The Student Affairs Spectacular

Unpacking SA Episode 1 - Sumi Pendakur

Join us for the first episode of Unpacking SA where we ask, "Who are you?", "What are you?" and more!

Episode #154- James Sparkman - The Unwritten Responsibilities of Being a Staff of Color on Campus

Ask any Student Affairs Professional who is of color and working at a PWI, and you'll undoubtedly hear about how they are the go-to resource for an overwhelming number of students who share their identity. James Sparkman and Tom discussed how his identity of being male and African-American shows up in his work now as well as in his graduation program.

Episode #153 - Sylvester Gaskin - Family Orientations and Being a Multiracial Male

Family orientations are on the rise but few schools are doing them, or doing them well. In a wide-ranging conversation with Sylvester Gaskin of Towson University, Tom digs into the details of how they are running their successful family orientation. The two also talk about Sylvester's experience being multiracial in student affairs. 

Episode #152 - Michael Brick - Bridging The Gap Between Incarcerated Folks and Student Affairs

It's no surprise that colleges service people from all types of backgrounds. One population that is often overlooked, but increasing in demand, is students who were formerly incarcerated and in a correctional facility. Michael Brick is working to bridge the gap between correctional facilities and college as a way to help these people between assimilate back into society and productive citizens. This podcast is perfect for anyone currently working with former or currently incarcerated people,...

Episode #151 - Megan Dailey - Navigating a Dual Career Household in Student Affairs

Balancing work and life is difficult when both you and your partner are career orientated, especially when a child comes into the picture. Megan Dailey chatted with Tom about the various challenges and blessings she and her partner face while growing their Student Affairs careers and their family. This podcast is perfect for anyone who is currently in a dual career household or can see themselves ending up in a dual career household. 

Episode #150 - Lesley D'Souza - Converting Assessment Into Great Stories

A popular phrase in Student Affairs is, "Data doesn't drive." Another way to think about this is that if we aren't good at converting our data into great stories...and then telling those stories, then the data doesn't matter. Tom got to interview Lesley D'Souza who's entire job is to bridge the gap between collecting great assessment and then converting that assessment into great stories for both internal and external use. 

Episode #149 - Derrick Picard - Integrating Game Theory into Student Engagement

Games are engaging and sometimes addicting. Many classrooms have successfully integrated the most engaging elements of games into student learning. Derrick Picard is interested in how the same elements of Game Theory can be applied to student engagement.

Episode #148 - Wayne Glass - Mental and Physical Health in Student Affairs

It's no secret that Student Affairs Professionals work hard. Long nights. Early mornings. Weekends. And sometimes, even holidays. In between all the work, some SA Pros are figuring out ways to manage their own physical and mental health because they know the stronger they are internally, the more effective they are externally. Today Tom sat down with Wayne Glass of Macalester College to talk about his journey as an SA Pro around the topic of mental and physical health.

Episode #147 - Ariel Tan on From International Undergrad Student to Res Life Professional

With almost 1 million international students attending US colleges and universities, when’s the last time you sat down with one and heard their perspective on student life and college? Tom had a conversation with Ariel Tan who was an international undergrad student who now works as a residential life professional.

Episode #146 - Alan Mueller - Lessons Learned from Interviewing 50 SSAOs

Imagine sitting down and having an interview with 50 senior student affairs professionals. What lessons would you learn? Alan Mueller undertook this project and in his interview with Tom, Alan draws out some of the critical lessons he's learned so far that every Student Affairs professional should be aware of.

Episode #145 - Zack Gentry - Perspectives from a Super Involved Undergraduate Student for The University of Texas at Dallas

Some students go above and beyond the normal role of car-to-class by getting involved on campus. Some students even go beyond that by getting involved on a national level. Whatever the case, hearing perspectives from the undergraduate students we serve can only help us do our jobs better. Tom interviewed super student leader Zach Gentry who opted to use the tiny bit of extra free time to get involved in NASPA's NASPA Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community.

Episode #144 - Kyle & Aeriel Ashlee - Social Justice, Doctoral Programs, and Love in Student Affairs

If one topic of conversation has dominated student affairs over the past 24 months more than any other topic, it's the topic of social justice. Business and life partners, Kyle and Aeriel Ashlee have dedicated much of their professional and personal life to tackling the most difficult conversations around social justice on campuses. In this episode Tom interviews Kyle and Aeriel around their work in social justice and what it's like to be in a relationship in the same industry and the same d...

Episode #143: Ben Williams - The Value of Volunteering for ACUI

Episode #142: Navigating the Changes of a Socially Charged Campus

The last 24 months have changed the culture of campuses across the country due to a divisive election, racial tension, immigration debates, and gender equality...to name a few. With the change, Student Affairs Professionals are consistently finding themselves on the front lines of this change. Tom sat down with Vance Pierce of UIC to talk about how his role has changed and how he's effectively navigating tough conversations on his campus to make sure everyone's voice is heard.   Relive a...

Episode #141: Pursuing a Doctoral Degree While Working Full Time

Jennifer “sat” down with Tom for her first SAC Spectacular Podcast to talk about what it’s like to be pursuing a doctoral degree while also holding a full time job as the Assistant Dean of Students.   Relive all the best moments of the podcast with the entire library right here.   Find the full show notes for this episode here.  

Episode #140: Season 3 Finale

Tom bids farewell to Dustin as well as wraps up season 3 of the podcast with this episode of reflections and memories.   Relive all the best moments of the podcast with the entire library right here.   Find the full show notes for this episode here.

BONUS Episode #139: Brian LeDuc on Coding Academies

Dustin records his last formal interview with Brian LeDuc for this extra episode of the podcast. They talk about the recent phenomenon of coding academies and how they fit into the traditional higher education space.   We appreciate Brian making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #138: Paige Robnett on College Women and Student Leadership

We're thrilled to welcome Paige Robnett to her first ever podcast to talk with Dustin about her work supporting college women become empowered student leaders on campus. She shares her story and how others can help support everyone to feel welcome to be more involved.   We appreciate Paige making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

BONUS Episode #137: An Important Announcement

An important announcement from Dustin about the future of the podcast.

Episode #136: Richard Okello on Revisiting Allyship

This week we're very pleased to welcome Richard Okello to the podcast! He speaks with Dustin about how to be an ally to social justice causes and how to work with students who are struggling to handle encounters with diversity on campus.   We appreciate Richard making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #135: Alicia Rea on Alumni Relations

We're very happy to welcome Alicia Rea to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about her work in alumni relations, current events, and some great tips for both those in and out of alumni relations offices.   We appreciate Alicia making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #134: Jenni Kraft-Batchelder on SA First Years

This week's guest is Jenni Kraft-Batchelder from the SA First Years Blog. She speaks with Dustin about the history of the site, and lessons learned.   We appreciate Jenni making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #133: Grant Schroll on Design Thinking and Environments, Part 2

This week's guest is Grant Schroll from the Education Advisory Board. He speaks with Dustin about design thinking, furthering the discussion from last week's episode.   We appreciate Grant making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #132: Kathleen deLaski on Design Thinking and Environments, Part 1

We're very excited to welcome Kathleen deLaski to the podcast this week! She sit downs with Dustin to talk about her diverse background and how she brings it to higher education to help institutions do work better through design thinking.   We appreciate Kathleen making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #131: Kyle James on Student Leadership Careers

This week's guest is Kyle James who speaks to Dustin about his life after college as a recent graduate. Specifically moving on from being a campus leader and what he learned from his experience of being involved.   We appreciate Kyle for making time for the show!

Episode #130: Sue Caulfield on The Committed Project and The Imposters

We're very happy to welcome back Sue Caulfield to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about what's been going on with her since she was last on, her work with The Committed Project, and The Imposters Podcast.   Many thanks to Sue for returning to the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #129: Nicole Bernabe & Joseph Sammut on Lessons from Podcasting

This episode is all about podcasting! Dustin talks with Nicole Bernabe and Joseph Sammut to discuss their own podcast and how they got into the medium.   We're grateful to both Nico and Joey for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #128: Max Quinn on Living-Learning Communities

We have the pleasure of welcoming Max Quinn to the podcast this week. He speaks with Dustin about his work with living-learning communities. Max explores what they are, what makes them so valuable, and how to maximize their impact.   Many thanks to Max for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #127: Jake Goldblum on Feminism and Masculinity

We welcome Jake Goldblum to the podcast this week! He talks with Dustin about his experience working with college men on challenging their views on masculinity using a feminist lens.   Many thanks to Jake for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #126: Jennifer McMahon on Entering College Students

This week's wonderful guest is Jennifer McMahon. Jenn talks to Dustin about her work preparing her high school students for life, whether that means going to college or not and how she helps students choose the right college. They also discuss tips for student affairs professionals about how to best support these entering students.   Many thanks to Jenn for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episodes #125: Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab on College Affordability

We are very pleased to welcome nationally renowned higher education policy advocate Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about college affordability; how we got here, what it means for students, and what we can do about it.   Many thanks to Sara for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #124: Becca Fick on Being a Work in Progress

We have the pleasure of welcoming Becca Fick back to the show this week! Becca chats with Dustin about what's been happening for her in the past two years and her various creative endeavors.   Many thanks to Becca for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #123: Mandi Stewart & Kevin O'Connell on Strengths in the Job Search

We're stoked to welcome Mandi Stewart to the podcast and welcome back Kevin O'Connell this week. They speak with Dustin about Strengths and job searching in student affairs. They cover a lot of great stuff and will inspire you to rethink your career!   We're grateful to both Mandi and Kevin for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #122: Valerie Heruska on Management in Student Affairs

We're proud to welcome Valerie Heruska back to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about management in our field as well as her own journey growing as a manager, supervisor, and leader.   Many thanks to Valerie for hanging out with us!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #121: Dr. Audrey Yamagata-Noji on Asian Pacific Islanders in Higher Education

This week's guest is Dr. Audrey Yamagata-Noji, who speaks with Dustin about her long career in higher education helping support the inclusion and leadership development of Asian-Pacific Islanders working at colleges and universities across the country.   Many thanks to Audrey for hanging out with us!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #120: Craig Bidiman on Art Therapy

We're psyched to welcome the one and only Craig Bidiman back to the show this week. He chats with Dustin about his lifelong experience with art and the creative process as a way to cope with most recently a long, difficult job search and the loss of his father.   Many thanks to Craig for hanging out with us!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #119: Jennielle Strother & Chris Miller on the Current State of Admissions

This week we have the pleasure of welcoming two(!) new guests to the podcast! Jennielle Strother and Chris Miller talk with Dustin about their diverse experiences in admissions work as well as other areas of higher education and speak about their viewpoints on the current state of the functional area.   We're grateful to both Jennielle and Chris for making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #118: Dr. Patrick Love on Successful Recruiting

We have the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Patrick Love to the podcast this week! He speaks with Dustin about hiring and recruiting in student affairs; what works, what doesn't, and what we can do to make it work better for everyone.   Many thanks to Patrick for taking time out to return to the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #117: Kevin Forch on Strengths and Professionals

This week's awesome guest is Kevin Forch, who jumps onto the podcast to chat with Dustin about his professional journey and how Strengths Finder has influenced his life.   Many thanks to Kevin for taking time out for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #116: Joseph Wuest on Strengths and College Students

We welcome Joe Wuest to the podcast this week! He speaks with Dustin about his experience with Strengths Finder as both a student himself, and working with college students to find out who they are and what they're good at.   Many thanks to Joe for hanging out with us for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #115: Dr. Ed Cabellon on the Doctoral Process

Dr. Ed Cabellon makes his triumphant return to the podcast this week! He speaks with Dustin about his doctoral process from start to finish and all the lessons he has learned. He gives advice for those thinking about or soon to start their doctoral programs.   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #114: Tom & Dustin on Accountability and Goals

We settle in this week for another episode with our hosts, Tom and Dustin. They catch up and talk about 2016 (so far), accountability, goals, and getting things done. Check out all the stuff they talked about the in show notes!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #113: Jacob Patrick and #SAGrad Scholarship Reflections

This week's guest is Jacob Patrick, who spoke with Dustin about his story as well as his conference experience as a recipient of the inaugural graduate student scholarship we gave out recently.   Many thanks to Jacob for taking time for the podcast!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #112: Jamie Piperato on Supporting LGBTQ Students

We welcome Jamie Piperato to the show this week. She speaks with Dustin about her efforts helping to build inclusive campus communities nationwide as a speaker, consultant, and social justice advocate. Jamie shares great thoughts, tips, and resources for folks to check out.   In the wake of the tragedy in Orlando, we hope this episode helps professionals nationwide work towards inclusive campus communities that support all of their LGBTQ students.   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #111: Lynne Meyer and Spirituality on Campus

This week's guest is the amazing Lynne Meyer! She speaks with Dustin about her career working on campus in spiritual life, what spirituality means to her, and how we can do better to support each other, no matter our beliefs.   We greatly appreciate Lynne taking time out for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #110: Alex Fields on Workplace Engagement

We have the pleasure of welcoming Alex Fields to the podcast this week! She speaks with Dustin about her story about workplace engagement; the good, the bad, and the ugly as well as how to foster more engagement, and prevent disengagement. They also address the recent Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) updates. We're happy to be able to feature Alex here with our audience as she is an awesome member of the SAC Leadership Team!   We greatly appreciate Alex taking time out for the show!   ...

Episode #109: Janelle Aimi and Stories from a New Professional

It's our pleasure to welcome Janelle Aimi to the podcast this week! She speaks with Dustin about her story so far of being a new professional in the field of student affairs. She has had a unique journey and has learned some valuable lessons along the way, which she has graciously shared with us!   Many thanks to Janelle for taking time out for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #108: Sabrina Spadafino on Being a Parent in Student Affairs

This week's guest is Sabrina Spadafino. She speaks with Dustin about her work/life balance being a parent while working in student affairs. Sabrina shares the lessons she has learned, and how being a parent helps her work.   Many thanks to Sabrina for taking time out for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #107: Rick James and Stories from a Student Club Advisor

We have the pleasure of welcoming Rick James from Tidewater Community College to the show this week. He speaks with Tom about his experience as a faculty member, an enthusiastic student club advisor, and what tips he has learned from his time working with college students.   Many thanks to Rick for taking time out for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

Episode #106: Melissa Ruiz on Moving In and Out of Higher Ed

This week's guest is our good friend, Melissa Ruiz! She speaks with Dustin about her story, why she decided to move in, out, and back into higher education, and what she has learned from her journey so far.   Many thanks to Melissa for taking time out for the show!   Find the full show notes here.