Student-Centered

In this special two-part series of The Student-Centered Podcast, host Zackery Tucker sits down with Mary Margaret DeBow of the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College to explore how academic advising can move beyond transactional tasks and become a meaningful mentoring relationship. Together, they discuss building trust with students, fostering self-reflection and independent decision-making, supporting students' personal and academic growth, and creating a culture of advising that empowers learners to take ownership of their educational journeys. Through practical insights and real-world examples, this conversation highlights the transformative impact mentoring-oriented advising can have on student success both in college and beyond.

We continue our conversation with Leanna Payton, Director of Housing and Community Standards at Henderson State University, to discuss how new professionals in Student Affairs can get the most out of conference experiences. From navigating your first conference to building meaningful professional connections, Leanna shares practical advice on preparing with intention, showing up with confidence, and turning conference moments into long-term career growth.

In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome Leanna Payton, Director of Housing and Community Standards at Henderson State University, to discuss how new professionals in Student Affairs can get the most out of conference experiences. From navigating your first conference to building meaningful professional connections, Leanna shares practical advice on preparing with intention, showing up with confidence, and turning conference moments into long-term career growth.

In this episode of Student-Centered, we talk with Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, about what it means to be a multi-functional professional in student affairs. Stephanie shares how her role spans several programs and functional areas, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges of supporting students across multiple campus initiatives. The conversation explores how balancing diverse responsibilities can strengthen collaboration, expand professional skill sets, and ultimately enhance the way institutions serve students. Stephanie also reflects on how working across departments shapes her approach to leadership and student success, providing a valuable perspective for professionals who wear many hats in their work with students.

In this episode of Student-Centered, we talk with Stephanie London, Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, about what it means to be a multi-functional professional in student affairs. Stephanie shares how her role spans several programs and functional areas, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges of supporting students across multiple campus initiatives. The conversation explores how balancing diverse responsibilities can strengthen collaboration, expand professional skill sets, and ultimately enhance the way institutions serve students. Stephanie also reflects on how working across departments shapes her approach to leadership and student success, providing a valuable perspective for professionals who wear many hats in their work with students.

In this episode of the Student-Centered, host Zackery Tucker has a conversation with Ava AI, an artificial intelligence persona, to explore the evolving role of AI in the world of Student Affairs — from everyday strategies that save time and improve decision-making, to deeper questions about ethics, equity, and the human connection that defines education.

The episode is a recording of a virtual conversation with the AI tool ChatGPT using the Everway Read&Write tool about AI use in Student Affairs work.

Whether you’re curious about practical applications of AI in advising, programming, and assessment — or you’re wrestling with questions about what it means for the future of higher education — this conversation offers both insight and inspiration.

✨ Key Topics:

• Innovative uses of AI in Student Affairs
• Ethical considerations and FERPA concerns
• Strategies for AI-assisted reflection and decision-making
• Preparing students to use AI responsibly
• The balance between innovation and human connection

📘 Join us as we imagine a future where AI doesn’t replace Student Affairs — it empowers it.

As a new academic year begins, this special episode of the Student‑Centered Podcast offers encouragement to student affairs professionals preparing for move‑in, orientation, and the return of students to campus. Drawing on research and real stories, host Zackery Tucker highlights the vital role you play in fostering belonging, guiding transitions, and shaping futures. From residence life to advising, counseling to multicultural affairs, this episode reminds you that every conversation, every smile, and every act of care makes a difference. Tune in for inspiration and a heartfelt reminder: your work changes lives every single day.

In this episode, we continue the conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. This conversation is part-two of a two part conversation that was originally recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, featuring an engaging From navigating the shift from peer to supervisor to leading with empathy and building strong teams, Faith and Kendra will offer honest reflections and practical strategies for new and aspiring supervisors.

Recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, this episode of Student-Centered features an engaging conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. From navigating the shift from peer to supervisor to leading with empathy and building strong teams, Faith and Kendra will offer honest reflections and practical strategies for new and aspiring supervisors.

In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome back Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs at Black River Technical College and adjunct professor of Higher Education Law at Arkansas State University. With over 15 years of experience, Smith is known statewide for his expertise in student rights, FERPA, and creating student-centered systems. Smith shared his insights on thinking differently about higher education law and student affairs leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in student affairs, you take away something meaningful and useful from this conversation.