Join us in celebrating 100 years of TACUSPA by engaging in our diverse educational sessions! This milestone event highlights the knowledge, expertise, and innovative ideas shared by professionals across the field. Each session is designed to spark reflection, inspire growth, and equip you with tools to bring back to your campus. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of TACUSPA’s century of impact.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Educational Sessions - Block 1 (9:00am-9:50am)

Slump Happens: Reimagining Second-Year Success

Bayou City Room 219

Jamie Saucedo (St. Mary's University) & Julian Samarripas (Trinity University)

Second-year students often fall through the cracks after a high-touch point first year and enter the Sophomore Slump. This session explores how leveraging the NACE Career Readiness Competencies can re-engage students during their critical year of exploration that impacts retention, engagement, and career readiness. Through interactive discussion and examination of existing program models, participants will identify common second-year strengths and challenges, consider scalable strategies for cross-campus collaboration, and reflect on how career readiness can be integrated into developmental touchpoints. Attendees will leave with tools to design or refine second-year initiatives that foster belonging, exploration, and sustained success.

Pizza parties, free t-shirts, and under compensation: An examination of pay among student affairs professionals

Skyline Room 223

Dr. Glenda Droogsma Musoba, Dr. Corbin Franklin, & Dr. Lori Moore (Texas A&M University)

Despite student affairs’ longstanding reliance on intrinsic motivation to attract and retain talent, rates of professional departure have remained relatively unchanged. While existing literature frequently identifies compensation as a key factor influencing voluntary turnover, limited scholarly attention has been directed toward the issue of income disparities within the profession. This presentation examines the compensation landscape in student affairs, challenging prevailing narrative surrounding rewards systems in student affairs. By controlling for demographic variables, productivity measures, and organizational perceptions, our analysis reveals significant disparities in compensation between entry-level and more experienced professionals. These findings underscore the need for strategic alignment of compensation practices to bolster organizational outcomes. In addition to presenting empirical findings, this session will facilitate a discussion on actionable strategies to link people strategy with institutional practice.

From Silence to Spark: Bridging the Engagement Gap through Universal Design for Learning

Multipurpose East Room 237

Dr. Steven Linely & Stacy Ybarra Evans (Our Lady of the Lake University)

This interactive session will explore the biological foundations of learning, beginning with a partner activity to establish a shared framework based on James Zull's research. We will then collaboratively identify common engagement gaps in the classroom, examining perspectives from both faculty and students to uncover potential misalignments between teaching methods and how the brain naturally learns. Building on these insights, we will showcase how STEM faculty at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) leveraged Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to bridge these gaps. Through concrete examples from redesigned STEM courses, participants will discover how small, intentional adjustments—such as reducing cognitive barriers, enhancing relevance, and offering flexible engagement methods—successfully transformed passive learning into meaningful, active participation. Attendees will leave with practical, neurologically-aligned strategies to make their own courses more engaging, inclusive, and effective for all learners.

Myth vs. Reality: Life Inside a Doctoral Program

Downtown Room 261

Marianna Canales (Texas A&M University)

Myth vs. Reality: Life Inside a Doctoral Program offers a candid look at the real experiences of current doctoral students and recent graduates. This engaging panel pulls back the curtain on common assumptions, like needing a dissertation topic on day one or sacrificing your personal life, and replaces them with honest stories of growth, challenge, and resilience. Through discussion and Q&A, panelists will share lessons learned and offer practical advice for navigating impostor syndrome, work-life balance, and advisor relationships. Ideal for aspiring doctoral students, current graduate students, and professionals considering a return to academia, this session provides insight into the emotional, academic, and professional realities of doctoral life. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what to expect, helpful strategies to overcome obstacles, and encouragement from those living the experience. Join us for a thoughtful, hopeful, and human conversation about what it truly means to pursue a terminal degree.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Educational Sessions - Block 2 (10:00am-10:50am)

Leading with Influence, Not Just Authority: The Power of Presence in Senior Leadership

Space City Room 214

Keith T. Kowalka & Donell Young, J.D. (University of Houston)

As student affairs enters its second century of impact, senior leaders are uniquely positioned to serve as bridges—connecting tradition to transformation, and positional authority to strategic influence. In the evolving ecosystem of higher education, it is increasingly critical for leaders to innovate not only through structures and policies, but through their presence, emotional intelligence, and capacity to influence across roles and silos. This session explores how senior leaders can lead with intention even when they’re not the final decision-makers in the room. Participants will examine the often-overlooked competencies of presence, political savvy, and relational leadership as levers for change. Drawing on more than two decades of senior-level experience, the facilitator will share insights into how to navigate complexity, model stability, and communicate purpose with clarity. Through storytelling, reflective practice, and peer exchange, attendees will explore how leadership grounded in presence can drive student-centered innovation and help connect the legacy of the past to the opportunities of the future.

Closing the Gap: Strengthening Student Organization Culture to Prevent High Risk Behaviors

Bayou City Room 219

Kian Greely (The University of Texas at Austin)

In this session, we will explore the development, implementation, and impact of the Successful Student Organization Program (SSOP) at The University of Texas at Austin. We will share how the SSOP was designed, how we assessed student learning and organizational performance, and how this program led to sustainable culture change and safer student organization practices. To understand why the Successful Student Organization Program (SSOP) was developed, it is essential to examine the history and landscape of hazing prevention and risk management at The University of Texas at Austin. For many years, our institution’s investment in hazing prevention was concentrated primarily within the sorority and fraternity life community. The SSOP represents our institution’s commitment to infusing positive culture change and risk reduction within student organization development and shifting conduct sanctions to those which emphasize transformational education, ownership, accountability, and tools for sustainable change.

Power in All Directions: Managing Up, Down, and Across with Purpose

Skyline Room 223

Naomi Berger-Perez, Dr. Kira Gatewood, Tremaine Kwasikpui, & Caleb Wells (University of Houston Downtown)

Effective leadership in student affairs hinges on connection, not just vision. Join the UHD Student Life team as they explore managing relationships—up, down, and across—through respectful dialogue, navigating institutional dynamics, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Grounded in their authentic partnership, they’ll share strategies for clear communication, mutual respect, and collective wins. Drawing from their University of Houston-Downtown experiences, they’ll demonstrate how intentional relationship-building boosts morale, drives professional growth, and strengthens teams—key to advancing student affairs.

Living Out Loud: Navigating Queer Identity in Hostile Legislative Climates

Multipurpose East Room 237

Cloe Bourdages (University of Houston), Danny Roe & Carrie Rowland (Texas A&M University- Galveston)

In a time when LGBTQ+ identities face increasing legislative attacks, especially in states passing anti-queer and anti-trans laws, queer professionals and students are navigating their identities with heightened caution and resilience. This session offers space for reflection, empowerment, and strategy-building for those living and working where rights and existence are being challenged. Participants will examine the emotional, professional, and personal impacts of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation while exploring ways to build affirming communities, advocate effectively, and maintain authenticity in environments that may feel unsafe. Through storytelling, guided discussion, and resource sharing, the session fosters solidarity and equips attendees with practical tools to thrive despite adversity.

Planning with Purpose: Strategic Planning for Division-Wide Success

Multipurpose West Room 237

Angie Maxey (University of St. Thomas)

Is your division’s strategic plan collecting dust on a shelf—or driving real change? In this dynamic session, participants will explore a practical framework for planning with purpose, aligning divisional goals to institutional priorities while cultivating team buy-in and accountability. Learn how to turn planning into a living process that guides decision-making, resource allocation, and measurable outcomes. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your current plan, this session offers tools to elevate your approach and foster a culture of intentional leadership.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Educational Sessions - Block 3 (2:00pm-2:50pm)

Leading with Confidence & Self-Care: Strategies for Breaking Free from Fear of Failure, Perfectionism and Burnout

Space City Room 214

Ijeoma Nwaogu (Everlead)

Student affairs professionalsplay a vital role in shaping campus communities, yet the pressure to meet evolving student needs while maintaining high standards can lead to perfectionism, self-doubt, and burnout. This session offers actionable strategies to help professionals redefine success, build confidence, and sustain their well-being amidst the demands of leadership. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will explore techniques to reframe failure, develop self-trust, and implement sustainable self-care practices. The session will include real-world case studies from student affairs settings, collaborative problem-solving, and tools designed to foster resilience while maintaining impactful leadership. Participants will leave with renewed clarity, tangible mindset shifts, and strategies to lead with confidence—equipped to support students while prioritizing their own well-being.

Next Gen Leaders: Supervising with a Gen Z Lens

Bayou City Room 219

Robert Gonzalez & Rachel Lee (Texas A&M University)

In today's dynamic and evolving campus environments, Gen Z new professionals are increasingly stepping into leadership roles, guiding their peers through various student affairs functions. As the newest generation in the workforce, Gen Z brings unique perspectives, values, and work styles that shape the way they lead and collaborate. This presentation explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Gen Z supervisors when managing Gen Z student workers, offering insights and strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness and team cohesion.

“Legacy Work”: What Institutional History Can Teach About Leading In Higher Education and Student Affairs Today

Skyline Room 223

Dr. Kevin Bazner & Holly A. Schuh-Wolff (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)

As the public good of higher education faces growing skepticism, institutional advancement and student affairs professionals must intentionally link tradition with purpose and advocate for our mission today. Our work is about meaning-making—building identity, belonging, and belief in the value of what we do. Our institutional historical records often reveal compelling stories of community advocacy, legislative strategy, and regional pride. This work highlights an ongoing need of institutional leaders to develop shared historical sensemaking and deepen understanding of the interconnected needs of professional staff, faculty, students, and local communities. This session shares a historical story of TAMU-CC and explores how practitioners can leverage institutional history to strengthen contemporary student affairs and advancement work. Attendees will engage with curated archival materials, explore how historical research can inform practice, and learn to develop institutional narratives to support student success, deepen public impact, and advance mission-driven development efforts.

Your Career, Your Canvas: Designing a Fulfilling Journey in Student Affairs

Multipurpose East Room 237

Jacqueline Polk (University of North Texas at Dallas)

In a profession known for serving others, student affairs professionals often put their own growth and well-being on hold. This interactive session invites participants to reimagine their career as a dynamic canvas—shaped by evolving passions, personal values, and changing landscapes in higher education. Together, we will explore strategies for intentional career design, reflect on professional identity, and build a sustainable roadmap that centers fulfillment, adaptability, and authenticity. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned leader, this session offers space to realign your work with your “why.”

Beyond the Basics: Building Cross-Department Collaborations to Holistically Support Students

Downtown Room 261

Naomi Berger-Perez, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, Melvon George, Richard Solomon, & Shaneisha Weir (University of Houston Downtown)

In the current landscape of higher education, addressing students' basic needs is essential for fostering persistence and academic success. This presentation outlines a collaborative and relational approach that centers on both the student and practitioner in addressing students' needs. In partnership with key institutional partners, including the Dean of Students Office, the Academic Support Center, Student Counseling Services, and Sports and Fitness, to provide holistic and student-centered support. Participants will explore how the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) Gator Resource Center, in collaboration with key campus partners, fosters relationships and community, raises awareness, and enhances students' utilization of essential support services across campus. Through intentional programming and collaborative outreach efforts, these partnerships have produced meaningful results. Through interactive activities and guided discussion, participants will identify potential partnerships on their campuses and leave with tangible ideas for leveraging a collaborative approach to enhance support for students.

Collaborative Innovation: The Community Partners Hub, Bridging Campus and Community Partners

Multipurpose West Room 237

Kelly Campos (Houston Food Bank) & Hope Pacheco (University of Houston Downtown)

Institutions of higher education must responsive and accommodating the changing and complex needs of the students with the highest needs including those who are first-generation in college, housing and food insecure and The University of Houston-Downtown’s Community Partner Hub brings together community organizations, financial educators, health care advocates, and housing experts directly to campus to connect students with resources and support in a holistic, culturally-informed way. Participants will (1) Understand the collaborative and relational approach and outcomes of the Community Partners Hub, highlighting strategies for developing partnerships, measuring impact, and designing services that educate and uplift community partners role in supporting student success. (2) Understand the roles of the partners, lessons learned, and future goals. (3) Share out their own community partnerships (4) Participants will come away with clear, adaptable strategies for strengthening their own student support services through collaboration and innovation and relationship building.

The Moorman Legacy: Developing Leaders, Delivering Impact

Heights Room 224

Jamie Saucedo (St. Mary's University)

Each year, TACUSPA opens the Thomas Moorman Fellowship to graduate students and new professionals seeking leadership development, statewide networking, and hands-on project experience. Fellows are selected through a competitive application process and paired with board-identified projects that support the advancement of the association and the student affairs profession. In this session, attendees will learn the background and purpose of the Thomas Moorman Fellowship and hear directly from this year’s four fellows as they present their completed projects. Join us to explore how this fellowship cultivates emerging leaders and delivers meaningful impact across the state of Texas.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Educational Sessions - Block 4 (3:10pm-4:00pm)

Micro-Misbehaviors, Macro-Consequences: Setting the Tone for Student Conduct

Bayou City Room 219

Branston G. Harris (University of Houston - Downtown)

In today’s higher education environment, student conduct challenges do not always arrive in the form of overt violations or extreme disruptions. Increasingly, faculty and staff encounter subtle yet persistent behaviors that undermine civility, strain institutional resources, and disrupt the learning or operational environment. This presentation, Micro-Misbehaviors, Macro-Consequences, will explore the nuanced landscape of low-level student misconduct—including behaviors such as flooding inboxes with excessive emails, monopolizing office hours and campus services, invoking complaint processes as a means of coercion, and displaying passive-aggressive resistance to policy enforcement. Participants will learn to recognize the patterns and intent behind micro-misbehaviors and understand how these seemingly minor actions can have disproportionate effects on morale, workflow, and equitable access to resources. The session will offer practical strategies for early intervention, documentation, and boundary-setting that empower staff and faculty to address these behaviors confidently and consistently. Additionally, the presentation will examine how tone-setting, communication framing, and consistent policy application contribute to a culture of mutual respect and accountability.

Mitigating Student Affairs Attrition: Strategies for Leadership Identity Development

Skyline Room 223

Dr. Allison L. Dunn, Dr. Corbin Franklin, & Dr. Lori Moore (Texas A&M University)

Student affairs professionals’ turnover from higher education institutions has serious implications for institutional operation and student support. However, development of professionals has the propensity to mitigate the declining workforce for student affairs divisions. This presentation will engage professionals in developing leadership identity within student affairs practice. Participants will be provided with background on student affairs attrition, including rates of attrition and the factors contributing to departure, and the current landscape of leadership development in student affairs. This presentation will engage participants in a discussion on the topic with questions such as: (1) What are potential ways for divisions to develop leadership identity in new professionals? (2) How might student affairs faculty collaborate with practitioners on developing the leadership capacity in professionals? (3) What are ways student affairs researchers can address the examination of leadership identity in student affairs professionals?

For Students, By Students: A Peer-Led Hazing Prevention Model to Transform Campus Culture

Multipurpose East Room 237

Denali Diaz Torres (University of Texas at Austin)

Discover how the University of Texas at Austin has developed a one-of-a-kind, research-informed Peer Led Hazing Prevention Program that empowers students to transform organizational culture and eliminate hazing through education, leadership, and advocacy. This session will explore how Peer education can be a powerful avenue in promoting holistic student well-being, reducing harm, and fostering safe communities. Presenters will share outcomes from peer-led initiatives, student testimonials, and assessment data, providing participants with strategies to develop peer-led, prevention-focused programming on their own campuses.

Supervising Students Through Anxiety: Balancing Support, Accountability, and Your Own Wellbeing

Downtown Room 261

Melissa F. Hernandez, DSW (University of Texas at San Antonio)

More student staff are openly struggling with anxiety — and supervisors often find themselves unsure how to support them effectively while still meeting team goals. Many supervisors feel under-equipped, especially if they’re managing their own stress or anxiety at the same time. This session explores the intersection of student mental health, workplace dynamics, and supervisor wellbeing. We’ll discuss how anxiety shows up in the workplace, how to foster open communication without overstepping boundaries, and how to balance empathy with accountability. Through real-world examples, practical tools, and insights from both supervisory and clinical perspectives, participants will walk away with strategies for supporting their student employees while protecting their own capacity and mental health.

Those Who Do Can Teach Too! Practitioner Pathways Toward Faculty Careers

Multipurpose West Room 237

Dr. Lacey Folsom & Dr. Marigold Hudock (Stephen F. Austin State University)

Many student affairs professionals consider transitioning into faculty roles but are unsure where to begin—particularly when contemplating a doctoral degree. This session, led by a tenure-track faculty member and an Associate Dean of Students who also serves as an adjunct, will demystify the journey from student affairs to academia. In this session, participants will:

1) Explore the distinctions between different teaching positions (adjunct, lecturer, tenure-track, etc.)

2) Discuss the benefits and challenges of faculty life, including guidance for balancing practitioner work with teaching

3) Reflect on how student affairs competencies translates to and enhances teaching effectiveness

4) Develop a personal action plan for exploring teaching opportunities

This session supports the TACUSPA conference foundation of "The Evolving Workplace" regarding building sustainable and fulfilling careers. It is ideal for student affairs professionals seeking to expand their impact in higher education and considering doctoral study as a pathway to the classroom.

Beyond the Food Pantry Shelf: Empowering Students on Both Sides of the Counter

Heights Room 224

Jodie Dominguez & Elizabeth Quintanilla (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)

Campus food pantries go beyond addressing food insecurity, they foster student success. This session highlights the dual impact of pantries on students who utilize them and those who help run them. Learn how these programs support academic persistence, build community, and provide meaningful student employment. Walk away with practical ideas to strengthen pantry services and student support on your campus.

Thursday, October 1, 2025

Educational Sessions - Block 5 (4:10pm-5:00pm)

From the mouths of Deans…

Space City Room 214

Dr. Suzanne Harris (Sul Ross State University), Dr. LT Robinson (The University of Texas at San Antonio), & Jennifer Skinner (University of North Texas at Dallas)

From the mouths of Deans… this is your chance to ask questions and hear thoughts from a panel comprised of Deans of Students from across the State. From issues including new and continuing legislation to everyday challenges faced at institutions across the state, this session promises to be informative, heartfelt, and purposeful to the challenges we all face. Come prepared to participate, armed with questions and a quest for learning.

Bridging Ideas, Empowering Change: A Practical Approach to Mentorship for Students with Disabilities

Bayou City Room 219

Rebecca Monroe, CRC, LPC-A, Elizabeth Morales, & Jaine Villarreal (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)

As student needs grow more complex, institutions must adopt innovative, student-centered approaches. The SAMs program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a dynamic model of peer mentorship that supports students with disabilities through connection, advocacy, and holistic engagement. This session will explore the design, implementation, and impact of the SAMs program—emphasizing its role in promoting student leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and inclusive support services. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and resource sharing, leaving with practical tools to develop or strengthen similar initiatives on their own campuses.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore the SAMs program structure and its role in advancing student success.

• Gain strategies for recruiting, training, and assessing peer mentors.

• Learn how to build institutional partnerships and boost student engagement.

Beyond the 1:1: Reimagining Supervision in Student Affairs

Skyline Room 223

Marianna Canales & Kate Nelson (Texas A&M University)

Supervision is too often treated as a single task, an occasional check-in or a performance review, when in reality, it is a key part of a broader systemic approach to wellbeing and retention in student affairs. Drawing on the three-part framework from Markin (2022), Beyond Self-Care: Leading a Systemic Approach to Wellbeing for Educators, this session invites professionals to rethink supervision as an ongoing, reciprocal, and systemic practice that affects the health of the entire workplace. We will share a personal story of transitioning from an unsupportive and misaligned supervisory relationship to one grounded in collaboration and trust. Through this lens, participants will reflect on their own supervisory practices, explore a model of shared responsibility for wellbeing, and engage with tools for transforming supervision into a foundation of team resilience and professional growth.

The Reporting Glow-Up: From Silos to Synergy in Campus Care

Multipurpose East Room 237

Michael Campbell, Gabrielle Malone-Miller, Melissa Melendez, & Emmanuel Owolabi (University of Houston)

As student needs become more complex, siloed responses no longer suffice. This session will showcase how the University of Houston’s Student Outreach and Support team developed Coogs Report—a centralized reporting system—and implemented a cross-campus education strategy to streamline referrals, enhance utilization of the Care Team, and strengthen coordinated care. Participants will gain practical tools to replicate centralized systems, engage campus partners, and build a campus culture where proactive student support drives student success.

Centering the Margins: Understanding and Supporting Graduate Student Mental Health and Belonging

Downtown Room 261

Lauren S. Carter (UNT Health Science Center)

Graduate school is often framed as a time of growth and opportunity, yet for many students, the journey can be complicated by systemic inequities, racialized stress, and institutional invisibility. With legislative constraints, this session examines how institutions can still support mental health, belonging, and academic success. This session presents findings from a qualitative dissertation study exploring the lived experiences of BIPOC graduate students and the factors that shape their mental health and well-being. Grounded in dissertation research, you'll gain insight into systemic stressors and institutional barriers, then engage in hands-on activities to identify and design campus-specific support strategies that comply with current regulations while affirming marginalized identities.

Texas Student Affairs Workforce Trends: Utilizing Innovative Methods to Prepare for the Future

Multipurpose West Room 237

Dr. Krista J. Bailey, Dr. Corbin Franklin, & Tierra Walters Mackie (Texas A&M University)

The ever-evolving landscape of higher education has presented student affairs professionals with both challenges and opportunities, particularly in relation to workforce trends. Scholars have noted that various factors have contributed to the declining workforce in student affairs. Through the examination of recent Texas student affairs job postings and organizational structures, we sought to better understand how student affairs divisions are communicating their structures and positioning institutions to respond to workforce concerns. During this session, we will highlight findings from our research and engage in dialogue regarding the implications of our work for student affairs institutions and professional associations.

“CoogsCare:” An Innovative, Collaborative Approach in Supporting Student Mental Health on a College Campus

Heights Room 224

Gustavo A. Molinar (The Jed Foundation) & Dr. Marti Trummer-Cabrera (University of Houston)

With legislative shifts, the lasting impact of COVID-19, and cultural dynamics, Texas ranks last in mental health care and support. However, an opportunity exists to strengthen support systems across institutions through leveraging data and collaborating with staff and faculty to provide resources and training. This interactive presentation shares insights and effective strategies implemented successfully at UH through the JED Campus Initiative to address student wellbeing.

Friday, October 3, 2025

Educational Sessions - Block 6 (9:00am-9:50am)

The Courage to Walk Through Fire: Navigating Change

Space City Room 214

Dr. Kira Gatewood & Dr. Daniel M. Maxwell (University of Houston-Downtown)

Change can be confusing and difficult for your team, especially if your employees didn't see it coming. The presenters will explore and dissect the impact of change, utilizing their story of developing a new 14-unit division from chaos to a thriving community. This program highlights the unique implications of legislative, institutional, and staffing changes that disrupt team morale and effectiveness, based on their experiences at an HBCU, HSI, and PWI. They will provide critical strategies for guiding your team through change effectively.

Softness as Strategy: Culturally Relevant Mental Load Reduction for Student Support Staff

Bayou City Room 219

Courtney A. Doss, M. Ed. (Soft Melanin, LLC)

What if the ones who carry it all don’t need more grit but more Softness? This session challenges the idea that effectiveness requires exhaustion and invites you to reimagine support through a lens of Softness. In higher education, those who show up and hold space for others often do so at the expense of their own well-being. If you’re the “go-to,” the helper, the safe place for students (especially those from marginalized backgrounds), this session is for you. Learn how to set limits with care, not guilt. Together, we’ll explore the hidden cost of over-functioning, practice saying no as an act of compassion, and redefine what true support looks like, when it includes you, too. If you’ve ever felt excellence slowly exhausting you, this is your permission to try a Softer, smarter way. You deserve a break.

New Collar Jobs: I Have Skills AND a Degree

Multipurpose East Room 237

Kenzalia Linen (Baylor College of Medicine)

We’ve all heard of Blue and White Collar jobs. However, the term “New Collar” has recently captured our attention to describe modern, flexible, high-paying, and skills-first roles. Much of the conversation has focused on young adults who choose not to go to college, but what about those students we work with on our college campuses? This session will focus on practical ways student affairs practitioners can prepare students with skills to be social innovators while on campus that will lead, not just to any traditional job, but to modern and futuristic skills-focused professional roles. Attendees will reflect on their role in students' career development and how their department is preparing students to be successful now and throughout their professional journey in a market that is becoming more innovative and competitive.

Shaping Our Statewide Community: Get Engaged with NASPA Texas

Downtown Room 261

Orlando E. Garcia, M.S. (Prairie View A&M University),Stephanie Green (UNT Health), Andrew Wiemer (University of Houston-Clear Lake), & Benjamin Williams (Trinity University)

As student affairs professionals navigate an evolving workplace, finding meaningful connection and professional growth opportunities is more important than ever. Join this interactive session to learn about NASPA Texas, a state community within the national NASPA network that offers a supportive space to engage, lead, and learn. We'll highlight current engagement opportunities, state-level initiatives, and ways to get involved with leadership, programming, and advocacy. More than just a presentation, this session also invites you to help shape the future of NASPA Texas. Through facilitated discussion and feedback activities, participants will share what they want to see from the association in areas like professional development, networking, community, and graduate student support. Whether you're brand-new to NASPA, a seasoned member, or are considering membership, this is your chance to co-create a stronger, more connected NASPA Texas community.

Beyond the Res Hall: Navigating Career Transitions with Transferable Skills

Multipurpose West Room 237

Cloe Bourdages & Lemonte Long (University of Houston)

Higher education professionals often underestimate the breadth of their skill sets—skills that are not only valuable within student affairs but also highly transferable across industries. This session explores how competencies developed in residence life, student conduct, and campus engagement—such as crisis management, leadership development, and strategic communication—can be leveraged to navigate career transitions with confidence. Attendees will gain practical tools to identify their transferable skills, articulate their value in diverse professional contexts, and chart intentional career pathways beyond traditional roles.

Stepping out of the Box: Innovative Work in Action

Heights Room 224

Dr. Suzanne Harris (Sul Ross State University)

What makes you stand out as an employee in all the best (and worst) ways? Join this session for a look into how I worked my way up the ladder from an entry level position to the now Dean of Student role and what I now look for in employees when making hiring and promotion decisions. If you see yourself working in higher education for the long haul, this session will give you practical ideas and strategies for finding fulfillment and growth through various opportunities.