Introducing Ideas
“The best thing you can do for your fellow, next to rousing his conscience, is – not to give him things to think about, but to wake things up that are in him; or say, to make him think things
Continued learning is increasingly critical in the profession of Christian college student development. As such, ACSD is committed to supporting members through opportunities for reading and advancing research.
The Growth Journal is ACSD’s peer-reviewed scholarly journal, ACSD Ideas is an online digest of articles, and the Monograph Series is a special edition manuscript on a particular issue facing Christian higher education.
Each of these publications aspire to help Christian college student development professionals to be imaginative and effective in their work so that they can make a bigger impact on their campuses and the needs of the wider world.
Webinars and select Conference Recordings are available under the “webinars” and “presentations” tab at no cost to current members.
An online digest of articles, ACSD Ideas aspires to help Christian college student development professionals to be imaginative and effective in their work so that they can make a bigger impact on their campuses and the needs of the wider world.
“The best thing you can do for your fellow, next to rousing his conscience, is – not to give him things to think about, but to wake things up that are in him; or say, to make him think things
The end of a semester is approaching, which means the start of the Christmas season is also here. As I think about the holiday ahead, I think about what it will mean to “turn things off” for a short while
A recent ACSD membership survey asked the question: what do student development professionals most need from their supervisors? Increased professional development and greater work-life balance led the way, with the third highest need being “vision casting and communicating vision.” While
I don’t know about you, but this last year was particularly tiring. In many ways it was also a great year. Lots of wonderful things occurred and were accomplished. But everything just felt like it took a little extra effort.
The last few years have been particularly challenging for higher education professionals. Despite the trials encountered at institutions across the country, those working in student development have experienced varied struggles in particularly poignant ways. Our workplaces may have changed forever, we
Last June, Dr. Ryan Erck (2021) made a case for actively engaging in the good work of assessment within student affairs. As an assessment representative on campus, I am used to faculty and staff cursing the day (and me!) when annual assessment
There are many important questions to consider regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on our campuses. For example, how do you make sense of DEI? Would you describe your work as supporting such efforts? In what ways do you connect
Ah Yes! Tis the Season! As a profession, we are entering (or about to enter) one of the most important seasons of the year, the HIRING Season. This can be an exciting time for us. As we begin planning for
One of the odd developments in student affairs over recent years is the emergence of training language in so many places—sometimes the wrong places. For example, we hear about the need to provide faculty, staff, and students diversity training, Title
Each year, freshly minted graduates join the work of Christian student development as new professionals. Working at institutions across the country in a variety of different roles, these new professionals work quickly to transfer the theoretical knowledge of their graduate programs to
EDITORS NOTE: As a reminder, our Ideas in Action series engages current research from a Christian Perspective. We hope to offer you three things. First, we will provide a brief overview of the scholars’ argument and how they got there. Second,
Do you consider yourself a “leadership educator” within your role in student development? Previous research (Dunn et al., 2019) identifies that student affairs practitioners are considered leadership educators by experts in our field. Whether you work directly with leadership programs
John 13 recounts the moment Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. This humble act is reenacted in churches, Bible studies, and on Christian college campuses worldwide. Often, that scene is interpreted as Christ “serving a need,” but the emotional
EDITORS NOTE: It was such a joy to “see” you all at the virtual conference last week. A big thank you to our LeTourneau colleagues for putting on a great conference! This summer, the ACSD editorial team is pleased to
When my church’s elder group informed me that I had been nominated to serve as the Deacon of Men’s Ministry for our local church congregation, I felt a mix of emotions. I was excited to serve, but I was also
This post originally appeared at the Christ Animated Learning Blog hosted by Christian Scholar’s Review. The post itself, is adapted from Christ-Enlivened Student Affairs: A Guide to Christian Thinking and Practice in the Field. I still remember the day when Angela
Scholarship is not as scary as it is often made out to be. Unfortunately, many young professionals often see scholarship as something reserved for leading experts in a field. In reality, scholarship takes a variety of forms. In this article,
I received a message from a parent this fall asking, “Is campus life even happening this year?” After moving through a brief wave of defensiveness, I laughed to myself thinking, campus life has not happened this authentically in a long
If this were a normal year, we, the nation’s Christian student development professionals, would be in the midst of our annual conference—our opportunity to rest, reconnect with our colleagues, learn, and spiritually recharge. Unfortunately, this is not a normal year.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) a global pandemic yesterday. According to an NPR report, their intention was not to convey a sense of hopelessness, but rather to mobilize countries around the world to take action to
Every year, student development professionals look forward to students returning, but dread August. August brings a busyness that is unmatched through the rest of the year; often called a blackout month, August brings less Sabbath, more late hours, and worry
Krakauer, J. (2015). Missoula: Rape and the justice system in a college town. New York: Doubleday. WARNING: The content of Missoula is explicit. Transcripts from criminal trial proceedings within the book describe graphic details of rape. At times, profane and vulgar language is used.
Last year, ACSD provided our team with a research grant to explore how the Christian faith animates student affairs practice. Those of you who were at Biola University for ACSD 2018 may recall participating in an interview or hearing an announcement about
In March 2019, the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding reported that “Evangelical Christian and Muslim relations is the greatest interreligious challenge in America today” (p. 1). In a national online survey, they discovered that only 22% of Evangelicals regularly interact with
In recent years, more and more of our ACSD peers have—in addition to their professional responsibilities—helped define and defend the work of Christian student development through research and writing. ACSD members have been published in academic journals (e.g. Journal of Christian
It is with deep sadness we share the news of the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Rodney Sisco, following a valiant 5-1/2 month battle with cancer. Rodney went home to be with Jesus in the morning hours of
Simon Sinek’s (2009) book Start with Why highlights a misconstrued assumption about our work, specifically, the reason WHY we do what we do. The book is an elaboration on his acclaimed TED Talk – How Great Leaders Inspire Action. In Start with
ACSD is committed to supporting members through opportunities for reading and advancing research. The Growth Journal is ACSD’s peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
Growth is published during the spring each year and contains articles and book reviews that fall within content areas which relate to purposes of the journal. Content areas include Foundations, Leadership and Professional Development, Student Culture, Student Learning and Assessment, Spiritual Formation, Diversity and Global Engagement, and Book Reviews.
For the current issue click here.
Past issues are housed within an online repository, Pillars, hosted by Taylor University.
Link will open a new window and be directed to the ACSD Growth Journal page of Pillars, an external web site
ACSD offers webinars as a member benefit. Check back often for updates on the 2023-2024 series schedule!
Peruse topics of past webinars below by navigating to the Webinar Archives.
If you have suggestions for webinar topics or speakers, feel free to send your suggestions to scholarship@acsd.org.
Date: March 26, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm ET
Presenters: Dr. Bethany Miller & Dalia Cortes
As we close Women’s History Month, what does it look like to empower women in their distinct callings for the future? Two panelists, Dr. Bethany Miller (Biola University) and Dalia Cortes (Azusa Pacific University) will share reflections and wisdom from their journeys of empowerment and confidence as women in the workplace.
Dr. Bethany Miller is the Senior Athletic Director at Biola University. Her responsibilities include oversight of 18 teams, 75 staff members, and nearly 400 student-athletes. She has held this position since January of 2016, successfully leading Biola Athletics through the three-year transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. Dr. Miller plays an active role on behalf of the athletic department across the university, ensuring that key targets are met such as improvements to facilities and increased academic support for student-athletes. In addition, she serves alongside President Barry Corey as Biola is the PacWest Conference chair institution for 2023-24.
Dalia Cortes serves as the Pastoral Care and Chapel Production Coordinator and Campus Pastor at Azusa Pacific University (APU). Dalia received a BA in Political Science with a concentration in racial and ethnic politics from UCLA in 2014 and a Master of Divinity in 2018 from APU. During her time as a graduate student, she interned with the Spiritual Life office serving with the chapel, pastoral care, and discipleship teams. She then worked with college students as a mentor with a non-profit organization in Los Angeles. It was during these times as a grad intern and mentor that Dalia discovered the joy of how conversations could help people decipher what is on their hearts and minds and bring clarity and purpose. Dalia also serves in her local church as a pastor.
Looking for a past webinar? Members have access to rewatch webinars on-demand!
KEYNOTES
Keynote #1: Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee
Live Q & A with Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee
WORKSHOPS
KEYNOTES
Keynote #2: Justin Giboney
Live Q & A with Justin Giboney
Keynote #3: Dr. Perry Glanzer
Live Q & A with Dr. Perry Glanzer
WORKSHOPS
Animals on Campus: What every student affairs professional needs to know |
Helping students who struggle with pornography: research and practical suggestions |
Religious freedom and the Christian college: What you need to know |
Self-Authorship or Co-Authorship? A cultural and biblical appraisal of a popular theory |
Socialization, Professional Identity, and Christian Identity in Student Affairs Master’s Programs at ACSD Institutions |
The ACSD Monograph Series are special edition manuscripts on a particular issue facing Christian higher education. In addition to the volume’s distribution at the conference, members of the party that prepared the manuscript are invited to give an overview of their findings during a general session of the membership. The monograph series provides the membership with an edited collection of research that systematically brings to bear a Christian mindset upon a challenge facing student affairs professionals.
While this research might focus upon the needs of distinctively Christian colleges and university campuses, the defining quality of the monograph series would be the way it utilizes Christian theological thought as a means of informing rigorous research. As a result, volumes in this series would prove to be of interest to Christian student affairs professionals regardless of where they serve.
Copies of past monographs are available to ACSD members. Members, please click here to request your copy.
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Workshop: Title
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Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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University Placeholder, Title
Workshop: Title
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Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives
Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability
Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years.
Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry.
A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.
Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.
Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success
Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency
Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.
Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.
Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.
Grove City College, Assistant Dean of Student Life
Workshop: From Ideation to a Workshop Proposal
Eric has worked in college student development/higher education since he graduated from Longwood University in 2010, and has been a member of ACSD since 2014. He has held positions overseeing student employment programs for dining service operations, commuter student life programming, student and campus activities, student recreation, student clubs and governance, career services, international student advising, and more. Eric has been married to his wonderful wife, Barbara, since 2011. They have four children: Liam, Benat, Raegan, and McKenzie. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Longwood University (2010), a Master of Science in Education in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2014), and a Master of Arts in Religion in Discipleship and Church Administration from Liberty University (2018). Eric is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Union University.
Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I am excited to participate in sharing my experience and any knowledge/wisdom that the Lord has helped add to my life with others. I believe Elevate is a great opportunity to serve others and I can’t wait to help others prepare to propose workshops for ACSD 2025!
Butler University, Director of the First-Year Experience
Workshop: Next Level Programming
Nii has a special passion for helping college students and young professionals discover and fulfill their God-given potential, whether it’s in ministry or the marketplace. While actively involved in church growing up, it wasn’t until he became a member of a dynamic college ministry at Missouri State University that his faith began to soar. He played an instrumental role in watching the ministry grow from 30 to over 200 people in a couple short years. Shortly after graduate school, he and a group of friends moved to the Indianapolis metro area, by faith, to plant Parkside Church—a young and vibrant faith community that meets at a YMCA, where he serves on the pastoral team as the Connections Pastor. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from MSU and is proud to be the inaugural Director of the First-Year Experience at Butler University. In his downtime, you can find him hanging out with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis.
Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country!
Elevate is a year-long certification from June 2024 through June 2025. It begins during the June 2024 ACSD Conference and ends during the June 2025 ACSD Conference.
Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.
ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.
To provide an intentional space for cohort participants to foster genuine connections and grow their network, the cohort size is 10 participants.
Participants will have 10 total hours of workshop instruction. Additionally, participants should anticipate 5-8 hours of workshop preparation over the year of the certification. Participants are also required to attend the Elevate retreat which is the weekend before (days before) the 2024 ACSD Conference.
Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status the first week of March 2024.
The Elevate Certification is $300, including all fees for the retreat at the 2024 ACSD Conference and the full-year certification program.
Additional related costs to consider:
The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.
Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.
Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.
No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.
Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team.
Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.
Those interested in Elevate should only apply if they are certain they can attend the 2024 and 2025 ACSD Conferences.
The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.
Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.