SACSA + NASPA Region III • 2027–2028 Host Announcement

Big ideas.
Lasting connections.
Next stop: Austin.

The Mid-Managers Institute has a new home for 2027 and 2028: The University of Texas at Austin.

The University of Texas at Austin • Host campus for MMI 2027 and 2028

Two years. One inspiring setting.

Austin sets the stage for what comes next.

SACSA and NASPA Region III are pleased to announce The University of Texas at Austin as the host site for the 2027 and 2028 Mid-Managers Institute. The move brings MMI to a campus and city where learning, creativity, and discovery are part of everyday life.

For mid-level student affairs professionals, it’s a new setting to step back, exchange ideas, and build connections with colleagues who understand the work of leading from the middle.

Meet your host campus

A Texas setting.
A world of possibilities.

Founded in 1883, The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university with a mission grounded in education, research, and public service. Its iconic Tower, museums, libraries, and cultural spaces offer a distinctive backdrop for gathering and exploring new perspectives.

Beyond campus, Austin brings a creative energy shaped by music, arts, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Together, the university and city set the scene for two years of meaningful conversations and professional connections.

Building connections across Texas and beyond

“We are incredibly excited that the 2027 & 2028 Mid-Managers Institute will take place at the University of Texas at Austin! This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together higher education and student affairs professionals from NASPA Region III, SACSA, and beyond for meaningful learning, professional growth, networking, and collaboration. Beyond the valuable professional development experiences MMI provides, hosting the institute in Austin also creates an opportunity to strengthen relationships with our colleagues and institutions across Texas, expand our professional networks, and foster new connections that will extend well beyond the institute itself. We look forward to creating an engaging and impactful experience that encourages participants to exchange ideas, share best practices, build lasting relationships, and return to their respective campuses inspired and equipped to make a difference.

We cannot wait to bring the MMI experience to the Forty Acres and continue building a stronger, more connected student affairs community!”

Dr. Dashan J. Axson-Lawrence

Vice President for Professional Development, SACSA

The people guiding the experience

Meet the team leading the way.

Director Dr. Dirron D. Allen and Coordinators Dr. Traevon Cooper and Samantha Dennis will guide the 2027–2028 MMI experience, bringing a shared focus on professional growth, lasting relationships, and the confidence to lead.

Dr. Allen will provide overall leadership and vision, working with the coordinators to shape the curriculum and participant experience. Together, the team will create opportunities for participants to learn from one another, challenge themselves, and reconnect with their purpose.

FACULTY APPLICATIONS OPEN • DEADLINE: DECEMBER 12, 2026

Help shape the next chapter.

Have a perspective that could help mid-level professionals grow? SACSA and NASPA Region III invite eligible senior student affairs leaders to apply to serve as 2027 MMI faculty.

This application is for faculty service. Participant application information, costs, and additional program details will be announced separately.