2016 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs

This study was first commissioned by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and Diverse: Issues In Higher Education in 2011. The national survey is administered by the Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE) at The Ohio State University, which is directed by professor Terrell Strayhorn. Among other things, Strayhorn served as ACPA director of research and scholarship from 2009 to 2012.

The purpose of this commissioned study was to examine the extent to which diversity and inclusion permeates aspects (e.g., administrative structures, commitments, work environments, staffing practices) of various divisions of student affairs (or equivalent) at participating ACPA-member institutions across the globe.

Other Years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2015 2014

Institution	Senior Student Affairs Officer	Location	Level	Control	Classification	Enrollment
Arkansas State University-Beebe	Dr. Deborah Garrett	Beebe, AR	2-year	public	Associate	4,140
Bridgewater State University	Jason B. Pina	Bridgewater, MA	4-year	public	Master’s	11,187
Bryant University	Dr. John R. Saddlemire	Bridgewater, MA	4-year	private	Special Focus	3,462
California State U. Channel Islands	Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer	Camarillo, CA	4-year	public	Master’s	5,879
Centre College	Randy Hays	Danville, KY	4-year	private	Bachelor’s	1,387
Hamline University	Dr. Alan Sickbert	St. Paul, MN	4-year	private	Master’s	4,469
Hofstra University	W. Houston Dougharty	Hempstead, NY	4-year	private	Doctoral	10,953
Indiana U.-Purdue U. Indianapolis	Dr. Zebulun R. Davenport	Indianapolis, IN	4-year	public	Doctoral	30,690
Indiana University Southeast	Jason L. Meriwether	New Albany, IN	4-year	public	Master’s	6,442
The Ohio State University	Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston	Columbus, OH	4-year	public	Doctoral	58,322
Saint Louis University	Dr. Kent Porterfield	Saint Louis, MO	4-year	private	Doctoral	17,052
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	Dr. Jeffrey N. Waple	Edwardsville, IL	4-year	public	Master’s	13,972
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	Dr. Don D. Albrecht	Corpus Christi, TX	4-year	public	Doctoral	11,256
Texas State University	Dr. Joanne Smith	San Marcos, TX	4-year	public	Doctoral	36,729
The University of Vermont	Annie Stevens	Burlington, VT	4-year	public	Doctoral	12,856
University of Denver	Dr. Patricia S. Helton	Denver, CO	4-year	private	Doctoral	11,809
University of Maine at Machias	Melvin D. Adams III	Machias, ME	4-year	public	Bachelor’s	810
University of West Georgia	Dr. Scot A. Lingrell	Carrollton, GA	4-year	public	Doctoral	12,206
Virginia Tech	Dr. Patricia A. Perillo	Blacksburg, VA	4-year	public	Doctoral	31,224

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ENTERPRISE

The Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE) is an interdisciplinary research and policy center that promotes the important role postsecondary education plays in global society, especially the vital roles and responsibilities of public higher education. CHEE is committed to improving student success by conducting distinctive research, policy analysis and outreach that will help make higher education more accessible, affordable, engaged and all-around excellent.

CHEE’s mission is to become the country’s preeminent higher education research and policy center, solving issues of national significance. In terms of vision, CHEE exists to advance the higher education enterprise through the creation and dissemination of distinctive research that informs policy, strengthens communities and enables student success. For more, go to: http://chee.osu.edu.

PROJECT TEAM BIOGRAPHIES

Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn (principal investigator) is a professor of higher education at The Ohio State University, where he also serves as director of the Center for Higher Education Enterprise(CHEE). Author of 10 books, more than 100 journal articles and book chapters, more than 150 papers at international and national conferences and more than 200 keynotes, Strayhorn is a prolific scholar, internationally known student success expert, highly sought public speaker and was named on of the top scholars in his field by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education in 2011.

Dr. Derrick L. Tillman-Kelly is special assistant to the director of CHEE and University Innovation Alliance (UIA) Fellow at The Ohio State University. Author of several journal articles and book chapters, his research interests consider three primary aspects of higher education: leadership and organizational socialization of administrators; minority-serving institutions; and the impact of identity intersections on academic and social experiences of college students with specific consideration of race, gender, sexuality and spirituality as social identities.

In addition to the principal investigator and project coordinator, the project benefited from the contributions of other CHEE staff who helped contact administrators, craft institutional profiles and elicit quotations. These include (in alphabetical order): Kristin Gebhart, Trevion Henderson, Alesia Howard and Christopher Travers.

PROMISING PRACTICES

New to the 2016 edition of Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs, we highlight specific actions, initiatives, practices and programs identified by student affairs practitioners as important to their recruitment to and/or retention on this year’s list of promising places to work. After notification of their selection as a promising place to work, each senior student affairs officer (SSAO) was invited to provide contact information for three to five student affairs practitioners at their institution who could share insight into institutional and divisional practices that they believe make working at their respective institution a promising place for student affairs professionals. Based on our conversations with student affairs practitioners with as few as three months to as many as 25 years of professional experience, we found that student affairs professionals generally enjoyed working in student affairs units where five practices were experienced: demonstrated commitment to institutional mission and strategic plan; senior student affairs leaders who were available and involved; formal and informal recognition of good work; institutional and senior leadership support of work/life balance; and intentional investment in the development of student affairs staff.

STAFF PROFILE

Institution	# Full Time Staff	# Part Time Staff	50% Female	30% Ethnic Minority	5% LGBT Staff	5% Staff with Disabilities	Average Salary Senior	Average Salary Mid-Level	Average Salary Entry-Level
Arkansas State University-Beebe	51	65	YES	NO	NO	NO	$65,000	N/R	$40,000
Bridgewater State University	200	150	N/R	N/R	N/R	N/R	$125,000	$65,000	$40,000
Bryant University	64	20	NO	NO	N/R	N/R	$95,000	$65,000	$40,000
California State U. Channel Islands	93	2	YES	YES	N/R	N/R	$126,165	$74,326	$43,457
Centre College	28	0	YES	NO	YES	NO	$65,000	$50,000	$40,000
Hamline University	36	11	YES	NO	NO	NO	$60,000	$45,000	$35,000
Hofstra University	129	16	YES	NO	YES	YES	$105,000	$60,000	$48,000
Indiana U.-Purdue U. Indianapolis	91	2	YES	NO	YES	NO	$77,929	$51,195	$38,494
Indiana University Southeast	52	65	NO	NO	N/R	NO	$69,869	$46,359	$32,316
The Ohio State University	991	5357	NO	YES	N/R	N/R	$103,948	$54,023	$40,621
Saint Louis University	183	50	YES	YES	N/R	N/R	$152,000	$81,000	$40,000
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	400	200	N/R	N/R	N/R	N/R	$90,000	$65,000	$35,000
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	76	7	YES	NO	N/R	NO	$94,498	$51,964	$35,000
Texas State University	413	55	N/R	YES	N/R	N/R	$118,000	$65,000	$40,000
The University of Vermont	187	6	YES	NO	YES	YES	$200,000	$70,000	$35,000
University of Denver	100	40	NO	N/R	N/R	N/R	$100,000	$70,000	$45,000
University of Maine at Machias	15	1	YES	7	YES	N/R	$80,004	$42,000	$29,000
University of West Georgia	182	40	YES	YES	N/R	YES	$90,000	$50,000	$33,000
Virginia Tech	787	2472	YES	NO	N/R	N/R	$107,628	$64,356	$38,332

DIVERSITY BENEFITS

Institution	Cargiving Leave For All	Childcare Services	Continuing Ed	Ed Leave	Elder Care Services	Flexible Work Schedule	Mentoring	Stress Reduction Program
Arkansas State University-Beebe	YES	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES	NO	NO
Bridgewater State University	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
Bryant University	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
California State U. Channel Islands	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Centre College	YES	NO	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
Hamline University	YES	NO	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
Hofstra University	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES
Indiana U.-Purdue U. Indianapolis	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	N/R	YES
Indiana University Southeast	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES
The Ohio State University	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
Saint Louis University	YES	NO	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
Texas State University	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES
The University of Vermont	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
University of Denver	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	NO	YES
University of Maine at Machias	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
University of West Georgia	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
Virginia Tech	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES

MOST PROMISING PLACES

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Jonesboro, AR / Founded 1909
asub.edu
"One of the strengths of Arkansas State University-Beebe Student Support Services is its commitment to professional development that begins as soon as a staff person is hired. As the vice chancellor, I personally conduct additional orientation for all new student services employees, which includes such items as a historical perspective of our profession, how to take advantage of all of the university’s professional development opportunities (including tuition waivers, time-off to take classes and/or wellness) and a promise of my personal support of their involvement in professional organizations. I also include professional development training in every Student Services staff meeting that occurs twice a semester."
-Dr. Deborah Garrett
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA / Founded 1837
bridgew.edu
"From my perspective, our division has some of the best, nationally recognized student affairs leaders working together on student engagement, retention and success. What is most promising to those joining our student affairs community is that they will be professionally challenged and engaged by our progressive staff and diverse student population to do meaningful work."
-Dr. Jason B. Pina
Vice President of Student Affairs

Bryant University

Smithfield, RI / Founded 1863
bryant.edu
"Creating an environment that is promising and engaging for staff begins with putting ego aside and being open to ideas and change. The strength of any staff is its new professionals and an ability to keep their idealism alive!"
—Dr. John R. Saddlemire
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA / Founded 2001
csuci.edu
"I am honored that California State University Channel Islands (CI) has been selected as one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs 2016 for the second consecutive year. CI’s Division of Student Affairs’ aim is to provide students with excellent needsbased programs and services that cultivate a diverse learning community where leadership, wellness, personal and civic responsibility are valued and embraced. At CI, it is our belief that the excellence of a university begins and ends with the well-being of its campus membership. Receiving the recognition of one of the most promising universities to work for in student affairs for a second time is a tribute to, and confirmation of, the dedicated and committed staff in the Division of Student Affairs at CSU Channel Islands. This is indeed an honor for our campus and community."
—Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer
Vice President for Student Affairs

Centre College

Danville, KY / Founded 1819
centre.edu
"Working at Centre for these 20-plus years has been rewarding beyond what I ever anticipated. I am so fortunate to work with a team of educators who are dedicated to preparing our students for lives of learning, of leadership, of service. It is that common mission that unites our diverse back-grounds and experiences as a team of professionals striving to serve all of our students. In the end, they are why we do this work — and why it’s so meaningful to receive this award."
—Randy Hays
Vice President and Dean of Student Life

Hamline University

St. Paul, MN / Founded 1854
hamline.edu
"Hamline University possesses a strong commitment to diversity in our workplace and in the staffing practices of our departments. The Student Affairs Division has historically hired staff that value diversity as part of their professional identity and growth interest. Given Hamline’s longstanding commitment to diversity in all forms, our Student Affairs [Division] is particularly honored to receive this award from Diverse … for the second time in three years. We appreciate this important recognition from your publication and hope that Diverse’s message of access and opportunity for all in higher education will continue to spread within the realm of all institutions of higher learning in the United States and abroad."
—Dr. Alan Sickbert
Dean of Students

Hofstra Univeristy

Hempstead, NY / Founded 1935
hofstra.edu
"This is a terrific time to be on our student affairs team at Hofstra. We are welcoming, creative, inclusive, and student-centered – providing an amazing place to be an intentional student affairs educator and student advocate. Our commitment to building positive relationships with students, colleagues, and families supports our constant desire to proactively embrace the best and next practices that promote student success. The Hofstra DSA is proud to be named to this list of most promising divisions in which to work."
—W. Houston Dougharty
Vice President for Student Affairs

Indiana U.-Purdue U. Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN / Founded 1969
iupui.edu
"I am humbled by the recognition as one of the 2016 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs. In the Division of Student Affairs at IUPUI, we work diligently to create spaces that recognize, respect and celebrate diversity. We model and practice fostering a community that promotes equal participation, honors and respects differences, and teaches multicultural competency."
—Dr. Zebulun R. Davenport
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Indiana University Southeast

New Albany, IN / Founded 1941
ius.edu
"This accolade is a reflection of the values and strategic focus of the IU Southeast Student Affairs team. We are committed to diversity in varying ideas, thoughts and approaches to creatively enhance the campus experience. Our Student Affairs team embraces diversity as the nexus where the shared value for student learning and engagement intersects with the uniqueness of each person’s identity. Diversity is not just a word for our team, it is woven into the fabric of our operation."
—Jason L. Meriwether
Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

The Ohio State Univeristy

Columbus, OH / Founded 1870
osu.edu
"Supporting students is challenging but rewarding, and cannot occur without a staff that is whole-heartedly devoted to creating the extraordinary student experience. Our team at Ohio State is simply phenomenal and I am proud to have their efforts recognized by being included on the list of Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs."
—Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston
Vice President for Student Life

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO / Founded 1818
slu.edu
"Saint Louis University is truly honored to be selected as one of the 2016 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs. This is the second consecutive year we have been recognized in this way, which is both thrilling and humbling. Staff diversity is critical to our aspiration to be an exemplary student affairs division that supports student success and holistic learning. We want our students to understand and appreciate the interconnectedness of multiple perspectives and cultural identities as part of a broader humanity. We expect Saint Louis University students to express compassion for others, act in service with others and pursue social change that serves a greater good. At Saint Louis University we call this 'higher purpose, greater good.'"
—Dr. Kent Porterfield
Vice President for Student Development

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsvilly, IL / Founded 1957
siue.edu
"The university’s Division of Student Affairs displays a strong commitment to the mission, vision and values of SIUE. On a daily basis, we work to enhance a welcoming campus culture that features citizenship, inclusion, wisdom, excellence and integrity."
-Dr. Jeffrey N. Waple
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX / Founded 1947
tamucc.edu
"It’s very rewarding and reassuring when your efforts in inclusion are recognized, and we are deeply honored to receive this designation. The university provides a supportive, multicultural learning community on the cultural border with Latin America. The Division of Student Engagement and Success is committed to an environment that values and celebrates diversity and cultures."
-Dr. Don D. Albrecht
Vice President for Student Engagement

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX / Founded 1899
txstate.edu
"It gives me great pleasure for our Student Affairs Division to be named a promising place to work. Our philosophy is based on building a culture of care for students and staff and making sure that everyone feels they matter at Texas State. We work in the spirit of collaboration and share our resources with each other to benefit the students and to ensure that each department successfully completes their mission."
-Dr. Joanne H. Smith
Vice President for Student Affairs

University of Maine at Machias

Machias, ME / Founded 1909
machias.edu
"It is an honor to receive this recognition from a highly respected and innovative organization — American College Personnel Association. Our student affairs staff is exemplary in numerous ways. They are committed to student empowerment, creation of diverse learning opportunities, and engagement with students to explore the true meaning of diversity and inclusion. It is an honor to work with an innovative and dedicated group of professionals."
-Dr. Melvin D. Adams III
Dean of Students and Admissions

University of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA / Founded 1906
westga.edu
"We are all about employee engagement and developing leaders. That, along with paying close attention to hiring great people and giving them the tools to be successful, make for a great work environment at West Georgia where our employees give the students the service they need and deserve. Great People, doing Great Work, at a Great Place!"
-Dr. Scot A. Lingrell
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

The Univeristy of Vermont

Burlington, VT / Founded 1791
uvm.edu
"The University of Vermont is an exciting place to work, learn and grow. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the Most Promising Places to work in Student Affairs. Our division is steadfast to our commitment to engage and promote inclusivity, diversity and multicultural competency in all of our professional development endeavors. We offer opportunities for staff to authentically engage in this work through a variety of large-scale programs, intimate workshops, and the attendance of local and national conferences. The result of our 14-plus year commitment has generated positive results that are reflected in our practices, policies and programs. I look forward to our future as we take the next steps to deepen our capacity to provide the vital services needed for our changing student population."
-Dr. Annie Stevens
Vice Provost for Student Life

Univserity of Denver

Denver, CO / Founded 1864
du.edu
"We are fortunate to have a dedicated and committed staff of competent student aff airs professionals who value and understand the importance of inclusive excellence. We take inclusive excellence seriously at the University of Denver and have made issues of power, privilege and oppression a priority in our strategic planning, student programming, professional development, hiring and recruiting, and student learning outcomes. We are honored and excited to be named as a Most Promising Place to Work in Student Affairs!"
-Dr. Patricia S. Helton
Associate Provost

Virginia Tech

Blackburg University, VA / Founded 1872
vt.edu
"The Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech is honored to receive this award. Given our commitment to diversity and inclusion, our robust student learningcentered divisional curriculum, our engagement in best assessment practices, and our collaborative, connected and transparent colleagueship and leadership, it is important for me to honor and celebrate my colleagues with others."
-Dr. Patricia A. Perillo
Vice President for Student Affairs