Student Affairs Career Advice From the President

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Many higher education professionals get their start in the field because of their own experiences navigating college, wanting to join a legacy of serving, educating and leading students.

The path to the presidency, however, is less clear, as leaders chart their voyage through academics, student affairs or other roles inside and outside institutions.

At NASPA’s Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education on June 23, four college presidents offered eight pieces of advice to early and midcareer professionals in the student success sphere as they carve their own paths forward.

1. “Take more risks,” said Sheila Edwards Lange, chancellor of the University of Washington at Tacoma. As a first-generation college student, Lange was hesitant to diverge from a safe path, such as holding a job, but she eventually quit a role to return to higher education for her doctorate. This was her first leap of faith and an investment in herself. 
2. “Be curious about the enterprise,” said Tomikia P. LeGrande, president of Prairie View A&M University in Texas. Higher ed professionals should seek to learn from their colleagues and work across silos. As someone with a nontraditional path to the presidency, LeGrande took opportunities that led her to learn more about how different areas in the institution were beneficial to her overall career journey.
3. “If you know where you’re going, you’re never going to end up somewhere else,” said John L. Hoffman, president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. Often, people are inclined to plan for the next five, 10 or 15 years in their career, setting clear goals for what’s ahead. But professionals should remain open to opportunities that surprise them. 

4. “Care about the role you’re playing out,” said Angelica L. Suarez, president of Orange Coast College in California. Often, a person can be so eager to make an impact or rush to the next role, but being patient, learning and dedicating care to what is currently taking place is most important, particularly in student success.
5. “Audit your dream job,” LeGrande said. When working toward that ultimate goal, knowing which skills are needed earlier can help a professional set short-term goals and make progress as they develop in their career.  
6. “Know higher education is a small world and don’t burn bridges,” Lange said. Particularly in student affairs, higher education practitioners are always two degrees removed from one another. When choosing that next step, always lead with grace, because you never know whom you’ll encounter again, Lange cautioned.  

7. “Be open to sponsors,” LeGrande said. “You need someone who is going to be in the room for you, to speak your name in situations that you don’t even know.” Sometimes the sponsor is not the person you might have anticipated, but the assistance can be valuable nonetheless.  
8. “Don’t edit yourself,” Suarez said. Avoid selling yourself short on your experiences or your value in a role just because you don’t meet all the desired job qualifications on paper. Put yourself out there and be courageous. 

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