Keynotes and Conference Programming

The conference opened with a keynote by Dr. Ellen J. Neufeldt, President of California State University San Marcos. In “Standing in the Gap: Leading Through Complexity and Building the Bridge Forward,” she explored intentional leadership amid complexity, advancing equity, prioritizing holistic well-being, and strengthening the teams and institutions dedicated to serving students.

Dr. Terrell Strayhorn delivered the conference brunch keynote, “The Bridge to Belonging,” calling on institutions to look beyond traditional measures of student success, such as retention and academic outcomes. He urged them to prioritize belonging, holistic support, and meaningful engagement. Drawing on research and practice, he emphasized the value of coordinated, cross-functional support systems that affirm students’ identities, foster community, and create environments where every student can thrive.

The conference’s educational programming featured presentations and discussions led by professionals and institutions from across the region and beyond. It also launched a Micro-Mentorship initiative, giving participants opportunities to connect with colleagues, exchange professional insights, and build relationships that could extend beyond the event. The initiative highlighted the importance of mentorship and professional networks in supporting people throughout their careers.

Fostering Professional Connections and Community Engagement

Beyond formal programming, the conference offered opportunities for attendees to connect with Greenville and participate in service initiatives that support local communities.

Three community service projects brought the conference’s commitment to service into the Greenville community. Attendees donated sweatshirts to Operation Santa Claus through Mental Health America of Greenville County, stuffed animals for children receiving care at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, and toiletries, food, and clothing for students at Carolina High School. These contributions supported local organizations and individuals while giving attendees a tangible way to engage with the Greenville community during their time in the city.

The partnership between NASPA Region III and SACSA extended beyond conference programming, creating opportunities for professional connection and engagement. The President’s Reception gave attendees time to reconnect with colleagues and build new relationships. For Ryan Priato, Director of Student Engagement at Southeastern Louisiana University, these opportunities to reconnect with former colleagues and meet professionals whose work he admired were an important part of the conference experience.

Ashley Sanfacon, M.Ed., of the University of South Carolina, reflected on how these connections can last well beyond the annual gathering. After attending previous conferences as a graduate student and Presidential Scholar, she returned to Greenville with relationships that had continued to grow. She recalled colleagues who supported her during her job search and valued the chance to reconnect, share career updates, and continue conversations that began at earlier SACSA conferences.

The conference offers graduate students and emerging professionals opportunities to engage with the broader profession. More than 70 graduate students attended, contributing to discussions on professional pathways, research, and the future of student affairs. A graduate student attendee highlighted the welcoming environment and the chance to connect with current graduate students and established professionals during a panel on publishing in graduate school and the scholar-practitioner pipeline.

SACSA's commitment to graduate student involvement is also rooted in its history. In conversations with Executive Director Tony Cawthon, Ph.D., it was noted that the association was originally established through the efforts of a graduate student at Vanderbilt University. That history continues to inform its emphasis on emerging professionals and graduate student engagement.

Beyond the Sessions

The conference experience extended beyond traditional programming, offering attendees opportunities to explore Greenville, connect with colleagues, and prioritize personal well-being. MAC welcomed 72 participants to its annual excursion, providing an opportunity to experience the city and interact with professionals across institutions and career stages. MAC also hosted SACSA After Hours, featuring trivia, games, prizes, and live entertainment.

Throughout the three-day conference, the Wellness and Accessibility Committee organized activities that encouraged attendees to prioritize their well-being. Offerings included a high-intensity interval training session, yoga, designated quiet spaces, and a walk-talk-and-lunch event. These activities gave attendees opportunities to step away from the conference schedule, focus on personal wellness, and engage with colleagues in different settings.

Accessibility was also incorporated into the conference experience. Presenters were encouraged to use closed captions, provide accessible presentation materials, and share resources with attendees in advance. These considerations helped support participation and ensure attendees had access to the materials and information needed to fully engage in conference programming.

Recognitions and Closing Reception

The conference provided opportunities to recognize the individuals and contributions that continue to strengthen SACSA and the student affairs profession. During the closing reception, SACSA honored members for their service, leadership, scholarship, and commitment to the association through its annual awards and recognitions.

The 2026 award recipients included:

• Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Alcedos Vanterpool, North Carolina State University
• New Professional Award: Ti-Ana Pratt, Clemson University
• Mid-Level Professional Award: Bernard Nichols, Johns Hopkins University
• Melvene Draheim Hardee Award: Dr. Kristin Walker-Donnelly, Clemson University
• Howard Davis Sr. Award: Dr. Lakiesa Rawlinson, University of West Georgia
• Joe Buck Service Award: Dr. Kristie Gover, Jacksonville University
• Bobby E. Leach Award: Dr. Jameco McKenzie, North Carolina State University
• Ted K. Miller Award for Excellence: Dr. Isaiah Lucas, Norfolk State University

Scholarship and research remained an important part of the conference's recognition program. Dr. Joy Ginther received the Dissertation of the Year award for Unmasking the Patriarchy: Inequities for Women in Middle Leadership Roles in Higher Education. Chris Ndiritu of American University received the Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Grant, and Antonio Scott of the University of Memphis received the Poster Session Award for From Engagement Metrics to Evidence: A Meaning-Making Model for Student Learning, Identity, and Career Translation.

Among the evening's recognitions was a tribute to Howard Bailey, honoring his lasting contributions to SACSA and the student affairs profession. A retired Vice President for Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University, Bailey dedicated his career to leadership, service, and expanding opportunities for others in higher education. His commitment to SACSA was reflected in his service as a SACSA Foundation Trustee, his recognition as a Gavel & Gravel Society honoree, and his Lifetime Membership. Throughout his career, he helped create pathways for emerging professionals and encouraged others to find their place within the profession. His influence, generosity, and dedication remain part of SACSA's history and the many lives and careers he helped shape.

The evening further recognized the outgoing 2025–2026 SACSA Executive Council and committee chairs, acknowledging their leadership and contributions throughout the association year. Their work advanced SACSA's programming, professional development initiatives, and organizational priorities while supporting the association's continued growth.

A leadership transition brought the evening to a close. SACSA President Dr. Joy Hartfield expressed her appreciation for members' continued commitment to the association and reflected on the work ahead. The passing of “The Gavel and the Gravel” formally welcomed incoming SACSA President Dr. Angela B. Taylor, who will lead the association in the coming year.

Leadership Transition and the Year Ahead

During the closing reception, SACSA introduced its 2026–2027 Executive Council, committee chairs, and special positions, recognizing the members who will lead the association’s ongoing work in professional development, scholarship, research, membership engagement, and organizational planning.

The 2026–2027 SACSA Executive Council includes:

• Dr. Angela B. Taylor, President
• Dr. Lakiesa Rawlinson, President-Elect
• Dr. Joy Hartfield, Past President
• Alexis Montana Harp, Vice President of Marketing
• Kaci Wilhite Greene, Vice President of Member Engagement
• Trevis Belle, Vice President of Membership
• Dr. Eric Bailey II, Vice President of Professional Development
• Dr. Jason K. Wallace, Vice President of Scholarship and Research
• Dr. Justavian D. Tillman, Member-at-Large
• Dr. Tony Cawthon, Executive Director
• Darrah Blackwell, Presidential Scholar

The association also welcomed its 2026–2027 committee chairs, co-chairs, and special-position leaders. Their responsibilities span awards and recognition, career services, multicultural awareness, recruitment and retention, research and assessment, public policy, professional development, and organizational planning.

Among the incoming committee leaders are Dr. Dashan Axson-Lawrence and Ahmed Samaha, Awards and Recognition Co-Chairs; Dorian Coles and Crystal Hodge, Career Services Co-Chairs; Bradford Porter and Ti-Ana Pyatt, Multicultural Awareness Committee Co-Chairs; and Jalesha Turner and Brianna Williams, Recruitment and Retention Co-Chairs.

Additional leadership appointments include Dr. Dirron Allen, Mid-Managers Institute Director; Dr. Eric Bailey II, New Professionals Institute Director; Dr. Mary Alice Varga, Research and Assessment Chair; Dr. Relius Johnson, Strategic Planning Chair; and Dr. Shawnboda Mead, Time and Place Chair. Dr. Chase Catalano and Dr. Emeka Ikegwuonu will continue their work as co-editors of the College Student Affairs Journal.

The leadership transition also introduced SACSA’s priorities for the coming year. Under Dr. Angela B. Taylor’s leadership, the association will continue to focus on fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability, professional development and leadership growth, and organizational planning and efficiency.

These priorities reflect SACSA’s commitment to investing in its members, strengthening organizational processes, and fostering a community where professionals feel connected, supported, and valued. Looking ahead, the association’s leadership emphasized the importance of preparing for change while continuing to advance SACSA’s values and mission.

A Conference Built on Connection and Continued Growth

The conference’s success reflected the collective efforts of the planning team, volunteers, presenters, committee members, institutional partners, and attendees. Conference Chair Molly Jean Callahan and Assistant Conference Chair Melissa Barrett collaborated with a team representing institutions across the country. Working alongside the program, keynote speakers, registration, local arrangements, marketing and communications, and accessibility teams, they helped bring the conference theme to life.

As SACSA looks ahead, the 76th Annual Conference offered a chance to examine the profession's current challenges and invest in the people, partnerships, and ideas shaping its future. Through educational programming, community engagement, mentorship, recognition, and professional connection, the conference reaffirmed the value of bringing student affairs professionals together to reshape, reignite, and reclaim the work ahead.

Looking Ahead: SACSA’s 77th Annual Conference

SACSA will convene in Jacksonville, Florida, for its 77th Annual Conference in 2027. Leading the conference planning efforts will be Brooke White, Conference Chair, and Jamir Wright, Assistant Conference Chair.

The leadership team also includes Ashley Sanfacon, Communications and Marketing Chair; DaVina Hamilton and Dr. Ruth Y. Lopez, Local Arrangements Co-Chairs; Dr. Ra’meer Roberts, Major Speakers Chair; Ali Ramirez and Qubanaé Hudson, Programs Co-Chairs; and Alexis Michalos, Registration Chair.

With the 2027 leadership team in place, preparations will begin for the association’s next annual gathering. Building on the connections, conversations, and shared experiences of the Greenville conference, SACSA looks ahead to another opportunity to bring student affairs professionals together for learning, collaboration, and continued engagement with the profession.