Staff Opportunities and Events

Throughout the year, the 51²è¹Ý Division of Student Affairs provides staff with opportunities to come together, grow as professionals, and pitch in across campus. Read below to learn about opportunities to get involved all year round.

Division Updates

Division Committees

The Graduate Assistant (GA) Experience Committee seeks to support GAs within the Division of Student Affairs by:

  • Providing professional development, connection and learning as well as encouraging self-directed professional exploration
  • Providing enrichment opportunities that are optional yet meaningful
  • Supporting the Division and its departments

In addition to supporting GAs directly, the Committee also seeks to support and provide development opportunities for GA supervisors.

Chair

Dr. Kim Nelson Pryor Director for Student Affairs Assessment and Analytics, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 

Members

Elissa Moody Residential Community Director Service House, Residence Life and Student Housing
Emma Bluestein Coordinator, Women and LGBT Center
Evan Saperstein Associate Director for Career Development, Hegi Family Career Development Center
Kaiesha Serbin Associate Director Upper Division Housing, Residence Life and Student Housing
Maddie Steele Residential Community Director Crum Commons, Residence Life and Student Housing
Jade Weaver Associate Director for Hunt Leadership Scholars Program, Hegi Family Career Development Center
Rylea Dunlap Coordinator for Leadership Programs, Student Center and Activities

The Hilltop Excellence Awards is 51²è¹Ý's most prestigious awards ceremony, annually recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of students, staff, and faculty at 51²è¹Ý. The awards program is produced by the Division of Student Affairs through the awards committee. Learn more about the Hilltop Excellence Awards at smu.edu/hilltopexcellence.

Co-Chairs

Renée Gibson Associate Director for Residence Life, Residence Life and Student Housing
Dr. Dawn F. Norris Chief of Staff, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 

Members

Brandon Kitchin Social Change Coordinator, Social Change and Intercultural Engagement
Nicole Moore Coordinator, Student Center and Activities
Bonnie Pickett Technology and Web Specialist, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 
Macon Stockholm Residential Community Director - Kathy Crow Commons, Residence Life and Student Housing
Alexis Stackhouse Coordinator, Orientation and Transitions

The Professional Excellence Committee was established to meet Goal Six of the Division Strategic Plan.

Co-Chairs

Amanda Bobo Associate Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center
Nate Faust Director, Women and LGBT Center

Members

Dr. Jennifer "JJ" Jones Executive Director for Student Development and Director of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement
Sean Murphy Director, Student Center and Activities
Roman Peterson Residence Community Director - Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles, Residence Life and Student Housing
Lauren Searway Assistant Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center
David Sommers Assistant Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center

The Social Committee plans gatherings for division staff to build community and enhance the work experience. 

Co-Chairs

Kaleb Loomis Associate Chaplain, Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life
David Sommers Assistant Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center
 

Members

Chloe Cory Assistant Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Gabe Cruz Assistant Director Sports Programs, Campus Recreation
Arthi Krishnan, MD Associate Director of Medical Services, Physician
 John Martin Associate Director, Orientation and Transitions
Reyna Muñoz Contract and Staff Resources Specialist, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 
Dr. Kim Nelson Pryor Director for Student Affairs Assessment and Analytics, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 
Alyssa Schertz Marketing Specialist, Hegi Family Career Development Center
Gregg Suttle Associate Director of Operations, Residence Life and Student Housing
Abel Tomatis Psychologist, Counseling Services, Dr. Bob Smith Health Center
ShyAnte'e Williams Coordinator, Student Center and Activities


Staff Advocacy Council

As an extension of the 51²è¹Ý Staff Association (51²è¹ÝSA), the Staff Advocacy Council (SAC) seeks to facilitate dialogue regarding areas of common staff interest and concern, to provide insight on University initiatives, and to submit recommendations to administrators on behalf of the staff community. The representative for the Division of Student Affairs is Evan Saperstein.

Have a question, comment, or suggestion for the SAC? You can email your representative directly (esaperstein@smu.edu) or you may fill out the comment form found online at the link below. Each month, the SAC meets to address submissions from the form and individual representatives. Comments, questions, and recommendations are passed along to 51²è¹Ý administrators for review. 

Professional Development Series

As stated in its 6th strategic goal, the Division aims to Advance professional excellence as an expectation and commitment when recruiting, retaining, and advancing talent. Learn more by contacting Professional Excellence Committee co-chairs Amanda Bobo (abobo@smu.edu) and Nate Faust (nfaust@smu.edu).

Meet Colleagues and Get Involved

 

  • End of Year Picnic

    After the completion of each spring semester, Student Affairs staff are invited to celebrate another great year with food, fun, and games. Details are communicated through the Snapshot and at Division meetings.

  • Conversations with Colleagues

    Division staff are periodically invited by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. K.C. Mmeje, for informal conversation with colleagues and Dr. Mmeje. Invitations are by way of 51²è¹Ý email. Each staff member is typically invited to one meeting per academic year.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    For those seeking more ad hoc opportunities to get involved, departments regularly solicit staff volunteers for various events (e.g., Stampede, Move-In, All-Majors Career Fair) in the Snapshot.

Funding

Innovation Grant

Each year, Innovation Grants are allocated toward the support of new or significantly updated/improved programs or services within the Division that make a visible and measurable impact on students, faculty, staff, and/or the local community. Have an idea that could benefit from the Innovation Grant? Submit your application and we will contact you once we review your submission.

Examples of programs that have been previously funded through the Innovation Grant:
Engage Dallas
Career Closet
Exercise is Medicine Fun Run
InterSections
R.I.T.U.A.L.
Mustang PEP Talks

Professional Development Fund

Each unit has dedicated funds earmarked for staff professional development opportunities. Approval for use of funds is at the discretion of the supervisor and follows the process determined by each unit. The funds may be used for activities and experiences to help you develop in your current role or resources and materials for educational purposes.

Examples of use for professional development funds:
Professional Conferences
Online Educational Offerings
Webinars
Professional Memberships
Books, Journals, or other materials and professional subscriptions