In this special episode, we’re featuring Dr. Kristen Renn’s inspiring talk, The Futures of Student Affairs: Look Back, Look Around, Look Ahead, presented at the 75th anniversary celebration of Michigan State University's Student Affairs Administration (SAA) Master's program. Kris reflects on the history and values of student affairs, addresses current challenges, and shares her vision for the future, encouraging us to engage our values, embrace our unique strengths, become more multilingual and vocal, and make a compelling case for higher education and human thriving. At the end of the episode, host Heather Shea and SAA alum Brandon Arnold will join in a dialogue, offering reflections and insights to extend the conversation.

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Jess Pettitt discusses her new book, Almost Good Enough, which explores the subtle shifts at the fulcrum between doing harm and doing good. She discusses compassion and humanity, best practices and intuition, and ways to foster innovation and description related to DEI and beyond. If we can be prepared, recognize what is going on beyond us, and move from reactivity to response, we can do more good, cause less harm, and learn and grow.

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In this episode of Student Affairs Now, ACPA Presidents past and present—Jill Carnaghi (2000-2001), Paul Shang (2002-2003), Stephen John Quaye (2017-2018), Rachel Aho (current ACPA President), and Jonathan McElderry (President-Elect)—connect with co-hosts Gudrun Nyunt and Heather Shea (immediate Past President) to reflect on ACPA's growth and influence over the years. The panel explores pivotal moments from their presidencies, the importance of ACPA’s ongoing mission, and offer advice for future leadership. As ACPA celebrates its 100th birthday on ACPA Day (October 21, 2024), the conversation delves into how the association continues to influence the field and what lies ahead for its future. Don't miss this insightful discussion on leadership, legacy, and transformation in higher education!

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The leadership of Black women in student affairs and higher education is part of the essential story of the success and challenges of our colleges and universities. Unfortunately, these stories are often erased and thus their contributions minimized. Black women’s experiences as supervisors and supervisees is a key part of their leadership journey. It’s time for us to explore how the changing landscape affects the experiences and leadership pathways for Black women.

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For over 4 decades, Harry Le Grande has been a student affairs senior leader innovating and breaking barriers through his no-nonsense and people-first approach philosophy. His career spans multiple institutions and holding senior executive positions at the University of California, California State University, and California Community College systems. His commitment to helping  underrepresented professionals break through the glass ceiling, maneuvering the politics of higher education, and championing the values of our profession is well documented in his professional career. Listen in to a master storyteller as he takes us down his professional journey and shares a bit about his thoughts about the future of student affairs.

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Join Stefaan Van Hooydonk, author of The Workplace Curiosity Manifesto, and Dr. Hilary Lichterman as they make a case for the curiosity of a key capacity of leadership within and beyond higher education. This conversation covers everything from children's books to neuroscience. They discuss three key aspects of curiosity and three key pathways for practicing curiosity.

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In this episode, we’re discussing how to support students' mental health and well-being during education abroad programs. Join us for an insightful discussion with experts Vernon Wall and Drs. Shayna Perry and Matt Rader as we explore the unique challenges students face, best practices for support, and strategies for faculty and staff to enhance mental health resources during international programs.

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Dr. Gina Garcia discusses Hispanic Serving Institions (HSIs). The conversation ranges from the definitions of HSIs and moving from demographics to "servingness." She also shares what that servingness can look like on various campuses including compositional diversity of faculty, staff, and administration; curricular inclusion; connections to serving local communities; and policy development.

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Black women working in higher education as administrators, faculty, and staff face daily harms and traumas that affect their emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health and well-being. Black women are often hazed, shamed, and unsupported in myriad ways that put their health and their future at risk. Even when colleges and universities highlight their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, they rarely address the institutional and intersectional realities facing Black women. It is time for us to move beyond describing the problem and lean into discovering how to cope, survive, thrive,and embrace joy in our lives.

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This podcast features a panel sharing their personal experiences and perspectives on topics in and around work modalities. Listen to their stories and hear about challenges of international work visas, the importance of finding work modalities that work for you, and reimagining ways to incorporate travel into your work and discover the joys of working abroad.

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