Member Stories

“I joined ACPA to find a professional home where I could learn and grow amongst motivated and forward-thinking colleagues. I remain an active member of ACPA because of the supportive relationships I’ve built with amazing people who care about students and are working to build our body of knowledge. ACPA provides me with countless opportunities to learn and grow, to network and navigate … whether through my involvement at the state division level in Ohio or at the national level as Coordinator of State Divisions. ACPA serves as my professional compass and helps point me in the direction of ethical and inclusive leadership as well as student advocacy and access. I’m a better professional because of ACPA and I think I’m a better person because of the people I’ve met through ACPA.” – Sandra Emerick, Associate Dean of Students, Cleveland State University

“ACPA has provided great information and guidance throughout these changes and has evolved as an organization as well. What I marvel at though is how the Association continues to welcome and nurture diversity; how ACPA provides members the opportunity to be involved regardless of how long they have been in the profession; and how the Association remains on the cutting edge when it comes to thinking about students and understanding their needs and the needs of those who serve them.” – Paul Shang, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students, University of Oregon

“…ACPA is the place where I found my niche and cultivated my skills as a leader in higher education and student affairs.   ACPA stands for my core values, "liberty and justice for all.” – Jamie Washington, Founding Faculty, Social Justice Training Institute

“It is where I have observed advocacy. It is where I see so many new student service professionals (such as I was) and it is where I want to help ensure their professional growth and success. ACPA is a caring association; it is a responsive association.” – Susan Salvador, Vice President, Monroe Community College

“While working in my first role, an Area Coordinator at Penn State, I became aware of ACPA. The level of enrichment I have received since attending my first convention in 1990 until now is immeasurable, and each year I am afforded opportunities for learning, networking and growth. ACPA has and continues to be the benchmark for scholarly publications, for nurturing the development of graduate students and new professionals and for embodying the values of inclusion.” - Jonathan Poullard, Dean of Students, University of California-Berkeley

While at Case I was introduced to ACPA and attended my first state conference.  I recall looking around and instead of feeling completely out of place, I felt welcomed.  Instead of feeling an internal need to put on a smile and "march ahead," I found myself relaxing in an environment of support, humor, colleagueship and professional development.  Safe, I wasn't asked to prove myself worthy, the professionals I met through ACPA at the state level considered me "one of them" unconditionally.  Despite my "greenness" and idealistic view of the world, ACPA accepted me while setting a standard of professionalism that guides my work today – twenty-four years later.”  - Nancy Hunter Denney, Speaker and Leadership Trainer, Zing Leadership Development Systems, LLC

“This association helped me to make many friends in the field of Student Affairs, including some of my closest professional and personal friends. It gave me experiences that brought important learning and professional development, and which directly helped me advance my career in the field. Through ACPA I've helped edit the Association's Journal, worked with colleagues on the Commission on Administrative Leadership, served on the ACPA Theory and Research Board, chaired the Professional Issues Council, worked in ACPA governance, and served on the ACPA Educational Leadership Foundation (Foundation) Board—among many other experiences. All of these opportunities brought me new ideas and enriched my professional practice at the institutions where I have served.” - David Ostroth, Vice President for Student Affairs, Bridgewater State College

“The Association has provided the context that nurtures my professional development, has provided opportunities for me to make professional contributions, and has provided me with a supportive network of colleagues and friends.” - Terry Piper, Vice President, California State University-Northridge

“I went on to develop many ACPA friendships, prepare a number of graduate students both at Case Western Reserve University and The Ohio State University. Moreover, I served SCPA and ACPA on a variety of committees before joining the Editorial Board of the Journal of College Student Personnel. My service as ACPA Secretary and later President in 1976 gave me opportunities to insist that higher education not lose sight of the quality of educational life — not lose sight of the student. To be sure, to assist each student to become a better, more complete human being.” - Anne S. Pruitt, Scholar in Residence, Council of Graduate Schools