Small Colleges and Universities Division Newsletter
Greetings from our Director
Can you believe the spring semester is almost done? Whether you started the semester at the beginning or end of January, the spring term on our campuses can seem relentless. With the varied issues on our campuses of balancing freedom of speech without causing harm, intentional conversations regarding budgets, to maintaining a keen eye on fall enrollment; you may question the joy in the semester.
However, I want to remind you of the upcoming month of May. Think of the smiles, hugs, requests for pictures, tearful goodbyes, and gifts from graduating students and those that have appreciated the care you have shown them over the course of the year or their entire college experience.
The month of May often reminds me of my WHY – just before finally taking some much-deserved summer vacation! The ability to say to a student regardless of the academic standing, “you made it” brings a smile to my face and theirs. In each newsletter message, I have given you and myself a small challenge. This message is a little different. It is the challenge of self-encouragement and appreciation. Take a moment and look around your workspace. Can you identify anything of symbolism from a student? Why do you have it? Why did you keep it? Why did the student give it to YOU? This challenge is to offer you a little boost on the days you need. On a difficult day, look at the item again or pick another.
Good luck on the rest of the spring and if looking at the item doesn’t help, start a countdown to a vacation day. Schedule one if you don’t have one already!
PS. My month-of-May Smile is also from telling my colleagues and myself, “we made it!”
Dr. Aarika C. Camp, she/her Vice President for Student Affairs, Goucher College aarika.camp@goucher.edu
2024 NASPA Annual Conference: Pre-Conference Workshop & More
For those attending the 2024 NASPA Annual Conference in beautiful Seattle, WA (March 9-13, 2024) please view our Guide to #NASPA24 and see the Small Colleges and Universities Division sponsored programs, meetings & receptions, and recommended general interest sessions. Please download the “My NASPA” conference app to ensure you have the most up to date information regarding times, and meeting locations (and so you can start building your conference schedules!)
Sponsored Programs
Pre-Conference Workshop: Storytelling through the BIG and Complex Issues of a SMALL Institution Sunday, Mar 10, 2024, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*Additional registration required
Building Bridges Across Generations at Small Colleges and Universities Monday, Mar 11, 2024, 9:40 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Summit 345
Small College Realities: Establishing a Culture to Drive Innovation, Staff Retention, and Institutional Impact Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024, 8:30 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. | Summit 336
Meetings & Receptions
Small Colleges and Universities Division Town Hall Monday, Mar 11, 2024, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Summit 443
Small Colleges and Universities Division VPSA Reception (VPSAs only)
Dr. Kimberly Bleahas proven herself repeatedly to be an undaunted leader not only at New Mexico Highlands University but within NASPA and especially the Small Colleges and Universities (SCU) Division.
Dr. Blea has role-modeled to the SCU division board to not be afraid to question the NASPA board of directors, think critically of what it means to be a small college or university, and make suggestions that would make the division stronger while making professional experience better.
An example of this would be the creation of this award. While NASPA supports all members being eligible for recognition, there is a clear distinction between large and small institutions. Dr. Blea, as the SCU Division director, heard the concerns of her constituents in feeling as though they could not compete fairly against colleagues from larger institutions. Dr. Blea championed the NASPA Small Colleges and Universities Professional Award and is rightfully deserving to be the first recipient.
Dr. Blea has been successful in engaging new members into the SCU Division, establishing leadership roles that would foster long-term engagement, contributing to the literature in Small and Mighty: Student Affairs at Small Colleges and Universities, and remains heavily involved through presentations in the SCU Early Career Development Institute.
Congratulations, Dr. Blea!
2024 NASPA M. Ben Hogan Small Colleges & Universities Institute
Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
June 23-26, 2024
Register today! Early Bird Registration ends April 30, 2024. The M. Ben Hogan Small Colleges and Universities Institute (SCUI) is happening June 23-25, 2024 at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR . Hosted by the the Small Colleges and Universities Division on a biennial basis, SCUI is a four-day residential program in which vice presidents for student affairs (and the equivalent) and other senior-level professionals are able to engage and talk on the critical issues facing higher education and pertinent issues pertaining to small colleges and universities. Join us as we come together to learn and network with colleagues in similar roles at small colleges and universities from across the country.
Your registration fee includes: all institute materials, housing, and several meals throughout the duration of the institute. Registration cost is based on individual membership status at the time of the event.
For additional information please visit the SCUI webpage.
SCU Member Spotlight:
Dr. Reggie Stroble (he/him)
Director of the Center for Student Success
Trinity Washington University, Washington, D.C.
We are thrilled to have Dr. Reggie Stroble join us as the Professional Awards Coordinator for the Small Colleges and Universities Division. Reggie is eager to ensure that SCU professionals are recognized for their engagement on their respective campuses and
within NASPA. Reggie wants to highlight the diversity of small colleges and universities and professional excellence that makes small colleges and universities strong and mighty!
In his role Dr. Stroble is tasked with a range of responsibilities designed to enhance the academic and personal development of students. He oversees academic advising within the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional & Graduate Studies, coordinates new student orientation, and manages front-line services for Financial Aid. He enjoys most - the direct and personal engagement with students. “The case management approach we adopt allows me to work closely with individual students, addressing their unique needs and challenges. This one-on-one interaction is not just about solving problems; it's about empowering students, helping them navigate their academic and personal hurdles, and fostering a sense of belonging and community.”
Why work at a Small College/University? “One of the most significant advantages [of working at a smaller institution] is the opportunity for cross-departmental collaboration. A small-scale institution fosters a tight-knit community where faculty and staff across various departments can easily work together towards common goals. This collaborative environment enhances our ability to offer holistic support to students, integrating resources and expertise from across the campus,” shares Dr. Stroble.
Let’s Connect
From Haydee Reyes (SCU Advisory Board Communications Coordinator)
Interested in winning a FREE copy of the book Small and Mighty: Student Affairs at Small Colleges and Universities? Written by a diverse group of seasoned campus leaders, this comprehensive text covers a range of topics relevant to higher education and student affairs while providing detailed insights and actions to take for, in support of, and alongside students at small colleges and universities. Now more than ever, make sure to stay connected and FOLLOW US to hear the latest news, announcements, and upcoming networking opportunities on our Social Media platforms.
In the upcoming month we will be launching a fun and engaging Instagram giveaway that could land you a copy of this thought-provoking book right in your mailbox! Detailed contest rules will be posted on our Instagram page @NASPAscu.
Do you have suggestions for our next newsletter or information you would like to share with our Division?
If so, please contact haydee.reyes@washburn.edu with the subject line “SCU Newsletter” or please consider nominating a colleague that is truly making a difference in their role/institution/our profession, by completing the SCU Member Spotlight Submission Form: https://forms.gle/pdTiuQALdbMCgmdXA
