As part of the Stories That Shaped Us series, I sat down with Kim Bullington, a long-standing SACSA member and Vice President for Member Engagement, to reflect on how the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) has grown and evolved over the years. Our conversation revealed a consistent truth about SACSA’s past and present: while programs and structures may change, the organization’s heart remains rooted in connection, accessibility, and belonging.

The Evolution of SACSA Membership and Engagement

Reflecting on her early years of involvement, Bullington noted that SACSA’s membership has expanded in both size and scope. When she attended her first conference in Norfolk, Virginia, she immediately recognized the association’s welcoming culture. “What struck me most was how approachable everyone was,” she recalled. “Even as someone who wasn’t in a traditional student affairs role at the time, I felt like there was space for me.”

That sense of belonging has only deepened over time. SACSA’s leadership has intentionally created pathways for engagement that meet professionals where they are—whether they serve in housing, advising, admissions, or other areas of higher education. What once felt like a primarily conference-centered organization has become a year-round professional network, supported by a wide range of committees, professional development opportunities, and graduate student involvement.

Building a Culture of Belonging

Over the years, SACSA has continued to prioritize community as one of its defining characteristics. Members frequently describe the organization as a professional home—a place where they can grow, lead, and be supported.

“The spirit of SACSA has always been about showing up for others,” Bullington reflected. “People come back year after year because of the relationships and mentorship they find here.”

Even as higher education professionals face growing workloads and shifting institutional challenges, SACSA has remained an environment that balances professional development with personal connection. It is a space where emerging professionals meet mentors, where ideas are exchanged across generations, and where members genuinely celebrate one another’s successes.

Adapting to Changing Needs

In recent years, SACSA has expanded its offerings to respond to the evolving needs of its membership. Opportunities to serve on committees, participate in virtual events, and engage in leadership roles have multiplied.

“When I became Vice President of Member Engagement,” Bullington explained, “I realized how many committees existed—Career Services, Membership, MAC, and more. Each of these spaces allows members to find their own niche.”

This growth reflects SACSA’s ongoing commitment to accessibility. Whether a graduate student attending their first conference or a seasoned professional looking to give back, there is now a clear path for involvement. The organization’s hybrid and online options have also made participation more feasible for members across the southern region.

The Power of Connection

Networking has always been one of SACSA’s greatest strengths. For many members, relationships formed at SACSA have directly influenced career opportunities, research collaborations, and lifelong friendships.

Bullington shared that these connections often lead to unexpected professional growth: “You never know how meeting someone at a SACSA event might shape your career later. This organization connects people who might not have crossed paths otherwise.”

That sense of interconnection continues to define SACSA today. The association’s commitment to mentorship ensures that every new member—regardless of their role or level of experience—has access to support, guidance, and encouragement.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining SACSA’s Legacy

As SACSA continues to evolve, its mission remains centered on people. The organization’s strength lies not only in its programming but in its members’ shared investment in each other’s success.

“What’s special about SACSA,” Bullington reflected, “is that it doesn’t lose sight of who it’s for. We’re volunteer-led, we understand the demands of our profession, and yet we still show up for one another.”

That enduring commitment—to connection, accessibility, and professional growth—has guided SACSA from its earliest days and continues to define its future. The organization’s story is one of adaptability and care, grounded in the belief that when professionals come together to learn and support one another, the entire field of higher education becomes stronger.