I work(ed) at the Department of Education.

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In this episode of Student Affairs NOW, host Heather Shea is joined by Dr. Jason Cottrell, a longtime career employee at the U.S. Department of Education who was among the 1,300 staff members recently laid off. Jason shares insights into the role of the Department, how federal agencies navigate transitions between administrations, and what these layoffs mean for education policy. He also reflects on his own journey from higher education into federal service—and what’s next as he returns to the field of student affairs.

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Current Campus Context: Governance, Higher Ed Resistance, & Revoking Student Visas

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Dr. Demetri Morgan and Dr. Felecia Commodore join host Heather Shea to explore the escalating pressures facing higher education, including the lack of board engagement in defending institutional autonomy, rising federal influence, and the unjust revocation of student visas.

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Here’s the Story: “The Power of YOU” 

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A renewed sense of purpose is gain after the smallest gesture from a student brings beauty to chaos.

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Here’s the Story: “Make Your Path by Walking”

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In this origin story, Dr. Brooks shares his inspirational journey to the professoriate. Filled with triumphs as well as tragedies, his story reminds us of the importance of making your own path - one step at a time.

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From Student Affairs to Alumni Affairs

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In this episode of Student Affairs Now, we're exploring the career shift from student affairs to alumni affairs with three panelists who have made the transition themselves: Josh Leidy, Rachel Clark, and Jessica Lee. How do student affairs skills translate to engaging alumni? What challenges and opportunities come with the shift? And what should student affairs professionals know if they're considering a move into alumni engagement? Join us as we discuss the connections between student and alumni experiences, the evolving landscape of alumni affairs, and how institutions can better integrate alumni into the student journey. We’ll also unpack common misconceptions, surprising insights, and the role of technology in shaping alumni engagement. Whether you're curious about this career path or looking for ways to strengthen student-to-alumni connections, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

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Gentelligence: The Revolutionary Approach to Leading an Intergenerational Workforce

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Dr. Megan Gerhardt discusses moving from intergenerational differences as tension to opportunities. She shares ways we stereotype, shame, and blame other generations, as well as the four practices to help make intergenerational differences a strength in organizations.

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Current Campus Context: Exec. Order Dismantling the Dept. of Education, Weaponizing Federal Funding, International Students & Scholars

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In this episode (recorded at 5:08 p.m. on March 20), Dr. OiYan Poon and Dr. Crystal Garcia join Dr. Heather Shea to discuss the executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the politicization of federal funding, and rising barriers for international students and scholars.

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Here’s the Story: “When Feedback Feels Like Failure”

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Struggling through his first year as a professor, Dr. Snipes faced feedback that made him question his future in academia. But just as he was ready to walk away, an unexpected encounter encourages him to stay.

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Here’s the Story: “Good Grief”

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It’s a story about love, loss, and a beautiful friendship between two higher ed professionals and what it is like for one to move on after the loss of the other.

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“What’s Important to Us?” – Reflections from listeners at ACPA 2025

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While attending the 2025 ACPA Conference in Long Beach, California, host Glenn DeGuzman invited random attendees to come in front of the camera and answer the following question: "What topic or issue is very important to you now and that you want to engage with more in student affairs?” The myriad of responses is a reminder of the diversity of people, places, and positions that make up our profession.

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