A Tribute to the Pillars of Strength – Celebrating Mother’s Day

A Tribute to the Pillars of Strength – Celebrating Mother’s Day

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped our lives through their unwavering love, wisdom, and resilience. It’s a day filled with appreciation for the countless sacrifices made by mothers worldwide. I wanted to create space to pay homage to the women who not only raised their children with little resources but…

Addressing Burnout and Attrition in Student Affairs: Strategies for Comprehensive Management

Addressing Burnout and Attrition in Student Affairs: Strategies for Comprehensive Management

In higher education, we are encountering two significant challenges: burnout and attrition in student services roles. These dedicated professionals are crucial in enhancing the educational experience, so it is essential to prioritize their well-being and satisfaction for the benefit of students. This piece will revisit these subjects, analyze the causes of burnout, and propose practical strategies…

Navigating Dual Identities: Integrity and Mentorship in Higher Education

Navigating Dual Identities: Integrity and Mentorship in Higher Education

In a previous blog post, I introduced and began to explore the concept of the Incongruent Campus-Conference Persona (ICCP), a term I’ve coined to encapsulate the dichotomy observed in professional behavior, especially within the higher education sector. This reflection builds upon those initial thoughts, delving deeper into the implications of ICCP behaviors and the strategies…

Voices Unheard: Addressing the Silent Struggles in Academic Leadership

Voices Unheard: Addressing the Silent Struggles in Academic Leadership

Today, I pay tribute to the revered Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. by drawing upon his unique ability to recognize and provide insightful criticism of events that are frequently misinterpreted or ignored. He was more than just the person who could deliver the “I Have a Dream” speech. That is the version that is more…

Unveiling the Shadows – The Impact of Shadow Values in Organizational Culture

Unveiling the Shadows – The Impact of Shadow Values in Organizational Culture

The Unseen Influences in Our Workplace Imagine a scenario: Alex, an enthusiastic and experienced professional, recently joined the Fraternity and Sorority Life Department at a prestigious university as an Assistant Director. Brimming with ideas and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Alex was eager to contribute to the department. However, Alex soon encountered an unexpected…

Speaking Truth to Power: Lessons from Vicky Triponey’s Stand Against Joe Paterno

Speaking Truth to Power: Lessons from Vicky Triponey’s Stand Against Joe Paterno

In the world of college sports, there are few names as legendary as Joe Paterno. For over half a century, he held an unshakable grip over Penn State University’s football program, a place affectionately known as “Happy Valley.” However, it became evident between March and November of 2011 that ‘Happy Valley’ wasn’t so joyful for…

Embracing a New Chapter: My Return to Blogging After a Hiatus

Embracing a New Chapter: My Return to Blogging After a Hiatus

Hello, beautiful people. It’s been a minute since my last blog post, and I am excited to reconnect with you all and start blogging regularly again. My absence was for good reason – I have been on a long and incredible journey, culminating in achieving a lifelong dream: earning a doctorate. This journey began over…

Nurturing Male Wellness: Embracing Holistic Health for a Better Tomorrow

Nurturing Male Wellness: Embracing Holistic Health for a Better Tomorrow

In a world where stereotypes of masculinity often prioritize strength and aggression, the importance of male wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, has been overshadowed. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that toxic masculinity not only harms children and women but also negatively impacts males themselves. Growing up, I, too, was exposed to these…

Examining the Significance of Affirmative Action: Striving for Equitable Opportunities

Examining the Significance of Affirmative Action: Striving for Equitable Opportunities

This post will not be as polished as others – i need to speak a little freely. I am passionate about some of thee topics and serious lines are being crossed and redrawn. So..They did it. Are we really surprised? Nope but kinda.. We had to sit with it for a few days. Many in…

Who Is and Who Is Not Worthy: Exploring Leadership Archetypes through the Concept of Implicit Social Cognition

Who Is and Who Is Not Worthy: Exploring Leadership Archetypes through the Concept of Implicit Social Cognition

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone’s advice didn’t quite resonate with you? Perhaps it was a mentor, a colleague, or even a supervisor. I recall past encounters that left me pondering the complexities of leadership and the underlying factors that shape our perceptions of worthy leaders. This experience, coupled with the…

Supporting Black and Brown Men and Boys Through Mentorship

Supporting Black and Brown Men and Boys Through Mentorship

Mentorship, sometimes referred to as kinship (Bryant & Walker, 2023), is a powerful practice that can help individuals navigate their personal and professional lives. A mentor is someone who provides guidance and support, sharing their experiences and knowledge to help others achieve their goals. For Black males, mentorship is especially important. This group faces a…

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: The Burden and Beauty of DEI Work

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: The Burden and Beauty of DEI Work

An Affirmative Critique of Anti-DEI Rhetoric = White on White Crime by Lawrence Alexander Dear LA, You know, as I was reading your compelling piece, “Anti-DEI(B) Rhetoric = White on White Crime,” I felt like I was transported back in time. It was as if we were sitting side by side on a cozy porch,…

The Pros and Cons of Professionalizing the Legislature

The Pros and Cons of Professionalizing the Legislature

The question of whether to professionalize the Florida State Legislature has been a hot topic in the world of politics. This debate involves increasing lawmaker pay, regulating outside employment, and potentially turning the Legislature into a full-time body. Yet, the concept is met with mixed feelings as some fear it may lead to the “big-government…

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Sponsors, Coaches, and Mentors in Navigating Your Career Journey

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Sponsors, Coaches, and Mentors in Navigating Your Career Journey

The adage “surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you aren’t in” has profound significance, especially for those who find themselves on the margins of society. This saying underscores the importance of fostering a network of allies who are eager to advocate for your cause in situations where your own voice…

The Role of Resident Assistants in Combating Loneliness and Fostering Meaningful Connections Among College Students

The Role of Resident Assistants in Combating Loneliness and Fostering Meaningful Connections Among College Students

The digital age has revolutionized the way we work, learn, and connect with others. As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of remote work, online learning, and online social groups. Remote Work: Flexibility and Productivity at Your Fingertips The rise of remote work has provided employees with…

Squaring Up for Civility: Embracing Confrontation for a Stronger Future

Squaring Up for Civility: Embracing Confrontation for a Stronger Future

The Disappearance of Civil Confrontation In recent years, many individuals in our society seem to have lost the ability to engage in civil conversations with those who hold differing opinions. This decline in civil confrontation has severe implications for solving complex problems and coexisting harmoniously. How did we arrive at this point, and how can…

Quiet Quitting vs. Occupational Burnout: Understanding the Differences and Embracing Empathy

Quiet Quitting vs. Occupational Burnout: Understanding the Differences and Embracing Empathy

Introduction In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace. As a result, the terms “quiet quitting” and “occupational burnout” have become increasingly prevalent in discussions about employee well-being. In this blog post, I will explore the similarities and differences between these two concepts, examine the…

The Power of Authenticity: A Vital Component of Effective Leadership in Student Affairs

The Power of Authenticity: A Vital Component of Effective Leadership in Student Affairs

Have you ever wondered what makes a great leader? Is it charisma, intelligence, or perhaps the ability to inspire others? While all of these qualities are essential, there is one characteristic that stands out as a game-changer for leaders, especially in the realm of student affairs: authenticity. But what exactly is authenticity, and why does…

The Power of Journaling: A Path to Personal and Professional Growth

The Power of Journaling: A Path to Personal and Professional Growth

Imagine finding yourself in the bustling city of Boston, surrounded by like-minded professionals and eager to absorb the wealth of knowledge and experience at NASPA 2023. The conference is a recharging experience, opening doors to new possibilities, connections, and insights. But as the excitement fades and the dust settles, how do you ensure that these…