The Student Affairs Balancing Act

Making Conferences Count, Part 2.

We continue our conversation with Leanna Payton, Director of Housing and Community Standards at Henderson State University, to discuss how new professionals in Student Affairs can get the most out of conference experiences. From navigating your first conference to building meaningful professional connections, Leanna shares practical advice on preparing with intention, showing up with confidence, and turning conference moments into long-term career growth.

Making Conferences Count

In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome Leanna Payton, Director of Housing and Community Standards at Henderson State University, to discuss how new professionals in Student Affairs can get the most out of conference experiences. From navigating your first conference to building meaningful professional connections, Leanna shares practical advice on preparing with intention, showing up with confidence, and turning conference moments into long-term career growth.

The Student Affairs Balancing Act, Part 2.

In this episode of Student-Centered, we talk with Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, about what it means to be a multi-functional professional in student affairs. Stephanie shares how her role spans several programs and functional areas, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges of supporting students across multiple campus initiatives. The conversation explores how balancing diverse responsibilities can strengthen collaboration, expand professional skill sets, and ultimately enhance the way institutions serve students. Stephanie also reflects on how working across departments shapes her approach to leadership and student success, providing a valuable perspective for professionals who wear many hats in their work with students.

The Student Affairs Balancing Act

In this episode of Student-Centered, we talk with Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, about what it means to be a multi-functional professional in student affairs. Stephanie shares how her role spans several programs and functional areas, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges of supporting students across multiple campus initiatives. The conversation explores how balancing diverse responsibilities can strengthen collaboration, expand professional skill sets, and ultimately enhance the way institutions serve students. Stephanie also reflects on how working across departments shapes her approach to leadership and student success, providing a valuable perspective for professionals who wear many hats in their work with students.

Artificial Intelligence in Student Affairs Work

In this episode of the Student-Centered, host Zackery Tucker has a conversation with Ava AI, an artificial intelligence persona, to explore the evolving role of AI in the world of Student Affairs — from everyday strategies that save time and improve decision-making, to deeper questions about ethics, equity, and the human connection that defines education. The episode is a recording of a virtual conversation with the AI tool ChatGPT using the Everway Read&Write tool about AI use in Student Affairs work. Whether you’re curious about practical applications of AI in advising, programming, and assessment — or you’re wrestling with questions about what it means for the future of higher education — this conversation offers both insight and inspiration. ✨ Key Topics: * Innovative uses of AI in Student Affairs * Ethical considerations and FERPA concerns * Strategies for AI-assisted reflection and decision-making * Preparing students to use AI responsibly * The balance between innovation and human connection 📘 Join us as we imagine a future where AI doesn’t replace Student Affairs — it empowers it.