Dr. Jazmine Kelley, director of community engagement at Spelman College, explained that her role includes overseeing new student orientation and student transitions for transfer and incoming students. She also supervises special population initiatives, including support for first-generation students, Pell-eligible students, commuter students, and adult learners. She described her primary responsibility as serving as a central hub across campus—someone who connects students to resources, collaborates across departments, and maintains touchpoints with a variety of student populations.  

When reflecting on their first experience attending SACSA, she shared that initially she did not fully understand what the organization was, but became involved while pursuing their doctoral program at the University of Mississippi. Encouraged by faculty in the higher education department, she attended the conference in Birmingham in 2022. Alongside a colleague and cohort mate, Dr. William Tier, she presented for the first time and was immediately struck by the welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere. Coming from a professional environment where there were many challenges surrounding DEI work and research focused on marginalized groups, they appreciated hearing diverse perspectives and connecting with people who “got it.” They recalled being especially inspired watching Dr. Shawnboda Mead repeatedly recognized during the awards ceremony, which solidified her desire to stay engaged with SACSA. 

Dr. Kelley's most memorable SACSA moment was receiving the New Professional Award after completing the New Professionals Institute. They described hearing the room erupt in applause from colleagues and peers who genuinely supported their career journey as an unforgettable experience. Another meaningful moment involved receiving a pair of “SACSA socks” from Dr. Bullard after a conversation with him and Dr. Relius Johnson about leadership in higher education. That interaction reaffirmed her sense of purpose and reminded her that leadership is about creating meaningful value for students rather than chasing titles.  

When asked what advice she would give first-time attendees, she encouraged people to pace themselves while still pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. As a self-described introvert, she admitted feeling pressure to take part in every activity during their first conference experience, which left her exhausted. She recommended that attendees understand their own temperament, take breaks when needed, and focus on making intentional connections. Networking beyond one's institution, she explained, is essential because those relationships often lead to future collaborations and career opportunities.

Reflecting on her overall SACSA experience, she described it as overwhelmingly positive and deeply rooted in community. Dr. Kelley explained that the conference served as a gateway to additional opportunities, including the New Professionals Institute and service on conference teams. SACSA, she said, has consistently provided opportunities for professional growth, networking, and renewal in a profession that can often feel isolating. She characterized the organization as a safe space that both recharges and challenges its members to think beyond traditional approaches.  

Dr. Kelley said the people are what keep her returning to SACSA year after year. She compared the experience to the feeling of walking into a place “where everybody knows your name.” She emphasized how meaningful it is to be surrounded by people who genuinely care about one another's growth, success, and well-being. For Dr. Kelley, SACSA is a community where members actively support each other's professional journeys while also serving as sources of inspiration and encouragement.

Dr. Kelley, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment not only to the organization, but even more so to the field itself.