My love letter to Student Affairs

October’s Careers in Student Affairs Month gives me a moment to reflect on a career that began when I was an engaged student leader at Michigan State University, encouraged by mentors like Allyn Shaw and James Smith who saw promise in me. Their belief in me inspired my decision to dedicate my career to a field where I could help shape the college experiences of generations of students at Alma College, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Lake-Sumter State College, and Ana G. Méndez University and many other institutions through GHFC.

The power of great mentorship & sponsorship has been a constant thread throughout my journey. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible bosses —like Jim Kridler, Allyn Shaw, Dick Scott, Chuck Mojock, Marc Goldman, Eric Doerr, Gino Natalicchio, and the late great Marty Stack. Their influence shaped my leadership approach, focusing on the importance of supporting staff, creating strong organizational cultures, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Great institutions are built on the foundation of caring for their employees, living wages and benefits, and a culture that nurtures well-being and organizational health. I’m grateful to have worked alongside colleagues on campus and in NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education like Jim Bove, Dave Blanchard, Jane Scott, Thom Kieft, Jenni Kotowski, Donna Viens, Alex Rodriguez, Nicholas Natalizio, Doug Wymer, Jenn Unterbrink, Carolyn Scott, José-Luis Riera, Melissa S. Shivers, Mike Christakis, James Stascavage, Pauline Burke, Tiffany Sanchez, Alvin Sturdivant, Eric Grospitch, Brian Mitra, Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, Gilbert Hinga, Pato Lin-Steadman, Josie Ahlquist, Carrie Lovelace Petr, and Meghan Grace, and many more who are dedicated to leading healthy and strong Higher Ed organizations.

I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring and hiring the next generation of student affairs leaders, watching them grow into remarkable professionals. They give me hope for the future of our field, knowing that they will continue to champion students, push our comfort zones, and foster inclusive, supportive institutions.

Finally, I’m deeply thankful to my parents Christine and Frank Brady for supporting my decision 25 years ago to pursue a career in a field that I love. And my loves at home— B and F, who cheer me on every day. Their encouragement has been a cornerstone of my journey.

Who inspired you as an #SAPro? Who can we inspire to join our field and support the next generation of Student Affairs leaders?

As we celebrate this month, let’s recognize the importance of fostering strong, supportive workplaces for those who make a difference in students' lives.

Source: NASPA Careers in Student Affairs https://naspa.org/project/careers-in-student-affairs-month