November 17, 2022
K-Stater's coordinate, present at NASPA IV West and IV East Joint Regional Conference
Several members of the K-State student life, student success leadership teams and graduate students attended the 2022 NASPA IV West/East Regional Conference, Nov. 6-8, in Chicago.
Thomas Lane, vice president for student life and dean of students, served as conference co-chair; Kevin Cook, interim parent and family program director; and Alyssa Wendel, housing manager, served on the conference planning team.
Each year, NASPA offers regional conference opportunities for student affairs administrators in higher education to gather for professional development. While there, attendees are part of an engaging community exploring diverse ideas and various learning and development opportunities. Those traveling from K-State shared their expertise and learned new and exciting ways to continue to advance the support of students.
Participants had the chance to participate in a wide range of sessions. These sessions and workshops focused on best practices for higher education professionals. Additional attendees from K-State included Stephanie Bannister and RJ Youngblood, K-State Student Success staff; Tara Coleman, K-State Libraries; Alyssa Wendel and Josh Doak, K-State Salina; and Tyler Burns, Sabrina Kaminski and Sara Fruth, K-State Housing and Dining.
Lane was recognized with the NASPA IV West James J. Rhatigan Outstanding Dean Award, given to the region's outstanding senior student affairs officer. Doak, director of career services and professional development on the Salina campus, was presented the Mid-Level Professional Award.
Bannister, Coleman and Youngblood presented "Not giving a #bleep; Navigating Campus Politics to Support Students." Bannister presented "Embracing Influence and Elevating Leadership." Wendel and colleagues from various institutions presented "Future of Hiring in Student Affairs." Wendel also presented "Where have the student workers gone?"