A Higher Education

Change is constant and transition (between roles, between institutions, and between seasons of personal and professional life) requires a careful balance of courage and patience to navigate well. At their core, our jobs are framed by the theme of transition as we work with students through one of the most significant transitions they'll go through during their educational journey. Join Dr. Martin and Dr. Muha as they explore the timeless topic of transition together in this episode and how we can see transition as a valuable opportunity for growth.

In our last episode, we learned about faculty support of students from the Student Development side. This month, we’re exploring the idea from the faculty perspective. Welcome Dr. Rachel Hammond to the podcast, Dean of the Business Department at Calvin University. Rachel speaks with us about how problems in the student’s life often show up first in the classroom, and how faculty can walk with the student, in concert with Student Development, in order to care for them well and holistically.

Positive and mutually beneficial relationships between faculty and staff are essential to the mission of Christian colleges. We say we want to form and develop the whole student, and that type of holistic support is most effective when communication between curricular and co-curricular groups. But how do we arrive at that level of collaboration? Dr. Mark Muha's expertise in this area is featured in the January episode. He talks about his research on the factors that predict faculty and staff collaboration and how to apply this knowledge to improve your collaboration efforts this semester.Chapters:0:00 Dated mid-season update of the Lions and Eagles2:30 Introduction of guest (it's Mark)8:42 Mark's professional background14:38 Lead-up to Mark's dissertation topic18:16 Starting presumptions about how collaboration works22:10 Study outcomes - what predicts collaboration?28:50 Practical outcomes38:50 Adapting relational coordination theory to your context46:20 How to start improving your collaboration this monthDiscover Mark's Work:Mark's ACSD Growth Journal Article: Pursuing Campus Collaboration That Works: Assessing the Impact of Relational Leadership and Work Engagement on Relational Coordination between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs in Christian Higher Education

Our guest this month wrote his doctoral dissertation around the year 2020, when our country engaged in a nationwide conversation about race and racism. While the social and political contexts are different from five years ago, Dr. Jarad Russell's research on the racial attitudes of white students remains relevant to our work today. Join us as we learn about three primary ways that white students think about race and how that can inform our work in student development.0:00 Mark and Kara's latest fitness pursuits6:20 Guest bio (plus an ACSD Retreat plug)12:07 Speed round16:11 Background of Jarad's research area22:20 Categories of racial attitudes30:42 Violence and hate crime trends36:50 Talking about race with mentors vs peers39:28 How does your research apply to our listeners?47:40 Resources for further learningJarad's The Racial Attitudes of White Students at a Christian Institution in ACSD GrowthJemar Tisby's websiteWhistling Vivaldi: And Other Clues to How Stereotypes Affect Us by Claude M. SteeleSo You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma OluoFaithful Antiracism by Christina Barland Edmondson and Chad BrennanWhy Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum

Initiated by the first "Dear Colleague" letter, what we now know as Title IX work, or the prevention of and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment, is both incredibly challenging and deeply good. Our guest was a VP for Student Development at the time of that first Dear Colleague letter. He describes the ways the work has changed since 2011, the value of campus prevention efforts, the importance of staff training, and the opportunity for restorative justice that Title IX represents. Episode notes include links to books discussed throughout the conversation.Chapters:0:00 Kara's dissertation update3:55 Guest bio8:36 Speed round13:20 Gerald's background in Title IX16:20 Important Title IX landmarks since 201119:55 Increasing prevention vs perfecting process28:40 Advice for young professionals36:30 Burnout in Title IX40:30 Institutional support for federal compliance initiatives47:00 Where to learn moreEpisode notes:Sexual Citizens by Jennifer S. Hirsch and Shamus KhanSex and the Soul by Donna Freitas

Have you ever been asked why college costs so much? Have you ever wondered about it yourself? In this month's episode, we ask Dr. Scott Moats, President of Anderson University in Indiana, this question. Beyond the costs to students, we also discuss how to be a better steward of your own budget, and how to identify and address mission drift within your Christian institution.EPISODE CHAPTERS0:00 ACSD Conference recap3:50 Dr. Scott Moats' introduction10:15 Speed round questions14:22 Why does college cost so much?28:50 Growth Journal Promo30:30 Being better stewards of our budgets37:57 Scott's leadership at Anderson54:57 Addressing mission drift1:05:40 Advice for young professionals to learn more about institutional financesLEARN MOREWhy College Costs So Much by Robert B. Archibald and David H. Feldman

As much as we love our jobs, hobbies are crucial to a well-rounded life. In this month's episode, Mark and Kara explore the theories around why hobbies are so important while simultaneously sharing some recent hobbies of their own. Tell us in the comments what hobbies are giving you life this fall!

It's August! If you're in Student Life, you're likely shifting into a high work gear you'll be asked to maintain for several weeks through the start of your semester. This month, we're offering a 30-minute break in your day to reflect on the people who have shaped your career. This conversational deep-dive weaves together social theories and Mark and Kara's personal lives, with the hopeful end result being renewed inspiration and gratitude for the job you get to do.

This month we sat down with two university presidents and spent some time diving into their roles and how they support the work of student development. Dr. Robin Baker (George Fox University) and Dr. Barry Corey (Biola University) are legends in the field of Christian higher education and this hour+ conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the reflections of two friends and leaders that we know you'll enjoy. Kara and Mark get the benefit of working on their campuses each day and are excited to share this episode with you!CHAPTERS0:00 - introducing our guests 7:15 - speed round, feat. feats of strength12:42 - the journey to the presidency23:19 - a tale of two friends 32:10 - the complexities of the presidential role42:58 - advice to the younger professionals55:30 - the president’s role in developing campus culture1:08:40 - final reflections and encouragement

Today's episode is with Dr. Sharra Hynes, newly minted VP for Student Life at Baylor University, and we had a wonderful conversation that ranged from discussion student conduct to the differences (and similarities) to be found working in the many kinds of university contexts there are. As Dr. Hynes steps into the studio with us, you'll be encouraged by her wisdom and encouragement for the good work of student you do on your own campus. CHAPTERS0:49 - in which Kara takes her comprehensive exams3:30 - meet Dr. Sharra Hynes!5:28 - our “not so fast speed round”14:03 - Sharra’s higher ed journey21:46 - a key “yes” for Sharra that has led to today31:23 - a unique philosophy on student conduct37:17 - lessons learned across all types of universities42:04 - a word for the [email protected]

Many professionals in our field are somewhere on the continuum of considering doctoral work to completing doctoral work. We recorded this episode for you all. It features advice from professionals who work all over the country. At the end of the day, this is your journey and you get to choose what it looks like. But if you're asking, "How do I know if it's time?" or "How do I start?" or "How do I stay motivated?" you might find something in this episode that speaks to you.CHAPTERS0:00 Topic introduction1:55 How to know if it's time to start7:37 How to choose a program15:39 How to apply18:16 How to adjust to this new level23:28 How to do the coursework32:28 How to think about the dissertation39:45 How to write the dissertation46:11 How to defend the dissertation51:10 How to live after graduationNOTESThe Dissertation Warrior by Guy WhiteThe Dissertation Journey by Carol RobertsStatistics for People Who Think They Hate Statistics by Neil SalkindLet Your Life Speak by Parker PalmerAs always, contact us at [email protected]

This month we are joined by Delight Darenya, a MAHE graduate student at Taylor University, who shares about her experience as a student while serving as a Graduate Assistant in both the Taylor University Student Development department and honors college. We also hear from Delight a bit about the role of mentors in her journey, studying and leading in a different cultural context, and how a GA role is helping shape her vision for the future.00:31 - SuperBowl reflections03:00 - developing a Student Life internship program06:00 - introducing Delight Darenya09:10 - speed round with Delight11:04 - considering higher ed as a career17:50 - Mark finally shows up19:19 - the challenges of leading in a different culture23:11 - last call for workshop proposals!24:13 - advice for those who lead GAs27:29 - advice for the GAs32:20 - how a GA role prepared Delight for the future34:35 - what being a Student Life Intern taught Delight38:48 - the GA role is ending; so what’s next?40:45 - encouragement for those considering the work of student life

This month we sit down with Dr. Jamie Johnson, Dean for Spiritual Life at George Fox University, to unpack the 2025 ACSD Conference Theme "Wonderfully Known". Along the way, expect to learn more about George Fox, Newberg, and other conference details. 0:00 Episode introduction 4:15 Guest introduction 7:35 Speed round questions 12:30 The Wonderfully Known theme 22:50 What it takes to plan the conference 27:20 Highlights of Campus, Newberg, and Oregon 31:45 Jamie's best conference memories 36:30 Behind the scenes of a conference planning session 38:33 Excursion options 42:45 Mark and Kara wrap it up with some menu sneak-peeks

The career of Dr. Coba Canales has both breadth and depth in the field of Christian college student development, and this interview certainly reflects his variety of expertise. We touch on how Coba journeyed to the Dean of Students role at Azusa Pacific University, how first generation college students explore their career options, what it means to value hospitality in personal and professional life, and how Gen Z students are shifting our approach to discipling for spiritual development. Tune in for any one topic of interest using the chapter links below or stay for the full conversation culminating in why Coba still believes in the process and product of Christian higher education. 0:00 Harry Truman doesn't have a middle name 6:25 guest introduction9:31 speed round with Coba 14:41 the journey to Dean of Students 22:57 how first generation students explore their career options 33:42 the value of hospitality, personally and professionally 43:51 spiritual development for Gen Z 52:12 Coba's hope for Christian higher education Coba can be contacted at [email protected] - he would love to hear from you!

Pop quiz: how do you think your students would describe the way your campus looks and feels? Dr. Rahn Franklin Jr. serves at Bethel University in Minnesota as the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence where he works to ensure that the campus climate, composition, and character are diverse and inclusive. He is driven by a singular mission - that Bethel would look and feel like the house of God. Join us as we learn from this wise and engaging professional-athlete-turned-educator. 0:00 Guest introduction 6:00 Speed round questions 14:10 Rahn's professional background and current role in Inclusive Excellence 29:24 Rahn's dissertation about preparing teachers for diverse classrooms 41:33 Inclusive Excellence in the co-curricular 48:05 Rahn's networking advice for the listener 52:45 What do we do from here?

We are rounding out our two-episode mini-series about athletics with Eddie Shepard from Biola University. He brings to the pod an entire career in college athletics, previously as a coach and currently as an Associate Athletic Director. His experience more than qualifies him to describe how athletic programs elevate the college experience of the individual athletes and the co-curricular outcomes of the institution as a whole. Listen to the end to find out if the Biola mascot is named after our podcast guest... 5:40 Guest introduction 8:46 Eddie's speed round 11:22 Unique aspects of the student athlete population 20:40 Athletics as co-curricular programming 25:30 Collaborating with your athletics department 34:24 ACSD Ideas Promo 35:57 Athletics department culture 43:57 Transitioning from NAIA to NCAA 53:49 What does Eddie wish non-athletic Student Life staff knew about his work?

Have you ever met a first year student athlete who is struggling with their sense of worth or wondering about their identity? We're thinking the answer is probably "yes". Craig Inglesby has spent a considerable part of his career helping new college athletes transition into college and helping retiring college athletes transition into the rest of their lives. His vision for our work is highly likely to inspire your work generally or specifically this week. Episode Chapters: 4:30 Craig's Introduction 9:20 Speed Round 12:14 What is special about working with college athletes? 25:24 Growth Journal Article Submissions 27:02 Spiritual development for college athletes 44:06 Craig's word for Student Life professionals Episode Links: About the Bridge Network at George Fox

Ever wondered what it is like to make the jump to a Dean of Students position? We could think of no better guest to answer this question than Larissa Lilly of Northwest University. Expect to learn the joys and trials of a DOS role, the privileges of raising a family on a college campus, and how collaboration can be the key to both successful leadership and fulfilling friendships. Episode Chapters: 1:06 Kara's big bike trip 7:21 Mark's summer in Yosemite 8:29 Guest introduction 12:07 Speed round with Larissa 17:26 Being a Dean of Students 30:16 The value of collaborating 44:49 Parenthood as a student life professional 54:03 Christian Student Leadership Collective 59:01 Larissa's recent sources of learning Episode Links: Northwest University EdD in Organizational Leadership Christian Student Leadership Collective Contact Larissa at [email protected]

Our work can be a number of things; chaotic… meaningful… tiring… inspiring… wild… exciting… and that’s just before noon. This episode was recorded during a workshop session at ACSD 2024 to capture the stories that make our daily labor all these things and more. And through the sharing and hearing of these stories, we realize a restful sense of belonging and solidarity, knowing that we are not alone in the moments that cause us to ask ‘what the heck is my job?!’ Listen in as we hear stories collected from all over the country prompted by the kinds of questions you always want to ask a candidate during an interview but HR won’t let you.

From 2020, this is episode four of the inaugural season of A Higher Education.

From 2020, this is episode three of the inaugural season of A Higher Education.

In the spring of 2023, Asbury University experienced a spontaneous spiritual revival that culminated in over 50,000 people visiting their small Kentucky campus over the following weeks. We sat down with Dr. Sarah Baldwin, Vice President for Student Life at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, to discuss her experience leading the campus through that season. We also spent some time hearing her share about being a woman in pastoral roles and much more! 0:45 In which we celebrate both of us being ultramarathoners now 6:42 Dr. Sarah Baldwin and the speed round questions 10:10 Early career themes and roles 15:10 The experience of being a woman in spiritual leadership roles 23:19 The Asbury revival experience through Sarah’s eyes 31:56 The lessons learned from stewarding a campus through a public revival 39:22 Balancing a revival with the duties of a 9-5 44:17 Sarah gives advice related to handling hot-button topics responsibly 53:59 We wrap up with a word of encouragement from Dr. Baldwin to the listener

Are you anticipating that the 2024 US presidential election may bring tension to your campus? Do you dream of a world where your students have healthy and helpful political conversations that bridge gaps and consider alternative perspectives? Is there a part of you that wonders how to engage thoughtfully and faithfully in the current political climate? This episode with Kaitlyn Schiess, author of "The Liturgy of Politics" and "The Ballot and the Bible" may not answer all your questions, but it will certainly begin to answer many of them. Join us as we discuss the intersection of Christian faith, higher education, and political engagement in a manner meant to fortify your pedagogy for your students and your own personal approach. Find more about Kaitlyn and her work at her website! She has a contact page available if you are interested in bringing her to your campus. 8:50 What can different types of Christian educational institutions learn from each other? 12:45 Hospitality vs Conviction 19:50 Advertisement for CSLC 2024 21:03 Challenges that our students face and how to help them overcome those challenges 33:22 How can we talk to the a-political student about politics? 40:19 What is the church's work and what is the government's work? 47:00 How to learn more about politics, locally and federally 52:10 Mark sits through an LA earthquake live on the pod 54:05 The pros and cons of politics on social media 58:30 Is it right to have convictions? How do we choose what we care about? 1:04:50 Navigating theological and Christian spaces as women and as people who support women 1:15:10 How can I know if I'm ready for a doctoral degree 1:21:15 What resources does Kaitlyn recommend for further learning?

Building cultural humility is a communal effort, and there is no defined end-point of having arrived as a perfectly culturally humble leader. This month, Joel Pérez introduces the idea of cultural humility - what it is, why it's important, and how to grow it. He talks about his own racial identity development, and concludes the episode with advice for individual professionals and institutions as a whole on how to employ cultural humility in their diversity efforts. 3:04 Episode Introduction 5:39 Guest Introduction 8:15 Joel's racial identity development 13:42 What is cultural humility? 19:50 Where do cultural humility and belonging meet? 26:00 The institutional cost of high functioning multicultural teams30:14 Performative vs productive programming 34:15 Joel's advice for young and middle-professionals 40:23 Joel's advice for senior leaders 44:44 Who will benefit from reading "Dear White Leader" Links: Joel's consulting website Website for Dear White Leader

Creativity is one of the most highly valued employee traits in today's work environment. Fortunately, creativity can be developed! Grab a paper and pen for this month's topical deep-dive into why creativity matters in our work, how it is possible to become a creative person, and what habits will grow your already creative mind. From the philosophical to the practical, this episode will encourage you to infuse creative habits into your own life and will demonstrate how to inspire creativity from your students and staff right alongside you. 0:56 Why is creativity important in our work? 9:40 Ad for ACSD 2024 11:18 Creative Habit 1: Idea 24:05 Creative Habit 2: Truth 36:34 Creative Habit 3: Simplicity 39:48 Creative Habit 4: Mastery 48:34 Creative Habit 5: Village 56:42 Creative Habit 6: Habitat 61:54 Creative Habit 7: Messiness 1:04:44 Creative Habit 8: Habit 1:10:34 Creative Habit 9: Overcoming Resistance 1:17:10 Summary and encouragement Episode Links: Emerge by Don Perini on Amazon, Design Thinking, Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Hosts on LinkedIn: Kara Martin and Mark Muha

It's March. We've been in the spring semester for a while and we still have a while to go. Is your soul eager for some rest? Join our guests Michael Burns and Mike McCarthy from UMHB this month as they share their excitement for the upcoming ACSD conference. They describe how our three days together will be permeated with pictures and practices of rest drawn from scripture. It might just provide the hope and anticipation you're looking for these days. 0:31 Detroit vs Everybody and running marathons 3:20 Guest introductions 7:20 Conference Theme: Rest 13:30 Conference Location: Belton, TX 16:42 Conference highlights and sneak peeks 19:35 Conference Plenary Speakers 22:20 Lead a workshop! Do it!! 27:20 Retreats and pre-conferences 31:23 Job Board Ad 32:01 Mike and Michael share their passion for seeing life change in students 38:54 Mike and Michael leave us with a word of encouragement The links: Conference Information and Workshop Proposal Form.

Did you realize that how you onboard team members has a big impact on if they stay at your institution, or even in the field of Student Affairs at all? Our guest, Dr. Zach Mills of Baylor University, did the hard work on finding out the things that matter in terms of employee retention so that you didn't have to, and he's here to selflessly share the things he's learned with the rest of us. He also waxes poetic about what makes a doctoral degree so worth it. If you've been looking for that little nudge into the next degree, or have been seeking motivation for the degree you've already begun, this episode will provide it. 0:30 Episode introduction and Michigan sports 5:55 Introducing Dr. Zach Mills and his Ph.D. experience 7:16 Attracting and retaining university employees 21:23 How can you practically invest in current staff members? 32:00 Why everyone (who wants to) can and should pursue a doctoral degree 38:20 ACSD Scholarship Collective and ACSD 2024 hype 47:37 Zach's word of encouragement for you 51:59 Ways to get in touch with Zach and his work include LinkedIn, [email protected], and eventually his dissertation will be found on ProQuest.

The hardest work of this January episode was naming it something more specific than "Kristy McGarvey on Everything". There is something here for you if you are or work with graduate students, if you are concerned about or excited for the future of Christian higher education, if you have or are considering uprooting yourself for a new job, if you are or support a woman in a leadership role, or if you are a human being with deep thoughts and feelings. In other words, it's for everyone. We could think of no better way to start your new year as a professional in Christian Student Development than sitting in on this beautiful conversation with Kristy McGarvey. Enjoy! 0:00 Episode and Guest Introduction 5:01 Guest welcome and speed round 7:57 Kristy describes her position of Dean of Students at Denver Seminary 11:53 Supporting graduate students 19:18 The threats and opportunities for Student Development in online education 33:50 Move out to move up 45:40 Being a woman in theological and Christian spaces 53:17 How can men support women in leadership roles? 56:35 A Denver cookie that changed Mark's life 57:28 Advice that current Kristy would give to younger Kristy 60:16 Closing

From 2020, this is episode two of the inaugural season of A Higher Education. "Dr. Brad Lau and Dr. Steve Beers discuss the praxis briefing they wrote with several colleagues on mental health on college campuses. Mental Health on the Campus: Defining Challenges and Opportunities is published in the Spring 2019 edition of ACSD's Growth Journal. We discuss the impetus for the praxis (and what a praxis is), the model they created and what campuses are doing and can do to support the mental health and wellness of their students."

A Higher Education is pleased to re-release the episodes from the inaugural season back in 2020. Enjoy this first ever episode as you travel for the holidays or take some needed alone time on a neighborhood stroll. "In our debut episode, Andrea talks to Dr. Edee Schultze, Vice President for Student Life at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. Edee talks about the way her leadership was challenged during the 2017-18 fires that threatened the Westmont campus and the ensuing mudslides that proved even more personally devastating. Edee also shares her thoughts about women in leadership and challenging the leadership paradigm."

If you wrote "a podcast to learn more about the foundational history of higher education" on your Christmas list, then call us Santa Claus. This topical episode will cover some fun facts about the history of our industry followed by some in-depth examples of why historical context matters to student development work. We'll discuss historical moments within the higher education system and wrap up with how some major world events shaped what education is and who has access to it. Hint: there are more cows and pirates than you'd think. 0:00 Opening banter 2:27 Episode introduction 7:02 Historically fun facts about American Higher Ed 15:35 Historic moments for higher ed employees to know 17:00 Boards and Presidents 18:55 Start of Student Development work (aka the "dumping ground of all unpleasant things") 23:25 Religious/Secular institutions 26:20 Origin of distance education 29:42 Liberal Arts and the Yale Report 35:06 Historical moments that changed Higher Education 35:24 World War Two 37:52 Civil Rights Movement 40:30 Christian colleges during the Civil Rights movement 44:00 Reiteration of the importance of historical context and how to learn about your own institution If you enjoy this more topically-based episode, drop us a line at [email protected] or connect with Kara and Mark on LinkedIn! Reference: A History of American Higher Education by John R. Thelin (now available for free with Spotify Premium!)

The work of Student Development can often mean programming leadership lessons for students while neglecting your own leadership development. In this episode, Neal talks about the concept of Leading Up and how student development folks can be working on their leadership skills in five specific ways. The episode ends with an extensive list of books for the curious listener as well as ways to get connected with ACSD Webmaster and Colorado Christian University's wonderful Dean of Enrollment, Dr. Neal Anderson. 1:50 Introduction of guest 5:25 Neal's leadership philosophy development 7:20 Leading Up defined 10:10 5 Requirements for Leading Up 13:14 Leading Up in different contexts 20:00 Neal's hard moments in leadership 30:00 Neal's favorite leadership characteristic in others 32:58 Resource suggestions Suggested Reading: Thanks for the Feedback, The Softer Side of Leadership, Radical Candor, Dreaming Dreams for Christian Higher Education, Dare to Lead, Leading with Cultural Intelligence, any Patrick Lencioni books Connect with Neal Anderson: Carto Leadership, LinkedIn

"Your students are your best PR." Come for this and more sweet nuggets of wisdom from the current ACSD Diversity Chair, Yicaury Melo. She hails from Gordon College in the greater Boston area where she has worked for years on raising the multicultural program on campus from the ground up. This episode is rich with specific strategies and ideas that Yicaury has employed successfully on her campus. It also features an in-depth description of a new certification opportunity through the ACSD called Elevate. Be sure to follow up at acsd.org for more information if you are interested in the certification program. 0:50 Opening and banter 2:30 Introduction of guest 5:15 Multicultural programming at Gordon College 18:30 Diversity work in ACSD 19:48 Introducing the Elevate Certificate 28:27 Advancing support on under resourced campuses 34:35 Resources Yicaury suggests for you 39:11 Call for crowdsourced ideas for the podcast Yicaury is happy to be reached at [email protected] with your questions and ideas! And please reach out to [email protected] with your ideas for future episodes.

We're back! Recorded at the ACSD conference in June 2023, Episode 7 will introduce you to Kristy Morgan and Steve Ivester. At the time of recording, Kristy served as the President of ACSD and Steve was the President Elect. If you have been looking for a passive way to learn more about the association, you've come to the right spot! Together, you'll hear them share the mission and vision of the ACSD. Kristy and Steve are wonderful people, engaging speakers, and both are thoroughly experienced in the field. They were an insightful and delightful pair to speak with as our first double interview of the season. 0:00 Opening and banter 2:41 Guest introduction 6:23 Detailed description of President and President Elect roles 9:50 Steve's prep-work and vision for his Presidency 13:40 Kristy's reflection on her Presidency 17:05 Recommendations for young professionals 21:15 Kara roasts Skip Trudeau 22:05 How members can get involved in the ACSD 28:55 Closing

In this world of Higher Ed, summer is notorious for transitions. Whether you are making a job change yourself or welcoming a new teammate in the coming months, you'll find something relatable in this episode with Lyndsey. Our guest has served nearly a year as the Assistant Director of Residence Life Programs at Taylor University. As a former colleague and close friend to both our hosts, this episode platforms a round-table conversation about change and transition. Each voice brings something valuable to the conversation having navigated simultaneous as each spent the summer of 2022 moving to a new state and starting a new level of job at a new campus. You'll hear some philosophical discussion about adapting to new cultures and framing a transition experience, but you'll also walk away with some tangible ideas for how to make a new city or campus feel like home. We hope you enjoy it!

Do you have imposter syndrome about your imposter syndrome? Alex Staup is the Director of Student Engagement at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, and he hits on this and more relatable points as he walks us through his professional and educational history. He has held a number of roles in Student Development all while at Lee, complimented by a completed Masters in Higher Education and PhD in progress at Purdue in Educational Studies. Alex is a an avid proponent of student development theory, but like all good Student Development professionals, he knows the magic lies in turning theory into practice. Wherever you lie on the spectrum of having all of Chickering's publications memorized to not knowing student development had any academic applications, you'll find something to learn from this conversation.

Jose Brown is a Residence Director at Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina, which happens to be the site of the 2023 ACSD conference. In this episode, Jose describes some of the work that goes into hosting the annual conference and what attendees can expect, but his episode is much more than that. We also explore his experience in Christian Higher Education as a person of color and hear his experience in working with teams of student leaders to help foster a passion for diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice in their own lives. Jose is passionate about the spiritual lives of his students, and he is a great example of a young RD who's goal is to step further into the world of Christian Higher Ed as his experience both broadens and deepens in the areas he is passionate about.

Lisa Igram is currently the Interim Vice President and Dean of Student Wellness in the division of Student Development at Biola University in La Mirada, California. She is also in the midst of a PhD program of Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. In this uplifting conversation, Lisa tells us about how her work is driven by her deep and broad-spanning passions, but also how she is able to "keep the wheels on" during institutional seasons of need. In her Dean role, Lisa has been able to drive the conversation of wholistic wellness at Biola in new ways, although she readily admits that her interim Vice President role often takes her attention away from innovation in that area. Lisa unpacks hot topics of work engagement, self-care, and institutional loyalty through her unique multi-disciplinary approach and clear authentic care for her students and peers.

Katie Garrett is currently the Assistant Director of Programming at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, Katie tells us stories of her time spent in multiple roles at different types of institutions. She discusses how her passion for and education in spiritual formation paired with her rich experience in camp ministry and Christian higher education is benefitting her role now at a non-faith based institution.

What is A Higher Education podcast? And why re-launch it after some time off? Dr. Mark Muha, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Trinity International University, along with Kara Martin, Associate Director of Residence Life at George Fox University, introduce themselves as co-hosts and answer why a podcast through the ACSD could be helpful to student development professionals.