The Student Affairs Spectacular

By The Student Affairs Collective

What's The Student Affairs Spectacular about?

Welcome to The Student Affairs Spectacular; the weekly podcast giving you a front row seat to the greatest student affairs show on earth! On the show, hosts Tom Krieglstein & Dustin Ramsdell interview noteworthy individuals to talk about top issues in student affairs and higher education. So sit back, relax, & enjoy the fun!

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The Student Affairs Spectacular episodes:

12.13.2017
Unpacking SA Episode 1 - Sumi Pendakur
Join us for the first episode of Unpacking SA where we ask, "Who are you?", "What are you?" and more!
07.15.2017
Episode #154- James Sparkman - The Unwritten Responsibilities of Being a Staff of Color on Campus
Ask any Student Affairs Professional who is of color and working at a PWI, and you'll undoubtedly hear about how they are the go-to resource for an overwhelming number of students who share their identity. James Sparkman and Tom discussed...
07.09.2017
Episode #153 - Sylvester Gaskin - Family Orientations and Being a Multiracial Male
Family orientations are on the rise but few schools are doing them, or doing them well. In a wide-ranging conversation with Sylvester Gaskin of Towson University, Tom digs into the details of how they are running their successful family orientation....
06.30.2017
Episode #152 - Michael Brick - Bridging The Gap Between Incarcerated Folks and Student Affairs
It's no surprise that colleges service people from all types of backgrounds. One population that is often overlooked, but increasing in demand, is students who were formerly incarcerated and in a correctional facility. Michael Brick is working to bridge the...
06.23.2017
Episode #151 - Megan Dailey - Navigating a Dual Career Household in Student Affairs
Balancing work and life is difficult when both you and your partner are career orientated, especially when a child comes into the picture. Megan Dailey chatted with Tom about the various challenges and blessings she and her partner face while...
06.16.2017
Episode #150 - Lesley D'Souza - Converting Assessment Into Great Stories
A popular phrase in Student Affairs is, "Data doesn't drive." Another way to think about this is that if we aren't good at converting our data into great stories...and then telling those stories, then the data doesn't matter. Tom got...
06.09.2017
Episode #149 - Derrick Picard - Integrating Game Theory into Student Engagement
Games are engaging and sometimes addicting. Many classrooms have successfully integrated the most engaging elements of games into student learning. Derrick Picard is interested in how the same elements of Game Theory can be applied to student engagement.
06.02.2017
Episode #148 - Wayne Glass - Mental and Physical Health in Student Affairs
It's no secret that Student Affairs Professionals work hard. Long nights. Early mornings. Weekends. And sometimes, even holidays. In between all the work, some SA Pros are figuring out ways to manage their own physical and mental health because they...
05.30.2017
Episode #147 - Ariel Tan on From International Undergrad Student to Res Life Professional
With almost 1 million international students attending US colleges and universities, when’s the last time you sat down with one and heard their perspective on student life and college? Tom had a conversation with Ariel Tan who was an international...
05.18.2017
Episode #146 - Alan Mueller - Lessons Learned from Interviewing 50 SSAOs
Imagine sitting down and having an interview with 50 senior student affairs professionals. What lessons would you learn? Alan Mueller undertook this project and in his interview with Tom, Alan draws out some of the critical lessons he's learned so...
05.12.2017
Episode #145 - Zack Gentry - Perspectives from a Super Involved Undergraduate Student for The University of Texas at Dallas
Some students go above and beyond the normal role of car-to-class by getting involved on campus. Some students even go beyond that by getting involved on a national level. Whatever the case, hearing perspectives from the undergraduate students we serve...
05.05.2017
Episode #144 - Kyle & Aeriel Ashlee - Social Justice, Doctoral Programs, and Love in Student Affairs
If one topic of conversation has dominated student affairs over the past 24 months more than any other topic, it's the topic of social justice. Business and life partners, Kyle and Aeriel Ashlee have dedicated much of their professional and...
05.01.2017
Episode #143: Ben Williams - The Value of Volunteering for ACUI
04.21.2017
Episode #142: Navigating the Changes of a Socially Charged Campus
The last 24 months have changed the culture of campuses across the country due to a divisive election, racial tension, immigration debates, and gender equality...to name a few. With the change, Student Affairs Professionals are consistently finding themselves on the...
04.12.2017
Episode #141: Pursuing a Doctoral Degree While Working Full Time
Jennifer “sat” down with Tom for her first SAC Spectacular Podcast to talk about what it’s like to be pursuing a doctoral degree while also holding a full time job as the Assistant Dean of Students. Relive all the best...
12.13.2016
Episode #140: Season 3 Finale
Tom bids farewell to Dustin as well as wraps up season 3 of the podcast with this episode of reflections and memories. Relive all the best moments of the podcast with the entire library right here. Find the...
12.09.2016
BONUS Episode #139: Brian LeDuc on Coding Academies
Dustin records his last formal interview with Brian LeDuc for this extra episode of the podcast. They talk about the recent phenomenon of coding academies and how they fit into the traditional higher education space. We appreciate Brian making...
12.06.2016
Episode #138: Paige Robnett on College Women and Student Leadership
We're thrilled to welcome Paige Robnett to her first ever podcast to talk with Dustin about her work supporting college women become empowered student leaders on campus. She shares her story and how others can help support everyone to feel...
12.01.2016
BONUS Episode #137: An Important Announcement
An important announcement from Dustin about the future of the podcast.
11.29.2016
Episode #136: Richard Okello on Revisiting Allyship
This week we're very pleased to welcome Richard Okello to the podcast! He speaks with Dustin about how to be an ally to social justice causes and how to work with students who are struggling to handle encounters with diversity...
11.22.2016
Episode #135: Alicia Rea on Alumni Relations
We're very happy to welcome Alicia Rea to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about her work in alumni relations, current events, and some great tips for both those in and out of alumni relations offices. We...
11.15.2016
Episode #134: Jenni Kraft-Batchelder on SA First Years
This week's guest is Jenni Kraft-Batchelder from the SA First Years Blog. She speaks with Dustin about the history of the site, and lessons learned. We appreciate Jenni making time for the show! Find the full show notes...
11.08.2016
Episode #133: Grant Schroll on Design Thinking and Environments, Part 2
This week's guest is Grant Schroll from the Education Advisory Board. He speaks with Dustin about design thinking, furthering the discussion from last week's episode. We appreciate Grant making time for the show! Find the full show...
11.01.2016
Episode #132: Kathleen deLaski on Design Thinking and Environments, Part 1
We're very excited to welcome Kathleen deLaski to the podcast this week! She sit downs with Dustin to talk about her diverse background and how she brings it to higher education to help institutions do work better through design thinking....
10.25.2016
Episode #131: Kyle James on Student Leadership Careers
This week's guest is Kyle James who speaks to Dustin about his life after college as a recent graduate. Specifically moving on from being a campus leader and what he learned from his experience of being involved. We appreciate...
10.18.2016
Episode #130: Sue Caulfield on The Committed Project and The Imposters
We're very happy to welcome back Sue Caulfield to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about what's been going on with her since she was last on, her work with The Committed Project, and The Imposters Podcast. ...
10.11.2016
Episode #129: Nicole Bernabe & Joseph Sammut on Lessons from Podcasting
This episode is all about podcasting! Dustin talks with Nicole Bernabe and Joseph Sammut to discuss their own podcast and how they got into the medium. We're grateful to both Nico and Joey for making time for the show!...
10.04.2016
Episode #128: Max Quinn on Living-Learning Communities
We have the pleasure of welcoming Max Quinn to the podcast this week. He speaks with Dustin about his work with living-learning communities. Max explores what they are, what makes them so valuable, and how to maximize their impact. ...
09.27.2016
Episode #127: Jake Goldblum on Feminism and Masculinity
We welcome Jake Goldblum to the podcast this week! He talks with Dustin about his experience working with college men on challenging their views on masculinity using a feminist lens. Many thanks to Jake for making time for the...
09.20.2016
Episode #126: Jennifer McMahon on Entering College Students
This week's wonderful guest is Jennifer McMahon. Jenn talks to Dustin about her work preparing her high school students for life, whether that means going to college or not and how she helps students choose the right college. They also...
09.13.2016
Episodes #125: Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab on College Affordability
We are very pleased to welcome nationally renowned higher education policy advocate Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about college affordability; how we got here, what it means for students, and what we can...
09.06.2016
Episode #124: Becca Fick on Being a Work in Progress
We have the pleasure of welcoming Becca Fick back to the show this week! Becca chats with Dustin about what's been happening for her in the past two years and her various creative endeavors. Many thanks to Becca for...
08.30.2016
Episode #123: Mandi Stewart & Kevin O'Connell on Strengths in the Job Search
We're stoked to welcome Mandi Stewart to the podcast and welcome back Kevin O'Connell this week. They speak with Dustin about Strengths and job searching in student affairs. They cover a lot of great stuff and will inspire you to...
08.23.2016
Episode #122: Valerie Heruska on Management in Student Affairs
We're proud to welcome Valerie Heruska back to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about management in our field as well as her own journey growing as a manager, supervisor, and leader. Many thanks to Valerie for...
08.16.2016
Episode #121: Dr. Audrey Yamagata-Noji on Asian Pacific Islanders in Higher Education
This week's guest is Dr. Audrey Yamagata-Noji, who speaks with Dustin about her long career in higher education helping support the inclusion and leadership development of Asian-Pacific Islanders working at colleges and universities across the country. Many thanks to...
08.09.2016
Episode #120: Craig Bidiman on Art Therapy
We're psyched to welcome the one and only Craig Bidiman back to the show this week. He chats with Dustin about his lifelong experience with art and the creative process as a way to cope with most recently a long,...
08.02.2016
Episode #119: Jennielle Strother & Chris Miller on the Current State of Admissions
This week we have the pleasure of welcoming two(!) new guests to the podcast! Jennielle Strother and Chris Miller talk with Dustin about their diverse experiences in admissions work as well as other areas of higher education and speak about...
07.26.2016
Episode #118: Dr. Patrick Love on Successful Recruiting
We have the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Patrick Love to the podcast this week! He speaks with Dustin about hiring and recruiting in student affairs; what works, what doesn't, and what we can do to make it work better...
07.19.2016
Episode #117: Kevin Forch on Strengths and Professionals
This week's awesome guest is Kevin Forch, who jumps onto the podcast to chat with Dustin about his professional journey and how Strengths Finder has influenced his life. Many thanks to Kevin for taking time out for the show!...
07.12.2016
Episode #116: Joseph Wuest on Strengths and College Students
We welcome Joe Wuest to the podcast this week! He speaks with Dustin about his experience with Strengths Finder as both a student himself, and working with college students to find out who they are and what they're good at....
07.05.2016
Episode #115: Dr. Ed Cabellon on the Doctoral Process
Dr. Ed Cabellon makes his triumphant return to the podcast this week! He speaks with Dustin about his doctoral process from start to finish and all the lessons he has learned. He gives advice for those thinking about or soon...
06.28.2016
Episode #114: Tom & Dustin on Accountability and Goals
We settle in this week for another episode with our hosts, Tom and Dustin. They catch up and talk about 2016 (so far), accountability, goals, and getting things done. Check out all the stuff they talked about the in show...
06.21.2016
Episode #113: Jacob Patrick and #SAGrad Scholarship Reflections
This week's guest is Jacob Patrick, who spoke with Dustin about his story as well as his conference experience as a recipient of the inaugural graduate student scholarship we gave out recently. Many thanks to Jacob for taking time...
06.14.2016
Episode #112: Jamie Piperato on Supporting LGBTQ Students
We welcome Jamie Piperato to the show this week. She speaks with Dustin about her efforts helping to build inclusive campus communities nationwide as a speaker, consultant, and social justice advocate. Jamie shares great thoughts, tips, and resources for folks...
06.07.2016
Episode #111: Lynne Meyer and Spirituality on Campus
This week's guest is the amazing Lynne Meyer! She speaks with Dustin about her career working on campus in spiritual life, what spirituality means to her, and how we can do better to support each other, no matter our beliefs....
05.31.2016
Episode #110: Alex Fields on Workplace Engagement
We have the pleasure of welcoming Alex Fields to the podcast this week! She speaks with Dustin about her story about workplace engagement; the good, the bad, and the ugly as well as how to foster more engagement, and prevent...
05.24.2016
Episode #109: Janelle Aimi and Stories from a New Professional
It's our pleasure to welcome Janelle Aimi to the podcast this week! She speaks with Dustin about her story so far of being a new professional in the field of student affairs. She has had a unique journey and has...
05.17.2016
Episode #108: Sabrina Spadafino on Being a Parent in Student Affairs
This week's guest is Sabrina Spadafino. She speaks with Dustin about her work/life balance being a parent while working in student affairs. Sabrina shares the lessons she has learned, and how being a parent helps her work. Many thanks...
05.10.2016
Episode #107: Rick James and Stories from a Student Club Advisor
We have the pleasure of welcoming Rick James from Tidewater Community College to the show this week. He speaks with Tom about his experience as a faculty member, an enthusiastic student club advisor, and what tips he has learned from...
05.03.2016
Episode #106: Melissa Ruiz on Moving In and Out of Higher Ed
This week's guest is our good friend, Melissa Ruiz! She speaks with Dustin about her story, why she decided to move in, out, and back into higher education, and what she has learned from her journey so far. Many thanks to Melissa for taking...

What's The Student Affairs Spectacular about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Student Affairs Spectacular episodes:

Unpacking SA Episode 1 - Sumi Pendakur

Episode #154- James Sparkman - The Unwritten Responsibilities of Being a Staff of Color on Campus

Episode #153 - Sylvester Gaskin - Family Orientations and Being a Multiracial Male

Episode #152 - Michael Brick - Bridging The Gap Between Incarcerated Folks and Student Affairs

Episode #151 - Megan Dailey - Navigating a Dual Career Household in Student Affairs

Episode #150 - Lesley D'Souza - Converting Assessment Into Great Stories

Episode #149 - Derrick Picard - Integrating Game Theory into Student Engagement

Episode #148 - Wayne Glass - Mental and Physical Health in Student Affairs

Episode #147 - Ariel Tan on From International Undergrad Student to Res Life Professional

Episode #146 - Alan Mueller - Lessons Learned from Interviewing 50 SSAOs

Episode #145 - Zack Gentry - Perspectives from a Super Involved Undergraduate Student for The University of Texas at Dallas

Episode #144 - Kyle & Aeriel Ashlee - Social Justice, Doctoral Programs, and Love in Student Affairs

Episode #143: Ben Williams - The Value of Volunteering for ACUI

Episode #142: Navigating the Changes of a Socially Charged Campus

Episode #141: Pursuing a Doctoral Degree While Working Full Time

Episode #140: Season 3 Finale

BONUS Episode #139: Brian LeDuc on Coding Academies

Episode #138: Paige Robnett on College Women and Student Leadership

BONUS Episode #137: An Important Announcement

Episode #136: Richard Okello on Revisiting Allyship

Episode #135: Alicia Rea on Alumni Relations

Episode #134: Jenni Kraft-Batchelder on SA First Years

Episode #133: Grant Schroll on Design Thinking and Environments, Part 2

Episode #132: Kathleen deLaski on Design Thinking and Environments, Part 1

Episode #131: Kyle James on Student Leadership Careers

Episode #130: Sue Caulfield on The Committed Project and The Imposters

Episode #129: Nicole Bernabe & Joseph Sammut on Lessons from Podcasting

Episode #128: Max Quinn on Living-Learning Communities

Episode #127: Jake Goldblum on Feminism and Masculinity

Episode #126: Jennifer McMahon on Entering College Students

Episodes #125: Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab on College Affordability

Episode #124: Becca Fick on Being a Work in Progress

Episode #123: Mandi Stewart & Kevin O'Connell on Strengths in the Job Search

Episode #122: Valerie Heruska on Management in Student Affairs

Episode #121: Dr. Audrey Yamagata-Noji on Asian Pacific Islanders in Higher Education

Episode #120: Craig Bidiman on Art Therapy

Episode #119: Jennielle Strother & Chris Miller on the Current State of Admissions

Episode #118: Dr. Patrick Love on Successful Recruiting

Episode #117: Kevin Forch on Strengths and Professionals

Episode #116: Joseph Wuest on Strengths and College Students

Episode #115: Dr. Ed Cabellon on the Doctoral Process

Episode #114: Tom & Dustin on Accountability and Goals

Episode #113: Jacob Patrick and #SAGrad Scholarship Reflections

Episode #112: Jamie Piperato on Supporting LGBTQ Students

Episode #111: Lynne Meyer and Spirituality on Campus

Episode #110: Alex Fields on Workplace Engagement

Episode #109: Janelle Aimi and Stories from a New Professional

Episode #108: Sabrina Spadafino on Being a Parent in Student Affairs

Episode #107: Rick James and Stories from a Student Club Advisor

Episode #106: Melissa Ruiz on Moving In and Out of Higher Ed