a part-time campus pastor. That experience of sitting with students in pastoral counseling changed his life and confirmed a call to join God in the work of healing and transforming students into change agents in God’s Kingdom. During his time in higher ed, he has had the privilege of leading in campus ministry, diversity programs, and currently serves as Dean of Students..
Coba was a student-athlete and completed a B.A. in Biblical Studies at Azusa Pacific University, M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Ed.D. from the University of Southern California where he studied the career exploration processes of first-generation college students. He loves to paddleboard, run, lift, and recently discovered a passion for outdoor cycling. He and his wife, Drea, are very active in their local community and church through supporting kids, youth, and college ministries and coaching youth sports. Coba and Drea were high school sweethearts and have been married 17 years (before you say, “ahh, how cute!!”, the story is very long and very complicated 🙂 They find themselves so fulfilled and completely exhausted being mom and dad to Joseph (11), Ruthie (9), and Micaiah (5 and a half).
Mark Pothoff, Dean of Students & Title IX Deputy Coordinator, George Fox University
Mark Pothoff found convergence of his vocation and calling early on in his professional career. Having been the recipient of people from the Student Life world journeying alongside him while in college, Mark wanted to extend the same care to others after he graduated. He served as Assistant Dean of Men at Crown College in Minnesota for two years, where he also started a women’s and men’s cross-country team. When a position in Residence Life came open at his alma mater, George Fox University, he jumped at the chance to return to the place that had so greatly impacted him and his faith. For the last 28 years, Mark has enjoyed serving the George Fox community in various roles.
Mark earned a B.S. from George Fox University in Elementary Education and his M.Ed. from Azusa Pacific University in College Student Affairs. As the Dean of Students, Mark uses his strengths of relator, maximizer, arranger, responsibility, and belief in a variety of work centering around problem-solving, team building, conflict-resolution, and healthy communication.
Since he was a boy, Mark has always had a love for stock car racing and is currently racing in the Pacific Northwest. Being behind the wheel makes him feel alive. He enjoys running and for fun, Mark loves to design and build things with his hands, like the farmhouse dining table his wife saw at Pottery Barn and then added to his “honey-do” list. He and his wife, Olivia, have been married for 23 years and built a house out in the country where they are reminded every day of the beauty of God’s creation. Together, they enjoy the wonderful community of Newberg, Oregon with their 3 daughters, Tenley (18), Kaselyn (16), and Aubrey (14).
<<picture here>>
Sarah Jobson, Interim Dean of Students & Associate Dean of Campus Life, Simpson University
Sarah Jobson has lived, worked, and journeyed alongside college students for 20 years. She is now serving as the Interim Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Campus Life at her alma mater, Simpson University. Simpson is located in Northern California, Sarah’s hometown – the second sunniest city in the US! Holding different roles within higher education, she has worked at Malone University in Ohio, George Fox University in Oregon, and Northwest University outside of Seattle Washington.
With master’s degrees in Spiritual Formation and Christian Ministries, she values developing whole persons, finding creative pathways for connection, and building authentic leaders. She has the market on developing teams, cultivating belonging and living wholeheartedly.
Sarah is an author, preacher, mentor and leadership coach, trying to offer others the grace to be and the room to become. She is a mom of two boys, Cale (16) and Elias (11) and has been married for almost 25 years to Brian. Sarah loves organizing and rearranging (especially the living room or her office at random hours of the day), she loves books and writing, but also football and has even jumped on the bandwagon of playing pickleball. Favorite travel destinations include the Oregon coast, downtown Portland, and as of recently, the beautiful country of Norway.
Miranda Powers, Vice President of Student Experience, Bethel University
Miranda Powers has served in Christian Higher Education for almost 20 years, mostly at Bethel University in the area of Student Affairs. Miranda transferred to a Christian University her sophomore year of college and was the recipient of amazing mentoring which led her to develop a passion for continuing work in student affairs. The Lord has continued to give Miranda a passion for Christian Higher Education and the growth that students can experience as they learn more about who God created them to be and how they can be bearers of hope and peace to the world around them.
Following graduation, she moved from Seattle to Minneapolis to work for a non-profit organization and met her husband during that first year. Since Minnesotans are enthusiasts of their state, she willingly relocated to Minneapolis and got a job at Bethel University. During her tenure at Bethel, Miranda has changed roles roughly every three years and had the privilege of working in many offices. After she worked in Admissions, she was a Resident Director, then worked in Career Development and the Counseling Center, served as an Associate Dean for Campus Engagement, Dean of Student Programs, Associate Vice President for Student Life, and then became the Vice President of Student Experience. Miranda completed her B.A. in Human development from Seattle Pacific University in 2003. In 2009, she finished her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling at Bethel University and then became a licensed counselor in 2013. Currently, she is completing her Ed.D. in Higher Education.
Miranda lives in Shoreview, Minnesota and enjoys cooking, gardening, being outside (in summer and winter), and spending time with her family and friends. She has been married to her husband, Brian since 2005 and they have two girls and a boy; Hadley (14), Sophie (11), and Wyatt (6). As a family they love to go on bike rides, try as many ice cream places as possible, and travel.
Becky Starkenburg, Vice President for Student Formation & Dean of Students, Hope College
Becky Starkenburg has served in student affairs for 28 years. She began as an RD/Coordinator of Student Activities at Dordt University, and then as RD at Calvin University. After receiving an MA in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, she worked at the University of Virginia for six years in residence life. These first 12 formative professional years were spent living in/on campus in community with students.
In 2008, Becky and Keith moved to Chicago from Virginia to pursue Keith’s calling to become a faculty member at Trinity Christian College. Becky quickly got plugged in as Director of the First Year Experience there, a position that straddled academic and student affairs divisions. Five years later, Becky responded to a call to become the vice president for student life. From 2013-2022, Becky served Trinity as vice president, adding Title IX Coordinator and multiple other roles throughout those years. Becky now serves as Vice President for Student Formation and Dean of Students at Hope College. In this role, Becky oversees counseling, health, residential life, conduct, care, student life (activities, greek life), and integrative learning, athletics, and serves as a senior leader at the college. Becky really enjoys both the institutional and team development aspects of her work as much as the walk-alongside-students aspects of her role, as she leads from her strengths: strategic, learner, positivity, relator and achiever.
Becky and Keith have been married since 1995 and they have three amazing kids: Sam (20) a sophomore at Valparaiso University, Mia (18) who will be a freshman at Hope College in the fall and Clara (almost 14). Becky loves living in the Michigan woods (year round!), loves coffee, and loves investing in people. She is grateful to be exploring – through writing, leadership development and her work at Hope – ways that leaders can lean into a deeply Christian vision of abundance and generosity, while challenging the ways that we too often lead from scarcity and competition.
May 31 (Friday) | |
2:00-4:00 PM | Check-In |
5:00PM | Dinner |
6:00 PM | Welcome and Opening Session |
8:00 PM | Social |
June 1 (Saturday) | |
8:00 AM | Breakfast |
9:00 AM | Session 1 |
11:00 AM | Small Group/Leadership Development Plan |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
2:00 PM | Session 2 |
4:00 PM | Small Group |
6:00 PM | Dinner |
7:00 PM | Session 3 |
9:00 PM | Free/Social Time |
June 2 (Sunday) | |
8:00 AM | Breakfast |
9:00 AM | Worship |
11:00 AM | Session 4 |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
2:00 PM | Panel with EPR facilitators |
4:00 PM | Small Group |
6:00 PM | Dinner |
7:00 PM | Prayer/Commissioning |
8:00 PM | EPR Concludes |
New professionals retreat
Professional Retreats provided by ACSD are designed to balance a presentation style format that includes large group discussions, opportunities for space and reflection, small group interactions, and mentoring by the facilitators. These retreats attempt to provide a variety of settings that help facilitate learning for participants with a variety of learning styles for individuals who consider themselves introverts or extroverts.
OVERVIEW
Objectives:
- Process professional and personal experiences in the field through a faith-based lens
- Encourage participants to increase their support systems by building relationships with fellow attendees
- Facilitate conversations around navigating both personal and professional life.
Participants: The NPR is designed to cultivate an intentional learning experience for professionals within ACSD who:
- Have been in the field of student affairs for approximately 0-2 years and are focused on preparing to step into this profession; or
- Currently serving as a graduate assistant at their institution; or
- Are interested in developing their understanding the landscape of higher education
Learning Outcomes:
The NPR seeks to develop professionals by providing an experience that embodies the following learning outcomes:
Personal Development
- Help participants understand healthy boundaries and self-care and seek them out in their roles
Professional Development
- Developing rapport with a supervisor
- Understanding University culture
- Leadership Development
- Networking
- Supervision of paraprofessional staff
Diversity and Equity Competency
- Educate participants about diversity and multiculturalism and its importance within Christian Higher Education
- Broad understanding of DEI work related to higher education, and specifically related to Christian higher education
- How to develop DEI competencies as a new professional
Comfort Olugbuyi, Ed.D
Associate Director for Online Academic Support & Educational Technology
Florida Atlantic University
Comfort Olugbuyi recently stepped into the role of Associate Director of eSuccess which is part of Center for Learning And Student Success Florida Atlantic University. In her position she guides supportive programs designed for online students aiding in their educational success. This includes cultivating partnerships with various on-ground student organizations to the online community, leading and training success coaches and tutors to best support students, and identifying and helping to dismantle barriers to students’ success. Prior to her appointment she provided guidance for over 10 years over Disability accommodations and Academic supportive programs for Palm Beach Atlantic University’s main campus in West Palm Beach, Florida and their Orlando campus. This includes supporting a team responsible for: recruitment and training of peer tutors, writing coaches, academic enrichment workshops, academic coaches, First-Year Experience peer coaches, disability related resources, the testing center services, and mentoring/advising students. Dr. Olugbuyi started her working relationship with PBA when she started as a Residence Hall Director for two years before entering into academic support. Prior to joining PBA, Dr. Olugbuyi worked at John Brown University as a Resident Hall Director for three years, which is where she started her professional Higher Education career.
Comfort received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, her MA in Youth and Family Services from John Brown University, and completed her Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership through Bethel University. When Comfort is not on campus, you can find her actively involved in her local church (Anchor Church FL), serving in the community (Sunfest music festival), cheering on the best football team ever (Dallas Cowboys), line dancing, and attending any type of musical theater production occurring nearby!
Comfort stumbled into a passion for student affairs and a love of higher education by accident. Yet, God’s faithfulness prepared her in advance to be a strong advocate, willing servant, active listener, and encourager to the students’ lives she interacts with daily. She enjoys being part of the shaping process of new professionals who bring a fresh perspective as they lead the charge to change the future of education.
JORDY DICKEY
Senior Associate Director of Student Activities
Baylor University
Jordy Dickey currently serves as the Senior Associate Director of Student Activities providing oversight of the Bill Daniel Student Center and strategic support to the Department of Student Activities. Her role also coordinates traditional All-University programming and advises the University program board Baylor Activities Council.
When Jordy is not planning goat yoga or managing axe throwing on-campus, she spends her time traveling the globe in pursuit of her goal of 50 countries before 50. She is a true community builder, food enthusiast, proud Wacoan, and avid outdoor explorer.
Jordy received both her B.A. in Communication Studies and M.Ed in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She is currently working towards her B.S. in Interior Design from Baylor University.
Her passion for student affairs began early in her college career, which has since provided her with the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities within the profession. She looks forward to cultivating the next generation of professionals.
Kyle Smith, Ed.D
Director of Residence Life
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Kyle Smith currently serves as the Director of Residence Life at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. In his current role, he also serves as the chief housing officer. Dr. Smith’s student affairs work consists of; enrollment services, student government, residence life, housing, student activities, clubs and organizations, residential dining, mentorship programs, study abroad, recreation, judicial affairs, program design and assessment, Title IX, and student success initiatives. Dr. Smith has a desire to equip gifted and talented new professionals in creating purpose in every avenue of their career.
Kyle has lived and served as an educator in Texas and California. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from California Baptist University; his Master of Education in College Student Affairs degree from Azusa Pacific University; and his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Southern California.
Kyle and his wife Sarah have three sons, Abram, Asher, and Abel. They live in Belton, Texas and enjoy sporting events, traveling, cycling, and spending time with family and friends.
Alexis-Simone Calvin is a Student Success Coach at IUPUI, in partnership with EmployIndy, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She also serves as a board member for Victory College Prep, a k-12 public charter school in Indianapolis. Alexis’ professional experience includes the areas of student affairs and operational programming for both domestic and international study abroad programs after graduating from Hope College, with a degree in International Studies. After graduating from Hope College Alexis moved to Chicago to work at the Chicago Semester Program, a partner of Trinity Christian College, and then moved back to Indianapolis to work for the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) before transitioning into her role at IUPUI.
Alexis’ passion for working with students stems from her own experience at Hope College where influential mentors and supervisors poured into her personal growth, spiritual development, and professional path. Alexis felt seen, heard, and cared for by these individuals and knew she wanted to do the same for future students and new professionals.
Alexis joined ACSD in 2017 as a New Professionals Retreat participant. In addition to being a New Professionals Retreat Facilitator, she is a member of ACSD’s Diversity Leadership Team and co-leads the Non-Faith Based Collaborative.
When Alexis is not planning a trip or searching for new bakeries to visit, you can find her spending time with her husband and family, reading on her porch, doing yoga, journaling, playing with her pup Sasha, or finding new adventures with friends.
Katie Breitigan
Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life & Housing
Houghton University
Katie Breitigan serves as the Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life & Housing at Houghton University. Prior to serving at Houghton University, Katie served in residence life and student engagement roles at Eastern University, Gordon College, and Indiana Wesleyan University. Katie completed her Doctorate of Theology from Evangelical Theological Seminary in May 2022 where she studied restorative theology, specifically trauma and transformation.
Katie joined ACSD in 2010 as a graduate student and has been a member since, participating in NPR and MPR, and the annual conference each June. Having graduated from Houghton as an undergrad, Katie enjoys being back in the small hamlet of Houghton, where she resides with her yellow lab, Bell, and new kitten, Piper. When there is a opportunity to take some time away, Katie enjoys visiting her family in Lancaster, PA, spending the day at some of the fabulous NY State parks, or enjoying good coffee with friends.
Jarad Russel
Assistant Dean and Director of Residence Life
Winthrop University
Jarad serves as the Assistant Dean and Director of Residence life at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Prior to working at Winthrop Jarad spent time at Lee University, Mississippi College, and Union University in various roles within Residence Life. Jarad graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University and went on to do a Masters in Teaching at Mississippi College followed by an Ed.D in Higher Education Administration at Bethel University.
Jarad has served as the Scholarship and Grants Coordinator for ACSD since 2021, and has been a member of ACSD since 2010 when he attended his first conference and the New Professionals Retreat. In his free time he enjoys, Legos, basketball, and seeing Broadway musicals, but mostly he spends time with his three young children and wife of 10 years.
Mid-Professionals Retreat
Objectives:
- Process professional and personal experiences in the field through a faith-based lens
- Encourage participants to building relationships with fellow attendees
- Facilitate conversations around navigating both personal and professional life.
Participants:
The MPR is designed to cultivate an intentional learning experience for professionals within ACSD who:
- Have been in the field of student affairs for approximately 8+ years
- Supervises full-time staff who are at the associate or director level
- Focused on preparing to move into an executive position with more responsibility
- Interested in growing their leadership presence and their ability to cultivate a campus wide climate to impact their institution.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explore the challenges of leading from the middle – managing up and down.
- Restore or rejuvenate the “why” or reasons of staying in the student affairs field after a length of time.
- Connect and build relationships with professionals with experienced professionals.
- Develop and implement ways of spiritual, physical, and emotional self-care
- Learning to provide safe spaces for spiritual and emotional support within the supervision structure
PAST MPR TOPICS
- Managing from the middle: supervising & being supervised
- Realities facing Student Development, Higher Education, and our students
- Legal issues in Student Affairs
- Best practices for staff management
- Successful collaboration with Faculty, Administration, Athletics, etc.
- Your calling and the future ahead (advanced training, career opportunities in and out of higher education and other adventures)
GAIN PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS FROM PRESENTERS SUCH AS
- University Presidents
- University Chief of Staffs
- University Provosts
- Student Affairs Vice Presidents
- University professors
- ACSD Executive Committee Members
Coming…
Coming…
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to cslc2021@gmail.com. Thank you so much for partnering with us to make this a success!
Your Christian Student Leadership Collective Team,
Martha Swift, Crown College
Larissa Lilly, Northwest University
Stephanie Maus, William Jessup University
STUDENT GOVERNMENT SUMMIT
The Student Government Summit (Summit) brings together outgoing and newly-elected student body presidents, vice presidents and student government advisors, providing a substantive opportunity to not only engage in thoughtful transition planning but also to gather with other leaders, share resources, learn from each other and hear from experts on best practices in influencing their campus well. Over three days prior to the annual ACSD Conference, participants will be equipped through this gathering which is deliberately prepared around three key themes: leading as a Christian in a pluralistic world, leadership in times of conflict and change, and the project of reconciliation.
Additionally, student government advisors will not only have a chance to get an early start working with their incoming presidents and vice presidents, but will have opportunities to network, share best practices, and have dedicated professional development together.
Undergraduate students that stay for the ACSD Conference can take advantage of the student rate for the conference.
OVERVIEW
The Student Government Summit unites outgoing and newly-elected student government leaders and their advisors for three days of impactful transition planning and collaborative learning. This unique gathering emphasizes three key themes: leading as a Christian in a pluralistic world, navigating leadership during conflict and change, and advancing the project of reconciliation. Participants share resources, engage in dynamic discussions, and learn from experts, empowering them to lead with a Christian perspective, navigate challenges effectively, and contribute to building a harmonious campus community.
The team leader for Summit this year is Steve Austin from Taylor University. For any questions, please contact Steve at staustin@tayloru.edu.
You can register for the retreat as you sign up for the conference.
Friday
2:00-5:00pm Registration – wear university t-shirts/nametags
5:00pm Dinner
6:00pm Opening Session –
7:30pm Casual Connection – space for connection & relational building/social time
(local coffee venues?)
Saturday
7:00am Breakfast
8:00am Institutional Group Time
9:00am Worship & Devos –
9:15am Keynote 1 – Drew Flamm (President of Grace): Responding as a leader.
10:15am Break
10:30am Breakout Sessions
Students: organizational charts
Advisors: ?? (solution storming)
12:00pm Lunch
1:30pm Keynote 2 – Barbara McDade: Becoming a peacemaker
2:30pm Breakout Sessions
3:30pm Break
4:15-9:30pm Outing
Sunday
7:00am Breakfast
8:00am Institutional Group Time
9:00am Worship & Devos –
9:15am Keynote 3 – Kevin Villegas: Creating your “why”
10:15am Break
10:30am Breakout Sessions
Students: what you wish you knew
Advisors: ?? (solution storming)
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm Engaging a multicultural Committe
2:00pm Break
2:30pm Exec. Team Meeting with Group: Managing Up/Being a middle manager
3:30pm Debrief
4:45pm Commissioning & Close
5:00pm Dinner
7:00pm
Hello ACSD Family!
We know this year has been unique for all of our campus communities, but we are praying for continued resilience, grit and trust in Christ as you remain faithful to where He has called you for such a time as this.
In recognition that many of our campuses participate in conferences for student leaders and with this year it may not be possible, we wanted to invite your student leaders to our first ever Christian Student Leadership Collective! This will be a virtual gathering on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 12pm-3pm Pacific Standard Time. Our vision is for Christian college student leaders to come together virtually for these purposes:
1. Connect with one another and experience the value of networking with colleagues across the country and around the world.
2. Share practical ideas on how to impact college campuses for Christ in the leadership roles you represent
3. Feel inspired and motivated to continue being effective leaders both on your campuses and in future roles beyond graduation.
Though we will kick off our time together with a keynote speaker, most of the allotted time will be dedicated to breakout sessions for you to connect with other student leaders. To help with that virtual fatigue we know you all face, we have added in a lot of breaks.
Tentative Schedule PST:
12:00pm – Welcome & Speaker
12:45pm – Offline Break
1:00pm – Roundtable Discussion One
1:45pm – Offline Break
2:00pm – Roundtable Discussion Two
2:45pm – Closing Comments and Giveaways
3:00pm – Offline Campus Debrief (if your campus so chooses)
Students (and staff) can register for this event NOW! Please click HERE . More information will follow via email once your registration is complete!
Would you help us make this opportunity great for our students by sending this information on to your student leaders and other colleagues in your department to pass on to their student leaders? Attached you’ll find information to send on to them including an email with details, save the date card, social media posts, etc!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to cslc2021@gmail.com. Thank you so much for partnering with us to make this a success!
Your Christian Student Leader Collective Team,
Martha Swift, Crown College
Larissa Lilly, Northwest University
Stephanie Maus, William Jessup University