The Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) is proud to announce that the New Professionals Institute (NPI) will now be hosted at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), beginning with the upcoming institute cycle.

What is NPI?
The New Professionals Institute (NPI) is SACSA’s signature professional development program designed for early-career student affairs professionals. NPI provides participants with a rich experience that blends interactive learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them navigate the first few years in the field. Through workshops, cohort-based learning, and direct engagement with seasoned leaders in higher education, NPI fosters professional growth and builds a strong foundation for future leadership.

A New Chapter at UTA
Beginning in 2026, the University of Texas at Arlington will serve as the new home for NPI. Situated in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, UTA is a dynamic institution known for innovation, diversity, and academic excellence. With its commitment to student success and cutting-edge facilities, UTA offers an ideal setting for the development and transformation of the next generation of student affairs leaders.

Statement from Dr. Davis
“At UTA, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. As a model of innovation and inclusivity in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, UTA is home to more than 48,000 emerging scholars and 4,000+ dedicated faculty and staff. With cutting-edge spaces like our Smart Hospital, North Texas Genome Center, planetarium, glassblowing studio, and inspiring art galleries, UTA offers the perfect environment to foster growth, reflection, and transformation among new professionals.

Our commitment to hosting a successful New Professionals Institute is further demonstrated by a strong group of professionals who will guide our efforts, with the full support of campus and community stakeholders, as well as a broad network of skilled vendor partners. Backed by a strong team, community partners, and exceptional facilities, we are committed to delivering an unforgettable, flawlessly executed experience for all NPI participants.”

SACSA is thrilled to collaborate with UTA in this new phase of NPI and looks forward to continuing its mission of supporting and empowering new professionals in the field of student affairs. Participants can expect an immersive, inspiring, and career-enhancing experience that reflects the values and vision of both SACSA and UTA.

More information about upcoming NPI sessions at UTA, including dates, registration details, and programming highlights, will be released soon on the SACSA website.