Kristina Bethea Odejimi Dr. Kristina Bethea Odejimi is a seasoned student affairs senior leader and the Principal/CEO of Kristina Bethea LLC. She recently served as a senior leader at Emory University. Prior to Emory, Odejimi served as the dean of students at Bowdoin College and also as dean of students of an all-girls boarding and day school. Early in her career held posts at the University of Virginia and the University of Arkansas. Odejimi has a breadth of experience in supervision, change management, and evaluating structures and systems to maximize productivity and effectiveness. Odejimi operates off three core competencies that inform her work with students and professionals—quality focus, accountable for results, and developing self and others. She continues to show up every day doing the important work of student affairs because she believes in the transformational growth and development that happens when students seek degree attainment. Odejimi believes in appropriately pouring into her team and providing them with opportunities to hone their craft, while continuing to learn about new and sustainable ways to do this important work. Odejimi has served in student affairs for almost 20 years and has been steadily involved in NASPA since she began her career. Currently, she serves as the chair of the 2027 NASPA Annual Conference Leadership Committee and serves on Region III Advisory Board as co-foundation Ambassador. In addition to presenting general sessions at conferences over the years, Odejimi has also served on the NASPA AVP Steering Committee, AVP Symposium Planning Team, and the NASPA Region I Conference Committee. In addition, Odejimi has also led the 2025 NASPA Institute for New AVPs Institute as Director and served as a Faculty member in 2024. Odejimi holds degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, and Denison University. She currently resides in Atlanta with family.

Dr. Darryl B. Holloman is a distinguished leader in higher education with over three decades of experience in student affairs, student success, academic administration, institutional advancement, governance and board relations, and human talent management. Dr. Holloman has worked and taught at several regional and nationally recognized higher education institutions where he has supervised collectively over 300 employees and overseen multi-million-dollar budgets. Dr. Holloman currently serves as the vice president for student affairs at Spelman College.
Dr. Holloman has several articles and book chapters to his credit. Dr. Holloman’s research examines the ways disadvantaged groups develop and demonstrate their agency in educational systems, particularly within urban school settings. His most current manuscript is entitled: In the Middle: Leading as Mid-level Professionals in Student Affairs with NASPA Publications. Dr. Holloman is an active member of St. Luke Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry from 2024-2027. Dr. Holloman lives in Atlanta with his spouse of 32 years, Glyn Williams, and their two twin sons – Delbert and Delvin.

Dr. Quincy Spencer serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement at the University of Arkansas, where he provides strategic leadership for a range of departments dedicated to fostering student engagement, belonging, and success. His portfolio includes Transition Programs & Initiatives, the College Access Initiative, Student Media, Student Involvement & Leadership, Parent & Family Programs, Student Engagement & Outreach, the Center for Community Engagement, and the Multicultural Center.
Dr. Spencer’s research interests focus on parent and family engagement, first-generation college student success, and sophomore/second-year student development. He brings a wealth of experience from large public universities, mid-sized institutions, and medical colleges.
He holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Student Personnel Services from Northwestern State University, as well as a doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas.
A recognized leader in the field of orientation, transition, and retention programs, Dr. Spencer is a past President of NODA – Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education – and has served on the NODA Board of Directors. He has been a faculty member for both the NODA Transition Symposium and the Orientation Professionals Institute (OPI). In addition to his involvement with NODA, he is active in AHEPPP and NASPA and works as an independent consultant, specializing in student transition programs, family engagement, and organizational management.

Dr. Darrien Davenport is a native of Philadelphia and has over twenty-five years of professional experience with fifteen of those years dedicated to higher education. That higher education experience spans student affairs, student success, DEI, enrollment management, and higher education consulting. Prior to his consulting work at WittKieffer, Darrien served in several key positions at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, including most recently as interim chief diversity officer, overseeing various diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, access, and belonging institutional initiatives. He was also simultaneously assistant vice president of college life and assistant secretary to the board of trustees, preceded by a tenure as executive director of multicultural engagement. In all of these roles, he championed access, support, education, and engagement for underrepresented, first-generation, lower socioeconomic (SES), and LGBTQIA+ students.
At York College of Pennsylvania, Darrien also served in myriad critical roles – as interim dean of enrollment management, assistant dean of student affairs, and director of intercultural student life and global programming. In his time in academia, Darrien has sought out ways to give back to the campus community, whether as an administrator, teacher, committee member, researcher, speaker, or workshop facilitator. Darrien received a B.S. in Economics from West Chester University, an M.S. in Leadership and Business Ethics from Duquesne University and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. He currently resides with his family in Harrisburg, PA.

Steve Mobley Dr. Steve D. Mobley, Jr.’s scholarship focuses on the contemporary placement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Particularly, his research underscores the understudied facets of HBCU communities including issues surrounding race, social class, and student sexuality. He earned his B.A. in Communication & Culture from Howard University. Upon graduating from Howard, he completed his Master’s in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Maryland.
Dr. Mobley, Jr. also has had extensive experience in the fields of Higher Education and Student Affairs. Prior to him beginning his career as an academic, he served as Associate Director of the undergraduate program at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. He also held appointments in academic affairs at the University of Maryland and taught courses in The College of Education, Undergraduate Studies, and the Academic Achievement Programs (A TRiO Initiative).
His scholarly work has also garnered national attention. Dr. Mobley, Jr. was named a 2022 Diverse: Issues In Higher Education Emerging Scholar, and a 2021 College Student Educators International (ACPA) Emerging Scholar-Designee Awardee. He is also the recipient of the 2018 Article of the Year Award from the American Educational Research Association’s (AERA) Queer Studies Special Interest Group (SIG), 2019 College Student Educators International (ACPA) Coalition on Men & Masculinities Tracy Davis Emerging Research Award, and the 2019 American College Personnel Association’s (ACPA) Coalition of Sexuality and Gender Identities (CSGI) Research Recognition Award.
Dr. Mobley, Jr.’s scholarship has also been published in Teachers College Record, The Journal of Higher Education, The Journal of Homosexuality, The Urban Review, the Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, and the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education.

Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta is an equity-minded higher-education leader whose work spans executive administration, faculty leadership, and national professional service. She is Executive-in-Residence at the University of North Texas and Director of the Bill J. Priest Center for Community College Education, where she teaches, mentors doctoral and master’s scholars, and stewards partnerships that advance community-college leadership.
Mayra serves on the 2027 NASPA Annual Conference Leadership Committee and has held multiple NASPA roles, including Chair of the Community Colleges Institute (2025), Community College Division Faculty-in-Residence (2023), and long-time proposal reviewer and presenter. She co-directs the Dr. Ted Martinez, Jr. Concilio Leadership Fellows Program, supporting a national pipeline of community college Latinx leaders, and provides special-assistant project leadership for student-success initiatives as needed for community colleges.
Previously, Mayra served as Vice President for Student Development Services at Tarrant County College (NE) and Executive Dean of Student & Enrollment Services at Dallas College (Eastfield). Her scholarship and practice focus on parenting-student success, organizational agility, and compassionate leadership; her writing appears in Teachers College Record and edited volumes on student affairs and culturally responsive teaching.
She earned a PhD in Higher Education (UNT), a Master’s in Human Relations in Organizational Change & Development (OU), and dual bachelor’s degrees (International & Area Studies; Spanish). A frequent keynote speaker, Mayra is known for translating data and lived experience into actionable strategies that help institutions serve students—and the leaders who serve them—more effectively.

Dr. Don Stansberry is a nationally engaged student affairs leader and higher education executive currently serving as Vice Provost for Student Affairs at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. With more than two decades of progressive leadership experience across multiple institutions, he has built a career centered on student success, belonging, and social mobility.
Throughout his tenure at institutions including Clayton State University, Old Dominion University, Western Illinois University, Towson University, and Defiance College, Dr. Stansberry has led transformative initiatives that strengthen retention, progression, and graduation outcomes. His leadership emphasizes aligning strategy with care—ensuring that budgets, staffing models, assessment practices, and campus partnerships work cohesively to remove barriers and elevate student achievement.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Stansberry is deeply committed to expanding access and opportunity for underserved and historically marginalized students. His leadership philosophy centers on asking bold questions, challenging assumptions, and helping teams envision what “could be” rather than settling for what has always been.
Known for his energy, creativity, and brand-forward leadership style, Dr. Stansberry brings both strategic vision and authentic connection to his work—championing environments where students, staff, and institutions can thrive.
Dr. Don Stansberry earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Education Specialist Degree from Old Dominion University. He completed his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education in College Student Personnel at Ohio University

Dr. Danielle Miller-Schuster serves as Associate Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs at Illinois State University, where she provides leadership for division-wide strategic planning and oversees a broad portfolio of programs, services, and facilities that advance the success and well-being of the Redbird community. Her areas of responsibility include Campus Recreation, Career Services, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality, Health Promotion and Wellness, Student Counseling Services, Student Health Services, and Student Affairs Assessment and Data Analytics, Advancement and Constituent Relations, and Professional Development and Staff Recognition.
A proud three-time Redbird, Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, her master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration, and her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Foundations from Illinois State. With more than two decades of experience, she is dedicated to cultivating purposeful programs and services that foster growth, retention, belonging, and institutional excellence. Her leadership philosophy centers on nurturing growth through coaching, building connections through collaboration, and cultivating positive environments that empower staff, inspire innovation, and spark curiosity.
Danielle is actively engaged with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), where she recently completed a four-year term on the AVP Steering Committee, co-chaired the 2023 AVP Symposium, and served on the faculty for the 2024 and 2025 New AVP Institute. She is currently contributing to volunteer and engagement efforts for the 2026 Annual Conference in National Harbor and is excited to be a member of the 2027 Conference Leadership Committee.
Danielle lives in Bloomington, Illinois, with her husband, Andy, and their rescue dog, Starlight Louise.

Garrett Naiman (he/him) is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development & Engagement and Dean of Students at the University of California, Santa Cruz (go Banana Slugs!), where he leads and supports campuswide strategy and operations that advance student success, engagement, and well-being. With more than 25 years in higher education, his work is grounded in the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive and that every story holds power. He is reenergized each year by the NASPA Annual Conference and most recently served on the 2025 Extended Learning Sessions conference subcommittee. Garrett holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara, the University of Vermont, and the University of San Francisco and lives in Santa Cruz with the two loves of his life, his wife and their seven-year-old child.

Brenda Ice currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Residential & Community Living at Brown University in Providence, RI. Her portfolio includes residential education, operations/housing, new student orientation, off-campus student services, graduate housing, Greek Life, summer conferences, and capital planning/renewal. She leads this unit through the development of a shared, coordinated set of structures, practices, and outcomes to support students’ residential experience of inclusive communities that promote wellness, growth, development with a greater connection to the curricular and co-curricular experience.
Prior to Brown, Brenda served as the Assistant Dean/Director of Campus Life at Scripps College (CA) and Assistant Dean of Students at the University of California – Riverside. She has also worked at Colgate University (NY) Towson University (MD), Wilkes University (PA) and Salisbury University (MD), all in various roles in support of the residential student experience.
Brenda has served in a variety of leadership roles in higher education for over 25 years, and her focus at all times is on advancing the profession for students and the staff who support them through mentorship. Brenda currently serves on the ACUHO-I Executive Board as the Workforce Development Director. Additionally, she co-chairs the Mentoring Committee with the NASPA Black Diaspora Knowledge Community (BDKC). She served as a member of the 2023 ACUHO-I Leadership Academy Steering Committee, having previously served as a mentor of the program in 2022. But most folx are familiar with Brenda because of her long-standing commitment and membership with The Placement Exchange. She started out small – serving as an onsite mentor for candidates in 2014. She joined the planning committee in 2016, supporting employers for several years before becoming Chair in 2021. She remains committed to advancing the profession through mentorship and volunteerism in our professional associations. Brenda earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington College (MD) and her Master of Education in Post-Secondary Education from Salisbury University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Student Affairs Administration & Leadership from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, with a focus on the challenging experiences of Black women in student affairs.

Chris “Topher” Ndiritu is the Associate Director of Residential Life and Student Conduct at the University of New Orleans, where he provides leadership for residence education initiatives and oversees the student conduct process. In this role, he supports holistic student development, supervises professional staff, and fosters a safe and engaging living-learning environment. Previously, Topher served as an Area Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life at Davidson College. He began his professional journey in student affairs at the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel and held a graduate assistantship as an Assistant Hall Director within University Housing. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health from Old Dominion University (ODU).
During his undergraduate years, Topher was deeply involved in campus life. He was elected to two terms as Student Body President, serving a diverse student population including first-years, non-traditional, and first-generation college students. He also worked in the Dean of Students Office and contributed to statewide and national conversations around campus sexual assault and misconduct in partnership with the Virginia Governor’s Office and the White House.
Topher has received multiple honors for his dedication to the field of student affairs, including the 2022 NASPA Region III William Leftwich Outstanding New Professional Award and the 2017 SACSA Outstanding Graduate Student Award. He is a proud NASPA member and NUFP alumnus, and continues to be active in professional associations. Most recently, he served as Conference Chair for the 2023 SACSA Annual Conference, which achieved the second-highest attendance in the association’s history. He currently serves as Vice President for Marketing for SACSA, where he leads the association’s strategic communications and visual identity.
Outside of work, Topher brings the same energy to his community involvement. He serves as the Community Outreach Director for Stonewall Sports – New Orleans, where he builds partnerships and coordinates service initiatives. He also plays kickball, trivia, and pickleball, enjoying the camaraderie and connection these activities bring.

Dr. Creston Lynch is a seasoned senior student affairs leader with a long-standing record of guiding institutional change, strengthening campus climate, and building collaborative systems that support student success. He currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for University Life at George Mason University, an R1 institution and the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia. In this role, he provides strategy for division- and institution-wide initiatives, leads key components of the university’s strategic plan implementation, and oversees a portfolio of units that support student retention and success. His work at Mason has included reorganizing structures, developing campuswide learning outcomes, designing student activism protocols, and co-leading initiatives that align the campus around shared priorities.
Prior to joining Mason, Lynch held leadership roles at Southern Methodist University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Western Kentucky University, and Clemson University. Across these institutions, he has built coalitions with faculty and staff partners, contributed to academic curriculum enhancements, supported enrollment and retention strategies, and led committees, task forces, and campus initiatives focused on strengthening the overall student experience. His career reflects a consistent ability to lead with influence, navigate complex organizational environments, and cultivate conditions that allow students and professionals to succeed.
Lynch has been active in NASPA for more than a decade. He has presented numerous sessions at NASPA’s Annual Conference and the AVP Symposium, served on the NASPA Texas Board, contributed to knowledge communities, and participated in regional and national planning efforts. His broader professional engagement includes keynote addresses, featured presentations, and consulting roles with SACSA, AFA, NCORE, ASHE, and multiple universities.
He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas, a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study in Organizational Dynamics from Southern Methodist University, and both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Memphis. Lynch grounds his leadership in collaboration, strategic thinking, and the belief that higher education transforms lives when institutions create environments where students are supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their goals.

Jeff Brown currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at American University in Washington D.C. In this role he provides leadership for key departments that support the care and well-being of the student body including the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, the Student Health Center, the Center for Well-Being and Psychological Services and International Student and Scholar Services. He also serves in critical roles with crisis management, threat assessment, student activism support and neighborhood/off campus relations on the AU campus.
Prior to this role, Jeff served for four years as the Dean of Students. In that role he has responsibility for undergraduate and graduate student care, support, and advocacy. He also served as the chief student conduct officer for the University. Jeff had responsibility on the AU campus for inclusion support, neighborhood relations, crisis management and multiple retention initiatives.
Prior to his move to American University seven years ago, he worked at Clemson University for 19 years serving in a variety of capacities, most recently as the Associate Dean of Students where he over saw all orientation and transition programs, parent/family programs and support, the Student Veteran Resource Center, retention programs for underrepresented students and extended orientation programs. He also has extensive experience working in residence life and fraternity and sorority life.
Originally from the Chicago area, Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations & Communications from Bradley University and a Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration from Clemson University. Jeff has held multiple leadership roles with NASPA, ACPA, and NODA. Currently Jeff is serving as the Past-President for NODA after serving as a General Board Member and the Lead Faculty for the Orientation Professionals Institute (OPI) for six years.