2017 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs

Now in its fourth year, Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs (MPPWSA) is a national recognition that celebrates student affairs workplaces that are vibrant, diverse, supportive and committed to staff work-life balance, professional development and inclusive excellence. MPPWSA offers institutional leaders information that can be sued to improve practices across their student affairs community, while also serving as a useful tool for employers, career services staff and job-seekers across the country!

Other Years

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2016 2015 2014

Institution	Senior Student Affairs Officer	Location	Level	Control	Enrollment
Bellarmine University	Dr. Helen Grace Ryan	Louisville, KY	4-year	private	3,609
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo	Dr. Keith B. Humphrey	San Luis Obispo, CA	4-year	public	20,186
California State University Channel Islands	Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer	Camarillo, CA	4-year	public	5,879
College of William & Mary	Dr. Virginia Ambler	Williamsburg, VA	4-year	public	8,437
Hofstra University	W. Houston Dougharty	Hempstead, NY	4-year	private	10,953
Indiana University Southeast	Dr. Jason Meriwether	New Albany, IN	4-year	public	6,442
Lynn University	WDr. Phillip Riordan	Boca Raton, FL	4-year	private	2,613
Miami University	Dr. Jayne Brownell	Oxford, OH	4-year	public	18,620
The Ohio State University	Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston	Columbus, OH	4-year	public	58,322
Olivet College	Dr. Linda Logan	Olivet, MI	4-year	private	1,058
Rutgers University-New Brunswick	Dr. Felicia E. McGinty	New Brunswick, NJ	4-year	public	48,378
Saint Louis University	Dr. Kent Porterfield	St. Louis, MO	4-year	private	17,052
Shepherd University	Dr. Thomas Christopher Segar	Shepherdstown, WV	4-year	public	4,041
Stony Brook University	Dr. Peter Baigent	Stony Brook, NY	4-year	public	24,607
University of North Carolina at Wilmington	Patricia Leonard	Wilmington, NC	4-year	public	14,570
The University of Vermont	Dr. Annie Stevens	Burlington, VT	4-year	public	12,856
Univeristy of West Georgia	Dr. Scot Lingrell	Carrollton, GA	4-year	public	10,206
Virginia Tech	Dr. Patricia A. Perillo	Blacksburg, VA	4-year	public	31,224

ABOUT THE STUDY

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 (OSU), 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 of various divisions of student affairs (or equivalent) at participating ACPA-member institutions across the globe, including administrative structures, commitments, work environments, and staffing practices.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ENTERPRISE

The Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE) is an interdisciplinary research 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 OSU, where he also serves as director of 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 300 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. Royel M. Johnson (Project Coordinator) is a researcher and policy analyst for CHEE. His research focuses on major policy- and practice-relevant issues in education such as: college access and success; race, equity, and diversity; and student learning and development. He is co-editor of a forthcoming book on historically Black colleges and universities and has published dozens of journal articles, book chapters, and other academic publications. He holds a Ph.D. in higher education and student affairs from OSU.

This project also benefited from the contributions of other CHEE staff who helped contact administrators, craft institutional profiles and elecit quotations. These include(in alphabetical order): Shay Merritté, Danny Ndungu, Regina Robinson-Easter, Tiffany Steele, and Catherine Wang.

PROMISING PRACTICES

Building on the success of last year, we are excited to include another set of "promising practices" in this year’s report for Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs 2017. As the MPPWSA project matures each year, we learn more and more about what’s going on at various institutions to increase staff diversity, foster a sense of belonging and equip college student educators for their work with students. In last year’s edition of Diverse, we shared five practices that hold promise for achieving the outcomes we desire with student affairs staff. This year we present four new promising practices.

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
Bellarmine University	48	6	NO	NO	NO	N/R	$80,000	$65,000	$48,000
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo	424	38	YES	N/R	YES	NO	$161,267	$83,152	$43,152
California State University Channel Islands	72	0	YES	YES	YES	NO	$103,687	$83,152	$43,152
College of William & Mary	122	30	YES	NO	NO	N/R	$108,327	$59,404	$36,500
Hofstra University	105	9	YES	NO	YES	YES	$90,000	$60,000	$48,500
Indiana University Southeast	54	75	YES	NO	N/R	N/R	N/R	N/R	N/R
Lynn University	67	1	NO	NO	NO	NO	$80,000	$50,000	$42,000
Miami University	105	77	N/R	N/R	N/R	N/R	$73,137	$58,463	$41,575
The Ohio State University	1119	4981	NO	YES	N/R	N/R	$117,055	$64,800	$47,647
Olivet College	9	6	YES	NO	N/R	N/R	$65,000	$50,000	$32,000
Rutgers University-New Brunswick	1060	333	YES	NO	YES	YES	N/R	N/R	N/R
Saint Louis University	173	36	YES	NO	N/R	NO	$137,900	$79,020	$41,180
Shepherd University	36	28	YES	NO	YES	NO	$78,000	$50,000	$30,000
Stony Brook University	62	68	YES	YES	N/R	N/R	$125,000	$70,000	$40,000
University of North Carolina at Wilmington	153	10	YES	NO	YES	NO	$90,000	$70,000	$48,000
The University of Vermont	178	6	YES	NO	YES	YES	$112,000	$58,000	$44,000
Univeristy of West Georgia	204	75	YES	YES	NO	N/R	$90,000	$50,000	$36,000
Virginia Tech	795	2450	YES	NO	NO	N/R	$108,667	$68,648	$34,818

DIVERSITY BENEFITS

Institution	Cargiving Leave For All	Childcare Services	Continuing Ed	Ed Leave	Elder Care Services	Flexible Work Schedule	Mentoring	Stress Reduction Program
Bellarmine University	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	NO
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	NO	YES
California State University Channel Islands	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
College of William & Mary	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	YES
Hofstra University	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	NO	YES	YES
Indiana University Southeast	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES
Lynn University	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO
Miami University	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES
The Ohio State University	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
Olivet College	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
Rutgers University-New Brunswick	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Saint Louis University	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES	YES
Shepherd University	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES
Stony Brook University	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
University of North Carolina at Wilmington	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES
The University of Vermont	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Univeristy of West Georgia	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
Virginia Tech	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES

MOST PROMISING PLACES TO WORK IN STUDENT AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD

Tracy Cameron, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean of Intercultural Education
Director Harambee House
Advisor to Student of African Descent
Wellesley College

Stan Carpenter, Ph.D.

Dean
College of Education
Texas State University

Kristen A. Renn, Ph.D.

Professor of Higher, Adult, & Lifelong Education
Michigan State University

Joan B. Hirt, Ph.D.

Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
School of Education
College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Sue Saunders, Ph.D.

Program Coordinator, Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration
Extension Professor, Department of Educational Leadership Neag School

MOST PROMISING PLACES

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY / Founded 1950
bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs
"At the end of the day, it is about the students we serve. At Bellarmine University, the Division of Student Affairs is comprised of compassionate, dedicated professionals who champoin students’ educational, professional, and spiritual goals. This mission guides our everyday work. Hospitality is at the core of our institutional mission and who we are as an institution. Within the Division, we work to extend that same hospitality to one another through professional development opportunities at every staff meeting, a formal staff mentoring program, inclusive conversations around strategiv initiatives, staff orientation, professional engagement, and encouragement for people to dream it - so that they may do it."
-Dr. Helen Grace Ryan
VP for Student Affairs

California State University Channel Island

Camarillo, CA / Founded 2002
csuci.edu/studentaffairs
"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 (2017) for the third consecutive year. CI’s Division of Student Affairs’ aim is to provide students with excellent needs-based 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 third 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
VP for Student Affairs

California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA / Founded 1901
studentaffairs.calpoly.edu
"In Cal Poly Student Affairs we work every day to ensure that the quality of our out-of-class experience matches the quality of our in-class experience. My priority as vice president is to create an environment that allows our team to show up as leaders and do their best work for students. We are honored to be named a 'most promising place to work in Student Affairs,' as this recognition reflects the intentional work we have done to be a model division and elevate the prestige of a Cal Poly degree."
—Dr. Keith B. Humphrey
VP for Student Affairs

College of William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA / Founded 1693
wm.edu/studentaffairs
"Our division is strongest when all voices are honored and when colleagues are respected for the unique expertise, talents and perspectives they bring to our work. Creating open, respectful environments is essential for staff to flourish in their roles. I am grateful to work with colleagues who share a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. Not only are they remarkable role models for our students, but they are also a daily inspiration to me."
—Virginia Ambler
VP for Student Affairs

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY / Founded 1935
hofstra.edu/studentaffairs
"Once again it is gratifying and exciting for our Hofstra Student Affairs Division to be recognized in this special way. Our continued focus on being educators and advocates for Hofstra students – and working with colleagues to embrace and implement best and next student aff airs practices – makes us a staff that attracts and retains a particularly talented and diverse team of professionals. As our divisional mission expresses, our focus is 'to intentionally create a vibrant, healthy, and secure learning environment – where personal responsibility and positive action lead to thriving and success.' Being included in this group of 18 divisions nationally attests to our fervent commitment to Hofstra and our terrific students."
—Dr. Houston Dougharty
VP for Student Affairs

Indiana University Southeast

New Albany, IN / Founded 1941
ius.edu/student-affairs
"As a regional university, our commitment to diversity reflects dedication to meeting the needs of a diverse and evolving student population. As each student pursues a degree, exposure to new ideas, beliefs, perspectives, traditions and values will enhance their skills and more effectively prepare them to contribute to society. Through a diverse experience at IU Southeast, our graduates are prepared to enter a global workforce where emphasis on learning, understanding and collaboration generates success."
—Dr. Jason Meriwether
VP for Student Affairs

Lynn University

Boca Raton, FL / Founded 1962
lynn.edu/campus-directory/student-affairs
"On behalf of the entire Division of Student Affairs at Lynn University, we are extremely honored and humbled to be named one of The 2017 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs. This acknowledgment is reflective of the hard work and dedication of each and every staff member (professional and paraprofessional) that works in Student Affairs at Lynn University. As the vice president for student affairs, I am blessed to work with such a creative, innovative and dynamic team."
—Dr. Phillip Riordan
VP for Student Affairs

Miami University

Oxford, OH / Founded 1809
miamioh.edu/student-life/student-affairs
"I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a committed, enthusiastic team of Student Affairs professionals. I have been at Miami for three years, and in that time, I have seen us make great strides in building a team that works together as one Division, rather than a collection of offices, each focused on its own priorities. Defining our Divisional focus areas of belonging, support, engagement and community, along with stewardship of our financial and human resources, ensures that we are all working toward the same goals and allows us to work across office boundaries for the benefit of our students."
—Dr. Jayne Brownell
VP for Student Affairs

The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH / Founded 1870
studentlife.osu.edu/
"A commitment to support student success cannot happen without a staff committed to the hard work that goes into providing that support. Our Ohio State Student Life team is second to none in its dedication, talent and ability create the extraordinary student experience. It is gratifying that their efforts are recognized through being included on the list of Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs."
—Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston
VP for Student Affairs

Olivet College

Olivet, MI / Founded 1844
olivetcollege.edu/admissions/student-services
"At Olivet College, we are intentional about the work that we do in diversity, inclusion and cultural competence, and as a team we are honored to be recognized for these eff orts. Olivet College has been rooted in social justice since its founding, and today we continue to build on this great legacy through our mission of individual and social responsibility while treating people with respect and dignity. The Olivet College Office of Student Life remains committed to providing the leadership, training and expertise to keep diversity and inclusion at the forefront for our community. The professional student life staff, including student employees, is required to participate in diversity and inclusion related training and conferences annually. For example, this past year the entire department participated in a microaggression training. We are thankful and feel fortunate to have strong support from the president’s and provost’s offices which aid our efforts. Again, this is a great honor and validates the work we do each day."
—Dr. Linda Logan
VP and Dean of Student Life

Rutgers U.-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ / Founded 1766
studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/
"We’re honored to be recognized again as a promising place to work in the field of student affairs. Since our last recognition in 2014, we have placed great emphases on further strengthening to organizational environment within the Division of Student Affairs at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Our new tag-line, 'There’s a U in Rutgers,' emphasizes the responsibility that all divisional staff members have with shaping the divisional culture positively for all stakeholders. The steps that we have taken to build upon our last recognition have led to an influx of new talented staff into the division and to a renewed commitment by current staff towards achieving a high level of excellence in all we do. In the past year, we ahve had a number of our employees be recognized nationally for their contributions to the profession."
—Dr. Felicia McGinty
VP of Student Affairs

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO / Founded 1818
slu.edu/division-of-student-development/
"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
VP of Student Development

Shepherd University

Shepherdstow, WV / Founded 1871
shepherd.edu/studentaffairs
"We believe being named a promising place to work in student affairs affirms our division and institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion."
-Dr. Thomas C. Segar
VP for Student Affair

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY / Founded 1957
studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/
"Among our organization’s most valuable assets is our diverse identity. We continue to invest in our people and strive for equity, inclusion and organizational health. We do so because it strengthens our organization, recognizes the value of our people and ultimately empowers us to serve our students more effectively."
-Dr. Peter Baigent
VP for Student Affairs

U. of North Carolina at Wilminton

Wilmingtion, NC / Founded 1947
uncw.edu/studentaffairs/
"It’s an honor to be included on this list of 'Most Promising Places' given the commitment our student affairs team makes to each and every UNCW student: one of integrity, inclusion and support toward enhancing their academic journey however we can. I am fortunate to have staff who are so collaborative - with each other and with partners on campus - and so engaged with our student body. Engagement is one of our core values, and we challenge ourselves as student affairs professionals to 'walk the walk' of that value every day."
-Patricia Leonard
VP for Student Affairs

University of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA / Founded 1906
westga.edu/administration
"This recognition for the fourth year in a row is a testament to the excellent work that is down every day in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of West Georgia. The recognition is not what we strive for, but is a natural outcome of keeping students first, and focusing on our Divisional Goals of Caring, Collaboration, and Growth and Development. I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts our employees make to help students succeed."
-Dr. Scott Lingrell
VP for Student Affairs

The Univeristy of Vermont

Burlington, VT / Founded 1791
uvm.edu/studentaffairs
"I am deeply humbled to accept this designation on behalf of the University of Vermont’s Division of Student Affairs. While this recognition is a significant marker of achievement, we know there is still much work to be done. As a division, we acknowledg the institutionalized oppression and systemic racism that continues to manifest nationally, locally and on our campus. I continue to be sincerely grateful for the outstanding professionals in our division, who consistently push us to strive for greater equity and inclusion.
We remain actively engaged in this work in order to thoughtfully provide programs and services that meet the diverse identities and changing needs for our students. We know this work can, at times, be difficult; and yet, we believe it is integral to creating a more inclusive campus and abiding social change."
-Dr. Annie Stevens
VP of Student Life

Virginia Tech

Blackburg University, VA / Founded 1872
dsa.vt.edu
"Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs is a community of educators and lifelong learners. Our Aspirations for Student Learning and the university’s Principles of Community are espoused values, and ones we as a division can do articulate, uphold and model. We underscore the concept of 'to know and be known,' and I believe that sense of belonging and our commitment to the university’s motto of "Ut Prosim" (This I May Serve) are reasons we receive such distinctions."
-Dr. Patricia A. Perillo
VP for Student Affairs