Brianna Williams serves as the Assistant Director of Residence Life at Kennesaw State University. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of residential communities, supports student development, and works to enhance the overall living-learning environment on campus. She supervises and mentors both professional and student staff, manages crisis response and conduct processes, and collaborates with campus partners to promote student success.

Brianna Williams attended SACSA for the first time in 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky, as a graduate student at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). She was introduced to SACSA through the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program, where her professor, Dr. Mrozek, encouraged students to get involved in at least one professional association. This guidance led her and her cohort to explore SACSA. At the conference, she observed UCA's strong presence, including several notable alumni in significant leadership roles within the organization. This experience inspired her and several of her cohort members to become actively involved as SACSA members.

Brianna Williams' most memorable moment at SACSA occurred in 2024, a year in which she became more actively involved in the organization. She joined the Multicultural Awareness Committee (MAC) and embraced leadership opportunities that fostered both personal and professional growth. She served as Co-Chair of the After-Hours Committee alongside her Kennesaw State University colleague, Zach Agee, and together they successfully hosted their first event at SACSA, which saw an outstanding turnout. Later that year, she was honored to be named Co-Chair of MAC with her longtime colleague and friend, Briana Welsh. These experiences deepened her appreciation for SACSA—not only for the professional opportunities it provides but also for the meaningful relationships and powerful sense of community it cultivates. She stays genuinely grateful for the role SACSA has played in her continued growth and development.

Brianna Williams encourages first-time SACSA attendees to approach the experience with an open mind and a genuine willingness to connect. She emphasizes that SACSA is more than just a conference—it is a community. She recommends attending a variety of sessions, including those outside one's immediate functional area, to gain broader insight and perspective. Williams also recommends that attendees not hesitate when it comes to introducing themselves—whether to presenters, fellow attendees, or professionals they admire in the field—highlighting that these personal connections can be among the most valuable aspects of the conference. Finally, she suggests taking time to reflect on the experience and consider how to apply the knowledge gained once back on campus. At Kennesaw State University, she and her colleagues make it a practice to share their conference takeaways during departmental functional meetings, which not only reinforces learning but also inspires others to engage in future professional development opportunities.

Brianna Williams describes her experience at SACSA as truly fulfilling. Each time she attends, she leaves feeling renewed and more motivated. Returning to campus after the conference always brings a sense of fresh energy and inspiration. For her, SACSA consistently serves as a source of rejuvenation, reigniting her passion and enthusiasm for the work she does in higher education. What keeps Brianna Williams returning to SACSA year after year is the opportunity to reconnect with the incredible cohort members, she began her journey with and to see the growth and progress they have all achieved. It is also a valuable time for her to catch up with friends and colleagues she has met throughout the years—both through SACSA and her broader student affairs career. She finds the welcoming atmosphere of SACSA to be genuinely comforting, making her feel at home each time she attends. No matter where her professional path has taken her, SACSA has still been a priority. For Williams, it is a space where she can continue to learn, grow, and deepen the professional relationships that have played such a meaningful role in her career.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Brianna for her outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to both the field and the organization. Thank you for all that you have done.