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| 28 Aug 2026 | |
| Written by Don Stansberry | |
| General |
| Shawnboda Mead | Matt Varga | Jim Conneely | |||
| Gavel and Gravel 2026 |
Congratulations to the 2026 Gavel & Gravel Society Class!
The SACSA Foundation is proud to welcome Connie L. Carson, Dr. James F. Conneely, Dr. Brit Katz, Dr. Shawnboda Mead, and Dr. Matt Varga as the newest members of the Gavel & Gravel Society.
Since welcoming its inaugural class in 2023, the Gavel & Gravel Society has become a meaningful SACSA tradition honoring distinguished professionals whose careers reflect extraordinary leadership, service, mentorship, and lasting contributions to student affairs. The Class of 2026 marks the Society's fourth class, continuing a growing legacy of celebrating those whose influence has strengthened SACSA, higher education, and generations of professionals and students.
This year's five honorees represent decades of leadership across campuses, professional associations, and the student affairs profession.
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“The 2026 SACSA Gavel & Gravel cohort represents the very best of our profession: leaders who are committed to students, to one another, and to advancing the work of student affairs. Gavel & Gravel recognizes leadership, service, mentorship, and the relationships that make SACSA such a special professional community.” Don Stansberry |
Carson serves as Vice President for Student Life at Furman University and brings decades of leadership spanning student affairs, campus planning, residential life, institutional strategy, and professional service. Her impact extends nationally through significant leadership within ACUHO-I and SEAHO, alongside a sustained commitment to developing future generations of student affairs professionals.
Dr. Conneely has devoted 40 years to higher education leadership and has held roles ranging from Vice President and Associate Provost to university President. A former SACSA President and SACSA Foundation Chair, his impact on the Association is particularly significant: during his Foundation leadership, the endowment increased by 250 percent, annual giving increased by 50 percent, and the Foundation secured its 501(c)(3) status.
“Since becoming involved with SACSA in 1992, I have had the privilege of working alongside many talented and dedicated professionals. I am deeply honored to be included in the Gavel & Gravel Society, and this recognition is especially meaningful because of the relationships and experiences SACSA has made possible. SACSA has enriched my career and strengthened my ability to serve students and advance our profession. Ultimately, that is what matters most: serving the best interests of students.”
Dr. James F. Conneely
Across more than 40 years in higher education, Dr. Katz has distinguished himself through innovative leadership focused on student success, belonging, leadership development, residential education, and institutional transformation. His career has been marked by an ability to build programs, communities, and institutional structures that create meaningful and lasting opportunities for students.
“I'm stunned, never expecting an invitation into the Gavel & Gravel Society...especially so early in my career. My friends recall I'm only 36. (36 around my waist, so okay?) As I review the previous recipients my initial reaction is, ‘Gosh, how many of them are still alive?’ My second reaction recognizes them as venerated and loved experts in our industry. My thrill almost equals my last encounter with a defibrillator! Thank you SACSA!”
Dr. Brit Katz
Dr. Shawnboda Mead serves as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi and has built a career centered on student success, community, access, engagement, and belonging. A longtime SACSA leader and former SACSA President, her service to the Association has been recognized throughout her career with the Bobby E. Leach Award, New Professional Award, and Mid-Level Professional Award.
“Some of the most meaningful parts of my professional journey have been shaped by the people, relationships, and opportunities I have found through SACSA. I am truly honored to join the 2026 Gavel & Gravel Cohort and excited to celebrate the power of community, mentorship, and investing in the next generation of student affairs leaders.”
Dr. Shawnboda Mead
Dr. Varga serves as Dean of the Graduate School and Professor at the University of West Georgia, where his leadership has advanced graduate education and the preparation of future higher education professionals. A SACSA member since 2007 and former SACSA President, he has remained deeply committed to mentorship, professional development, and service to the Association.
These introductions only begin to tell the stories of our newest Gavel & Gravel Society members. Throughout the coming months, SACSA will spotlight each member of the Class of 2026, sharing more about their journeys, contributions, and lasting impact on our profession.
The Gavel & Gravel Society celebrates legacy while investing in what comes next. SACSA members, colleagues, mentees, friends, and institutions are invited to make a gift to the SACSA Foundation in honor of a member of the Class of 2026.
Gifts to the SACSA Foundation help sustain opportunities that advance scholarship, professional development, recognition, and the future of the student affairs profession.
The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted into the Gavel & Gravel Society on Monday, November 2, from 4:15–5:30 p.m. during the 2026 SACSA Annual Conference with NASPA Region III.
We invite colleagues, friends, former students, mentees, and members from across our community to join us as we celebrate five remarkable careers and welcome the fourth class into the Gavel & Gravel Society.
Register for the 2026 Annual Conference
From the inaugural class of 2023 to the Class of 2026, the Gavel & Gravel Society reminds us that the strength of our profession is built not only through the work we accomplish today, but through the people we develop, the communities we strengthen, and the legacy we leave for those who follow.
Congratulations to Connie, James, Brit, Shawnboda, and Matt. Welcome to the Gavel & Gravel Society, Class of 2026!
