From June 7–13, 2025, the Mid-Manager Institute (MMI) brought together 72 student affairs professionals from 51 institutions and 12 states to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Jointly sponsored by NASPA Region III and SACSA, this immersive professional development experience offered a week of intentional learning, peer mentorship, and personal reflection, tailored specifically for mid-level professionals navigating complex leadership roles in higher education.

With a cohort-based structure, faculty mentorship, and a focus on real-world application, MMI has become one of the region’s most transformative leadership development experiences. Participants explored advanced topics such as equity-informed supervision, adaptive leadership, strategic influence, and career visioning—all grounded in reflection and community.

A Faculty Perspective: Mentorship, Growth, and Shared Purpose

One of the defining features of MMI is the faculty’s role—not just as presenters, but as mentors and community builders. Faculty members lead small groups, guide reflection, and contribute to the learning environment through storytelling, facilitation, and shared wisdom.

Dr. Angela B. Taylor, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Associate Dean of Students at the University of Louisville, described her experience:
"MMI is a tremendous opportunity for participants and for faculty members as it provides time to network, develop, and learn. Each faculty member serves as a mentor for a small group of talented mid-managers. These small group discussions are one the many reasons a potential faculty member should consider joining MMI. The depth of conversation and the commitment to learning and growth is inspiring. Serving as a faculty member for MMI only affirms my own commitment to working in higher education."

"My most memorable moment for MMI 2025 was during our fourth small group session when it was evident that our small group trusted each other and had created a space to ask challenging questions. The vulnerability in conversations as well as the participants’ commitment to developing their supervision skills was impressive; it was then I knew the small group had become a network of professionals that can be called upon for support of one another."

Dr. Gloria “Dr. Glo” Laureano, Ed.D., of Kennesaw State University, offered another deeply personal reflection on returning as faculty:

“The experience was very rewarding, and I would encourage my colleagues in the region to accept the invitation to apply in the future. This year was the second time I served as faculty member for MMI, and after being out of it for about 9 years, it was great to be back and connect with new colleagues, new mid-level professionals and friends from across our region. If you are considering applying for this opportunity in the future, be prepared to engage in pouring into the cups of our mid-level professionals and learn from them and our colleagues. Above all, enjoy the journey that is giving back to a profession that has given much to us as senior leaders in the field.”

“My most memorable moment is hard to pinpoint as only one so I will share a couple of things. The day before my first presentation with a colleague we were enjoying Dollywood from the ground view (no rollercoasters-lol), and while visiting the museum we read selected quotes from Dolly and thought how to incorporate it into the presentation. In the end we used one of her quotes and it summed up what the week delivered in messages: 'More than anything, it's about what comes from inside you... It's an attitude, you got to shine from within'. Our approach to this presentation was described by the participants as magical and I would say that when we were editing our presentation, I felt the magic of co-creating, and that in itself is memorable.”

Participant Reflections: A Week of Connection and Clarity

Participants consistently cited their small groups, peer relationships, and time for reflection as the most impactful elements of the week. Through deep dialogue, shared experiences, and vulnerability, attendees built networks of support that extend well beyond the Institute.

Survey responses revealed the following key themes:

• A strong appreciation for the opportunity to engage in a community of peers confronting comparable leadership challenges.
• A sense of affirmation in participants' professional identities, alongside valuable opportunities for self-reflection.
• High levels of satisfaction with faculty engagement and the sense of connection within the cohort.
• A recurring desire for increased individualized interaction with faculty and access to more advanced, in-depth sessions.

As one participant shared:

“The mentor group and being able to build community within a smaller setting… was the highlight of my experience.”

Looking Ahead

MMI remains a powerful investment in the professional growth of mid-level student affairs practitioners. It is an experience that affirms the complexity of mid-manager roles while offering space to reflect, reset, and build lasting relationships grounded in shared purpose.

Applications for MMI 2026 are anticipated to open in February. Institutions are encouraged to support the participation of mid-level staff in this impactful professional development opportunity.