Reflection

The MLAC committee term lasts two years, and I can confidently say that serving in this role has been immensely rewarding. I've had the chance to design impactful experiences for my colleagues and connect with dedicated leaders committed to meaningful professional development in our community. 

I particularly enjoy our coffee chats—beyond my love for freshly brewed coffee, these conversations provide invaluable insights on crucial topics affecting our community. Each discussion, whether about job search strategies or leadership balance, brings unique and significant ideas to the table.

This featured Coffee Chat with Dr. Alonzo Ross discusses ways student affairs professionals and leaders can archive their work in a way that supports their personal and professional growth. 

This year’s NASPA Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO, marked a significant change from my previous experiences, defined by an elevated focus on personal betterment, rigorous preparation, and a strategic eye on the What's Next?. Rather than just absorbing information, I approached every session with a purposeful mindset, seeking out insights that would not only enhance my current mid-level role but also build the foundation for my future in senior leadership. This shift in energy was mirrored in my commitment to service; as a volunteer, I had the privilege of representing the Mid-Level Steering Committee, one of my favorite professional communities. Engaging with more than 45 attendees to share pathways for involvement was a highlight that underscored the importance of mentorship and peer connection in our field.

Among the sessions that profoundly shaped my perspective was "Creating Career Stability and Advancement Strategies for AVPs/Aspiring AVPs." Although I currently serve at the mid-level, this session provided invaluable tools for navigating the complexities of senior administration. The presenters challenged the traditional AVP/VP pipeline by exploring diverse career pathways and highlighting specialized professional development institutes. Most crucially, the session pulled back the curtain on the legal, financial, and contractual risks inherent in high-level roles—realities that are often overlooked until one is in the thick of a search. Gaining this "insider" knowledge now allows me to be more strategic and protected as I map out my long-term career trajectory.

The conference culminated in a powerful "Top Issues in Student Affairs" session featuring a panel of esteemed VPSAs, including leaders from every institution type including, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Indiana University Bloomington. The discussion centered on the 2025 NASPA Top Issues Survey, which revealed a critical shift from the health-focused concerns of 2024 toward pressing demands in cybersecurity, political pressures, and data-driven sustainability. I was particularly struck by the call to move basic-needs support from "siloed pantries" to an institution-wide success framework, championed by partners like the Provost and CFO. Whether discussing the "3 Ps" (Protect your peace, brand, and community) or the "Pause, Reflect, Reinvent, Reinvest" model for staff wellness, the session reinforced that the future of student affairs requires us to be experts in both radical empathy and sophisticated business operations.