One of the most meaningful aspects of the SACSA Mid-Managers Institute is not just what participants learn during the experience, but the relationships they carry with them long after it ends. For many, Mid-Managers Institute becomes more than a professional development opportunity, it becomes the start of a lasting network.

Dr. Ra'meer Roberts, Assistant Dean of Students at Georgia State University, shared how impactful those connections have been in his own journey. When he first applied to Mid-Managers Institute, he did so independently, without colleagues from his institution attending alongside him. Despite initially not knowing anyone, that quickly changed.

“I entered the experience not knowing anyone,” Roberts shared, “but I quickly connected with a group of participants.” What stood out most to him was the diversity within that group, not only in professional roles, including Housing, Conduct, Student Activities, Multicultural Affairs, and Career Services, but also in institutional representation across several states.

That variety created space for rich conversations and new perspectives. More importantly, those initial connections didn't end when the institute did. “Even years later, we still keep in touch regularly,” Roberts said. “Some of us have been promoted, relocated, and experienced major life changes, and we continue to support and celebrate one another.”

These sustained relationships have had a lasting impact on his engagement in the field. “Because of those relationships, I feel more connected to the work and more engaged with SACSA,” he added.

This sense of connection is echoed by other participants, including Ali Ramirez from UNC, who emphasized that networking doesn't always have to look like large conferences or formal events. Instead, meaningful connections can start in smaller, more intentional spaces.

“Networking doesn't always have to be attending a large conference,” Ramirez shared. “It might be a small regional opportunity or even having coffee with a colleague that leads to a valuable connection.”

Ramirez also noted how encouraging it was to see senior-level professionals actively investing in the next generation of student affairs leaders. “Senior-level professionals want to give back to the field and mentor less senior staff,” they said. “Seeing that play out in the Mid-Managers Institute setting with faculty was both validating and encouraging.”

Beyond mentorship, the sense of community built among mid-managers themselves stood out as one of the most valuable takeaways. “Building a community of fellow mid-managers was invaluable,” Ramirez explained. “It's easy to stay siloed in this field, connecting only within your institution or state. MMI gave us the opportunity to connect with professionals across the region who have years of experience and insight to share.”

Together, these experiences highlight what makes the Mid-Managers Institute so impactful. While the skills and knowledge gained are important, it is the relationships, built through shared experiences, conversations, and support, that truly leave a lasting mark.

For many participants, Mid-Managers Institute is not just a moment in their professional journey, it's the beginning of a network that continues to grow, support, and inspire long after the institute ends.