Access and Inclusion Award Winner- Brian Mannion

What do you love most about working at Endicott College?

I love working at Endicott College because I love working with emerging adults on developing a greater understanding of who they are and how they fit into their world.  As a therapist I get the unique ability to work with students in the clinical setting as well as through student affairs programming. I have been so grateful to Endicott for all the opportunities to develop new programming to support our students of diverse backgrounds and identities.

Who inspired you to get involved in Higher Education?

My journey into Higher Education was a unique one as I am a Mental Health Therapist by training.  In college I wanted to be a school counselor until my mentor inspired me to look more broadly at what I could do in the field of Mental Health.  Ultimately, in my graduate program I interned at a college counseling center and fell in love with the emerging adult population. I am inspired by the unique opportunity that our students have to redefine themselves and how they understand the world around them.

What advice would you offer to new professionals who are starting their first professional position?

For those starting out in their first professional position I would encourage them to keep an open mind.  I started here with purely clinical pursuits in mind; it wasn’t until a colleague asked me to co-advise the LGBTQ club on our campus that I started looking outside my individual clinical work.  There are an infinite number of ways to accomplish your goals so make sure to remain open to all the possible opportunities, perspectives, and people that you will meet throughout your career. My other piece of advice is to remember that burnout is a real thing.  We do complex and hard work so it is important to take the time you need for yourself to recharge!

We need you!

This year’s Summit encompasses a focus on providing professional development around social justice education. Speakers will focus on topics related to the need for equity and unity within all groups in higher education.

Prior to submitting, please be prepared with the following information for your proposal submission: presenter and co-presenter contact information; session title; 3-6 sentence presentation summary with learning outcomes; target audience (graduate students/new professional/mid-level/senior staff).

Ready to Submit??

Have an idea for a program? Interested in presenting at Summit? Fill out our Program Proposal form here: https://goo.gl/forms/mOfyoA0B4SFYmVYr2

Deadline: Friday, April 12, 2019

PROPOSALS  RECEIVED BY THIS DEADLINE WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY FOR REVIEW AND SCHEDULING PREFERENCES IF ACCEPTED. PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS UNTIL ALL AVAILABLE SCHEDULE SLOTS ARE FILLED.

Name/Institution/Title:

John Mejia, University of Vermont, Staff at the Office of Student & Community Relations

ACPA Award You Received:

Voice of Inclusion Award

What and/or who inspired you to pursue higher education as a profession, and how did you get into your current functional area?

Like a lot of folks, I was inspired to pursue higher education as a profession because as a queer person of color from a working poor background with undocumented parents, it was culturally competent and engaged higher education professionals that made it possible for me to succeed in college. I just want to pay it forward.

How did you get involved with ACPA, and what keeps you involved?

I have participated in some way with all of the largest higher education associations but I fell in love with ACPA from the first conference I attended. It is an organization that lives its espoused values everyday. It is such a welcoming and generous organization with incredibly thoughtful and committed leadership.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career (so far)?

The most important thing at the end of the day is maintaining strong, authentic relationships and those require one to make all decisions (regardless of how large or small) that are in line with your values, demonstrates impeachable integrity and the willingness to be vulnerable, empathetic and honest.

Outside of higher education, what makes you tick?

Raising my fur babies (Juniper the Pug and Justify the Mastiff Mix), reading voraciously, writing (and on occasion, publishing), visual arts, caring for plants, learning new languages, learning to use public transportation systems in different countries, coffee, running marathons, being in nature, fundraising for good causes, being certified to do things, and spending time with the people I love.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with NECPA members?

I am thrilled to be in community with you and share the responsibility of making the future a better place for everyone. If you think I could ever be helpful in some way don’t hesitate to reach out and I will do my best to help!

Name/Institution/Title:

Katie Branch, University of Rhode Island, Associate Professor (she/her/hers)

ACPA Award You Received:

Annuit Coeptis Senior Professional

What and/or who inspired you to pursue higher education as a profession, and how did you get into your current functional area?

When I was an undergraduate, my residence hall director introduced me to key issues in the field, several local student affairs leaders, and the idea of pursuing graduate education. He showed me how my employment and involvement as an undergraduate related to a career in student affairs. While I initially worked in my bachelor’s disciplines (journalism & photography) — I worked for The Inquirer; no, it was not that Enquirer! — I returned to school for a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. It was during my master’s program at Ohio State University, that a faculty member suggested I might someday become a faculty member. While I was not sure until later in my career that is what I wanted, the seed was planted! After gaining post-master’s experience in various positions, including at the University of Maine, I earned my PhD in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Indiana University. I then transitioned into a full-time, tenure track faculty position at the University of Rhode Island and eventually also served as the College Student Personnel program’s director from 2007-2016.

How did you get involved with ACPA, and what keeps you involved?

I became involved via the State of Ohio chapter of ACPA, which was where I earned my master’s degree and held my first full-time position in student affairs. At that time, active participation in both the state chapter and overarching ACPA organization was encouraged and modeled. What has kept me involved are the espoused and enacted values of the organization, what I learn by participating in the professional development offered (e.g., conferences, institutes, Journal of College Student Development, About Campus), and the relationships I have formed.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career (so far)?

Just one? Perhaps it is “Do your homework!” does not stop when formal schooling ends — and nearly always leads to deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and progress on long-term outcomes.

Outside of higher education, what makes you tick?

Staying aware of and connected to broader societal issues, including pop culture, keeps me charged up. Time with friends, family, and in nature keeps me centered.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with NECPA members?

Because of the many positive role models and colleagues that I had in this profession, I have been able to engage in similar ways with students and alumni. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all who have contributed to my receiving this recognition: Providence has, indeed, smiled upon that which we have begun (i.e., annuit coeptis).