The Student Affairs team plays a key role in enhancing the student experience, providing the ‘beyond the classroom’ essentials needed to make an institution and its students successful. Institutions strategizing for sustained growth through increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates will benefit from the pivotal role of the Student Affairs division and its leadership.
A study by MacMillan reveals that institutions undervalue the role of Student Affairs, leaving students vulnerable to emotional and mental health issues and diminished academic performance. Evidence of minimizing Student Affairs’ contributions may present as inadequate diversity and inclusion programs, discontinuation of clubs or programs, a decrease in student engagement, and even laying off the staff as a result of budget cuts.
Yet, an effective Student Affairs team greatly impacts the institution’s return on investment (ROI) by helping students find a sense of belonging, remain successful during their academic journey, and stay involved after graduation. A 2020 study by NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, reveals Student Affairs will continue to positively influence overall learning, retention, and the campus experience.
Leaders in the Student Affairs division inspire and motivate the whole team to work toward a shared vision of student success in support of the institution’s strategic priorities. They advocate for the rights of the students, look after their needs, and help students navigate challenges as they seek personal and academic growth.
Student Affairs oversees or intersects with numerous areas that are critical to institutional success, such as:
From emphasizing mental health awareness and stress management to adapting to new technologies and virtual platforms, the Student Affairs environment has undergone major transformations in recent years. These changes mean that leaders must adapt and learn new skills and strategies to address their students' changing needs.
According to NASPA, 84% of professionals anticipate having an increased focus on social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts as part of their current role in the next five years. In addition, many universities have experienced an increase in the number of protests organized by students. These protests highlight the need for Student Affairs to proactively discuss issues including social injustice and racial discrimination to ensure a healthy campus climate for the students. Students are also demanding that leaders speak out on these issues.
The changing higher education landscape now requires Student Affairs professionals to be well-versed in changing laws and regulations to navigate the legal challenges students or the institution might face. Staying well-informed of the laws also helps in making decisions that safeguard the institution from avoidable litigation.
The introduction of big data and data analytics tools now allows institutions to collect a wide range of information that provides insights into student behavior, needs, and performance. Collecting and analyzing data can also help in decision-making and crafting strategies that align with institutional goals while bridging the gaps in overall student development. Therefore, Student Affairs leaders should have a good understanding of how to make use of this data to gain a competitive advantage.
According to a study by NASPA, 72% of Student Affairs professionals anticipate having an increased focus on leveraging technology to foster community engagement online as part of their current role in the next five years. This finding highlights the need to make use of online platforms to create communities that foster active participation and collaboration among students to create a sense of belonging.
Institutions can conduct on-campus surveys to collect data and gain insights into various aspects of the campus environment. The main focus of these surveys is often social justice and equity, Title IX compliance, alcohol use and safety, and quality of life on campus. These surveys help institutions in crafting policies and strategies that create a more welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus environment.
Recent instances of bullying, campus violence, and security breaches raise concerns for student safety. Institutions are finding it necessary to create more robust safety protocols, enhanced communication channels, and other measures that prioritize student safety. Student Affairs often works closely with the public safety team to prepare for and/or mitigate safety issues on campus.
A survey by TimelyMD revealed that 7 out of 10 students experience mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression. In this environment, Student Affairs is prioritizing mental health services and programs. By creating inclusive communities, affinity groups, peer support programs, wellness programs, and counseling services, Student Affairs can effectively support the mental health and well-being of all students.
With the increase in data analytics, the impact of Student Affairs can be measured more accurately. The overall ROI metrics to track include four- and six-year graduation rates and year-to-year retention rates. Mental health statistics are another key metric to track when assessing the impact of Student Affairs.
Other factors that help assess the ROI of a Student Affairs leader are student engagement rates, participation in clubs and activities, feedback on support services, and involvement in campus well-being events. Data for these metrics can be gathered through on-campus surveys, focus groups, and other data collection methods.
As institutions grapple with declining enrollment and graduation rates, the role of Student Affairs leaders becomes increasingly vital. Fewer than two-thirds of students earn a degree within six years of enrolling. Of the five top determinants of whether students thrive in college, three are directly in the purview of Student Affairs (positive perspective, social connectedness, and diverse citizenship).
Networks and experience are among the top reasons to partner with a firm like AGB Search for identifying and recruiting Student Affairs leaders. Our nationwide networks and our first-hand knowledge of the Student Affairs function help to ensure that we find the ideal candidate for the position. With years of expertise and access to a diverse and substantial pool of candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds, we provide options to hiring authorities and Search Committees as they seek new leadership. Additionally, we have team members dedicated to Student Affairs searches who have personal experience working within and leading this division.
Andrew Bowen
With experience in both student and academic affairs administration at both public and private institutions, Mr. Bowen started in search as an Associate at another executive search firm before joining AGB Search in 2020. He has conducted many successful searches for Vice Presidents of Student Affairs, Presidents, Provosts, Deans, and other Cabinet members. He has supported hundreds of searches by understanding each client’s distinctive culture and identifying the talent that best aligns with their needs.
Jean Kim, Ed.D.
Dr. Kim has worked as an Executive Search Consultant with AGB Search since 2017, after a successful 37-year career in higher education. For 25 years, she was the Chief Student Affairs Officer at large public research institutions, AAU universities, and private liberal arts colleges overseeing the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management divisions. Working with AGB Search, she has conducted many successful searches for leadership roles at a wide array of private and public universities.
Franklin A. Newton, Ed. D.
Dr. Newton has 35 years of experience in higher education, including leadership roles in Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and in other senior positions at multiple institutions. He joined AGB Search as an Executive Search Consultant and prioritizes helping institutions in finding talent that aligns with their goals, values, and culture.
Tony Pace
Mr. Pace spent a combined 25 years in Student Affairs and Enrollment Management leadership roles, including at Trinity College, the College of the Holy Cross, Vanderbilt University, and Lafayette College, as well as in interim leadership roles at Southern Connecticut State University and Xavier University of Louisiana. Mr. Pace has spoken and presented at higher education professional organization meetings and conferences, including the National and Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling, the College Board National and Regional Forums, and the Historically Black Colleges & University Conference (now rebranded A Dream Deferred).
Louis Stark
Mr. Stark spent over 45 years working in higher education institutions, serving for three decades as a Vice President for Student Affairs. He joined AGB Search as an Executive Search Consultant in 2023. His experience has been primarily at AAU private institutions and liberal arts colleges. Mr. Stark has actively worked with many local, regional, and national organizations including NASPA and the NCAA Division III Management Council. He is an advocate for the value of Student Affairs and works to identify leaders who are centered on holistic student development.
At AGB Search, we believe that a robust, engaged Student Affairs division is an essential element in increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates and advancing student success. We support searches for Chief Student Affairs Officers, as well as for roles in residence life, career services, dining services, student well-being and success, and more.
