Leadership Exchange

Dear Colleagues:

NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

As we enter the new academic year we celebrate autumn and what it means for the many different environments of our colleges and universities. The new year brings the latest initiatives, opportunities for growth, and the sense of a clean slate—a fresh beginning and the chance to make things happen. During my opening remarks in April at the NASPA Business Meeting,

I noted a philosophy about trees—a philosophy I often share with students. We can view our lives as the roots and trunk; the branches represent the decisions we make along the way. To experience the fruits and flowers, one must be ready and willing to climb to the top or to go out on a limb. The fruit and flowers hold the seeds of the future, too. In student affairs, we must be willing to shake those very limbs as we contribute to continued growth and progress.

This philosophy applies to NASPA and to our priorities as professionals as we use our strengths to reach new heights, while remaining true to our core values or roots. Similarly, Robert Young in Student Services: A Handbook for the Profession (Jossey-Bass, 2003) addresses our professional philosophies as the roots of a tree, and our values as flowers, representing the next phase of development. As leaders in higher education, we can shake the limbs to compel others to collaborate, reinforce student learning, lead assessment efforts, share evidence from student experiences, and learn about and espouse principles of social justice. We shake the limbs: Preconceptions move and fall, thoughts are inspired, ideas collide. The result translates to meaningful actions and intentional activities. For example, during Arcadia’s new student orientation program one of my colleagues addresses parents and indicates that we want students to learn and grow. To do so, students need to “stretch beyond their comfort zones.” Professionals in student affairs must do the same.

When a branch of a tree breaks, a knob is left. That knob, sticking out of the tree trunk, affords the next tree climber an added advantage. In the same way, colleagues or staff members may be able to take advantage of our previous experiences, regardless of how successful we perceive our past ventures. One also may note that just as the most unusual tree stands out in a forest, we must be comfortable with differences in approaches and thinking in the day-to-day

In addition to many regional events this fall, don’t forget the professional development programs planned on numerous topics. What wonderful opportunities to come together to network and learn. I look forward to seeing colleagues in my travels.

As this new edition of Leadership Exchange arrives on your desk, consider how you use your position to share information and offer guidance and direction to staff on topics of particular interest. In our roles, we can be change agents and raise these critical issues to the senior management teams on our campuses.

Remember, it is up to you to keep shaking the tree.

Gwendolyn Jordan Dungy

Nancy E. Grund

Melissa Dahne Kevin Kruger Leah Ewing Ross

Sese-Paul Design

Cynthia Cherrey, Chair Dennis Black Brett Campbell James F. Conneely Arthur Costantino Mela Dutka Henry Gee Patrick Lamy John Laws Kathy MacKay Joe Marchetti Gary L. McGrath Cornel Morton Xavier Romano John Saddlemire Thomas Shandley Brian Sullivan Eliseo “Cheo” Torres Tracy Tyree Barry L. Wells James F. Vick Jan Winniford

NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, affectional or sexual orientation, or disability in any of its policies, programs, and services.

Leadership Exchange is published four times a year for senior student affairs officers in higher education. Letters to the editor are welcome. For subscription information and advertising opportunities, please contact the NASPA office.