A Higher Education

This month we sat down with two university presidents and spent some time diving into their roles and how they support the work of student development.

Dr. Robin Baker (George Fox University) and Dr. Barry Corey (Biola University) are legends in the field of Christian higher education and this hour+ conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the reflections of two friends and leaders that we know you'll enjoy. Kara and ...

Today's episode is with Dr. Sharra Hynes, newly minted VP for Student Life at Baylor University, and we had a wonderful conversation that ranged from discussion student conduct to the differences (and similarities) to be found working in the many kinds of university contexts there are. As Dr. Hynes steps into the studio with us, you'll be encouraged by her wisdom and encouragement for the good work of student you do on your...

Many professionals in our field are somewhere on the continuum of considering doctoral work to completing doctoral work. We recorded this episode for you all. It features advice from professionals who work all over the country. At the end of the day, this is your journey and you get to choose what it looks like. But if you're asking, "How do I know if it's time?" or "How do I start?" or "How do I st...

This month we are joined by Delight Darenya, a MAHE graduate student at Taylor University, who shares about her experience as a student while serving as a Graduate Assistant in both the Taylor University Student Development department and honors college. We also hear from Delight a bit about the role of mentors in her journey, studying and leading in a different cultural context, and how a GA role is helping shape her vision for th...

This month we sit down with Dr. Jamie Johnson, Dean for Spiritual Life at George Fox University, to unpack the 2025 ACSD Conference Theme "Wonderfully Known". Along the way, expect to learn more about George Fox, Newberg, and other conference details.

0:00 Episode introduction

4:15 Guest introduction

7:35 Speed round questions

12:30 The Wonderfully Known theme

22:50 What it takes to plan the conference

27:20 Highlights of Campus, ...

The career of Dr. Coba Canales has both breadth and depth in the field of Christian college student development, and this interview certainly reflects his variety of expertise. We touch on how Coba journeyed to the Dean of Students role at Azusa Pacific University, how first generation college students explore their career options, what it means to value hospitality in personal and professional life, and how Gen Z students are shif...

Pop quiz: how do you think your students would describe the way your campus looks and feels? Dr. Rahn Franklin Jr. serves at Bethel University in Minnesota as the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence where he works to ensure that the campus climate, composition, and character are diverse and inclusive. He is driven by a singular mission - that Bethel would look and feel like the house of God. Join us as we learn from this wise a...

We are rounding out our two-episode mini-series about athletics with Eddie Shepard from Biola University. He brings to the pod an entire career in college athletics, previously as a coach and currently as an Associate Athletic Director. His experience more than qualifies him to describe how athletic programs elevate the college experience of the individual athletes and the co-curricular outcomes of the institution as a whole. Liste...

Have you ever met a first year student athlete who is struggling with their sense of worth or wondering about their identity? We're thinking the answer is probably "yes". Craig Inglesby has spent a considerable part of his career helping new college athletes transition into college and helping retiring college athletes transition into the rest of their lives. His vision for our work is highly likely to inspire your work generally o...

Ever wondered what it is like to make the jump to a Dean of Students position? We could think of no better guest to answer this question than Larissa Lilly of Northwest University. Expect to learn the joys and trials of a DOS role, the privileges of raising a family on a college campus, and how collaboration can be the key to both successful leadership and fulfilling friendships.

Episode Chapters:

1:06 Kara's big bike trip

Our work can be a number of things; chaotic… meaningful… tiring… inspiring… wild… exciting… and that’s just before noon.

This episode was recorded during a workshop session at ACSD 2024 to capture the stories that make our daily labor all these things and more. And through the sharing and hearing of these stories, we realize a restful sense of belonging and solidarity, knowing that we are not alone in the moments that cause us to a...

In the spring of 2023, Asbury University experienced a spontaneous spiritual revival that culminated in over 50,000 people visiting their small Kentucky campus over the following weeks. We sat down with Dr. Sarah Baldwin, Vice President for Student Life at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, to discuss her experience leading the campus through that season. We also spent some time hearing her share about being a woman in pastora...

Are you anticipating that the 2024 US presidential election may bring tension to your campus? Do you dream of a world where your students have healthy and helpful political conversations that bridge gaps and consider alternative perspectives? Is there a part of you that wonders how to engage thoughtfully and faithfully in the current political climate? This episode with Kaitlyn Schiess, author of "The Liturgy of Politics"...

Building cultural humility is a communal effort, and there is no defined end-point of having arrived as a perfectly culturally humble leader. This month, Joel Pérez introduces the idea of cultural humility - what it is, why it's important, and how to grow it. He talks about his own racial identity development, and concludes the episode with advice for individual professionals and institutions as a whole on how to employ cultura...

Creativity is one of the most highly valued employee traits in today's work environment. Fortunately, creativity can be developed! Grab a paper and pen for this month's topical deep-dive into why creativity matters in our work, how it is possible to become a creative person, and what habits will grow your already creative mind. From the philosophical to the practical, this episode will encourage you to infuse creative habit...

It's March. We've been in the spring semester for a while and we still have a while to go. Is your soul eager for some rest? Join our guests Michael Burns and Mike McCarthy from UMHB this month as they share their excitement for the upcoming ACSD conference. They describe how our three days together will be permeated with pictures and practices of rest drawn from scripture. It might just provide the hope and anticipation yo...

Did you realize that how you onboard team members has a big impact on if they stay at your institution, or even in the field of Student Affairs at all? Our guest, Dr. Zach Mills of Baylor University, did the hard work on finding out the things that matter in terms of employee retention so that you didn't have to, and he's here to selflessly share the things he's learned with the rest of us. He also waxes poetic about wh...