15-16 February // Long beach, ca

The ACPA Dean of Students Institute – Excellence at the Center of Care, sponsored by ACPA’s Senior-Level Community of Practice, is a deeply engaging and interactive program designed to support and develop professionals working or interested in the Dean of Students (DOS) arena as they consider and manage their unique roles. Through expert-led conversations, interactive sessions, and collaborative networking opportunities, participants will develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the potential for the role of a Dean of Students in higher education. Exploring, aspiring, and current DOS attendees will leave the institute empowered and ready to create a nurturing environment that promotes success and well-being.

FEATURES

Through participation in the Dean of Student Institute, you will have the opportunity to:

• Explore and analyze dimensions of the DOS role and formulate priorities for action.
• Create a network of peer support for your current role and beyond with professionals from across higher education.
• Construct an individualized plan based on what you learned for ongoing well-being, personal, and professional development as a senior-level higher education professional.

Student affairs educators who work in the Dean of Student (DOS) space play unique and critical roles within higher education and for the students they serve. Often working with students or supporting the institution broadly during crises, DOS professionals connect students to resources for physical or mental health needs, address behavioral and academic misconduct, respond to concerns about student or campus safety, help students impacted by interpersonal violence navigate institutional and community processes, and support all students as they progress toward their academic goals. In addition to direct service and care for students, professionals in Dean of Students roles are also responsible for addressing broad campus issues, creating or adapting policies, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.

Dean of Students professionals are expected to be the “jack of all trades” and masters of most. Although a variety of professional development opportunities speak to individual components of the role like student conduct, case management, or threat assessment, no other experience focuses on this group of key professionals and the intersection of these complex issues.  

This learning experience is an institute and not a conference. Sessions are organized and sequenced to meet the needs of professionals at different places in their journey. Each session is also sequenced with learning outcomes to create an integrated, developmentally scaffolded experience for the participants. Unlike conferences where participants choose to participate (or not) in concurrent sessions, during this institute, all attendees will participate in a cohort experience and are expected to engage fully in all aspects of the institute. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The ACPA Dean of Student Institute is designed to support professionals currently in the position of Dean of Students, by title or areas of responsibility, as well as those exploring the role as a potential career path. This includes AVC/Dean of Students, Deans of Students, Associate/Assistant Deans, and senior- or mid-level professionals from across student affairs to include housing, student conduct, and case management.

FACULTY

Will J. Cribby

he, him // bunker hill community college

Will J. Cribby is currently serving as the Assistant Dean of Students at Bunker Hill Community College where he has worked since December of 2017.  He has served in various roles in Residence Life and general Student Affairs, including multiple Dean roles, for over 20 years. Will has served in multiple leadership roles within ACPA over the years of involvement with the association, including serving as the President of the Massachusetts chapter (MCPA), serving on the former Standing Committee for LGBTQIA+, and most recently as the chair of the Commission for Two Year Colleges. 

He completed his BA in Communication at the University of New Hampshire and Masters of Education in Counseling with a focus in Higher Education at Bridgewater State University. He is currently completing his Ed.D. at Northeastern University in Higher Education Administration and is completing his research and dissertation on “LGBTQIA2S+ Sense of Belonging in Higher Education in the Community College Setting.” His anticipated completion is March 2025.

Dr. Shannon Gary

HE/HIM // UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO

Dr. Shannon Gary is the associate vice president of student life and dean of students at the University of San Francisco.

Shannon is a first-generation college student from Philadelphia, PA. He earned his undergraduate degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Additionally, he earned both his master’s degree and Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. 

He has worked for various institutions and numerous departments and divisions. Shannon began his higher education career in Career Services at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. He then moved on to become an academic advisor in the Honors Program at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. After Temple University he moved on to Drexel University as the assistant dean of Honors Programming in the Pennoni Honors College. He was eventually promoted to the associate dean of Pennoni Honors College and director of the Honors Program. He left Drexel to become the associate dean of students at Montclair State University. From Montclair State he moved on to his current position at the University of San Francisco. Throughout all his career Shannon has been a student-centered advocate for all students. With a particular focus on the needs of first generation, low-income, Black, and other underrepresented students.

Shannon is an active member of NASPA where he has served as a national Knowledge Community Chair; Regional Knowledge Community Coordinator; and as a member of the AVP Steering Committee. He is also a member of ACPA. He is actively involved with JASPA through the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). Shannon is a member of the Board of Trustees for Muhlenberg College where he chairs the Nominations and Governance committee. He also serves as a commissioner for the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) representing private, not for profit colleges and universities throughout the state. 

Shannon currently teaches courses in the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) program at USF. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member at Widener University in Chester, PA; Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ; and Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in each of their respective graduate higher education/student affairs programs.

Dr. Kathleen McMahon

SHE, HER // EXECUTIVE COACH & CONSULTANT

Dr. Kathleen McMahon has worked in higher education for 28 years in progressively senior leadership roles at numerous diverse institutions, both public and private, east and west coasts, and large and small. She served in the dean of students role at Marlboro College (VT), Roger Williams University (RI), and CSU Cal Poly SLO (CA). As a trained clinical social worker, she has a deep commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of each student and spent years leading Care and BIT teams. She has also served as a AVP and VP, most recently as vice president for student affairs at CSU Cal Maritime, where she was responsible for leading programs and services that directly support the success and wellbeing of students, including student support, equity and development programs such as, Title IX, health and counseling services, career services, discipline & conduct, cultural centers, student government, housing & residential Life, EOP, leadership development, community engagement, bias response teams and more. Her expertise involves navigating and managing campus climate and culture issues and leading through sensitive campus crises (i.e., Title IX, suicides, deaths, trauma, bias incidents).

Dr. McMahon earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, master’s in clinical social work from Boston College, a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UCLA, and a certification from The Fielding Graduate University in Evidence Based Coaching.

Benjamin Morton

HE, HIM // University of Alaska Anchorage

Ben Morton, UAA’s Dean of Students since 2017, supervises the university’s Student Health and Counseling Center, Department of Residence Life, Disability Support Services, Office Student Conduct and Ethical Development, and the UAA CARE Team. He has also previously supervised the Multicultural Center, Native Student Services, and the Career Center.  

Ben previously served as the Associate Dean of Students at Saint Louis University (2015-2017), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct at the University of Memphis (2011-2014), Assistant Dean of Students and Assistant Director of Student Conduct at the University of Illinois (2006-2011), and Residence Hall Director at the University of Illinois (2001-2005).

Dean Morton earned bachelor’s degrees from Clarion University in 1996, a Master of Arts from West Virginia University in 1999, and a Master of Science from Florida State University in 2001. He has also completed coursework and is ABD on a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois.

Dr. Joy Pedersen

she,her // Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Dr. Joy Pedersen serves a AVP and Dean of Students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. In this role, she serves as the point of contact for student crisis intervention and is responsible for directly supporting the success and wellbeing of Cal Poly students. She is passionate about social justice and helping all students achieve their full potential.

Originally from the Central Coast, Dr. Pedersen returned to San Luis Obispo to work in the non-profit sector before transitioning to higher education. At Cal Poly, she has overseen the Center for Service in Action, Multicultural Center, and Center for Military-Connected Students. Prior to serving as dean, Dr. Pedersen was Associate Dean of Students for Student Success, Support, and Retention. In each of her roles, Dr. Pedersen has worked collaboratively with campus- and community-partners to create equity, access, and opportunities for students.

In addition to her leadership experience in student affairs, Dr. Pedersen has held positions in academic affairs and in the community. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Cal Poly and Brandman University. She has served as a Board Member of United Way. And currently, she serves as a Board Member of Transition-Mental Health Association.

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Pedersen has been intimately involved in campus climate concerns and student safety. She is a founding member of the Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association (APIFSA), the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT), and the Peace Ambassador program at Cal Poly. 

Dr. Pedersen earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Claremont McKenna College, master’s in higher education counseling and guidance from Cal Poly, and doctorate in educational leadership from UCSB. Dr. Pedersen enjoys paddle boarding and spending time with her family.

Dr. Clint-Michael Reneau

he, him // Northern Illinois University

Dr. Clint-Michael Reneau (he/him) is a nationally recognized educator, scholar, and consultant committed to social justice, equity, and inclusion. With extensive expertise in retention, equity gap-closing, and strategic DEI initiatives, he has significantly impacted institutions across the U.S. and abroad. As Vice President for Student Affairs at Northern Illinois University, he leads efforts at a campus where 56% of students are first-generation. Dr. Reneau’s tenure at California State University, Fullerton, saw the successful closing of equity gaps and the development of a strategic DEI framework. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Adult and Community Education and executive education certifications from Harvard and Stanford.

Dr. Reneau’s contributions to ACPA are profound, including serving as ACPA Foundation Trustee, Faculty Member for the Donna M. Bourassa Mid-Level Management Institute, and Vice-Chair of the Coalition on Men & Masculinities. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the ACPA Harold E. Cheatham Innovative Practice Award and the ACPA Mid-Level Management Award. A first-generation gay college student with a disability and a product of the community college system, Dr. Reneau realizes how lived experiences have shaped his understanding of the critical importance of intersectionality and the assertion of human dignity. This perspective fuels his mission to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential, creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and know they matter. Dr. Reneau’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of higher education and the profound impact of compassionate, equity-driven leadership. His vision is clear: to inspire and enact meaningful change, fostering environments where access and inclusion thrive, equity is championed, and every individual’s dignity is honored.

Dr. Troy L. Seppelt

he, him // University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Dr. Troy L. Seppelt (he, him, his) currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He oversees the Office of the Dean of Students which manages student care, conduct, and bias reporting work; the Center for Prevention and Health Promotion; and the Directors for Student Health Service and the Counseling Center. Dr. Seppelt chairs the campus threat assessment team and has played key roles in other areas of campus response and compliance as interim Title IX Coordinator and Clery Compliance Officer. As a current Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Troy is focused on the prevention of interpersonal violence and a thorough student-centered response to reported concerns. As a focus area for Dr. Seppelt, he also volunteers and serves a member of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA).

In his 24-year career, Troy has supported students at both public and private institutions, with much of his time within residential life and housing. He previously served as Director of Residence Life at Colorado Mesa University, Associate Director for Residential Life at Gustavus Adolphus College, and started his professional career as a Residence Hall Director for Macalester College. Dr. Seppelt is also a veteran, having served in the United States Army active and reserve components, retiring a First Sergeant (1SG/E-8) after 20 years of service.

As a member of ACPA, Troy has served as the Chair for the Commission for Housing and Residential Life (CHRL), as a member of the planning team and faculty for the ACPA Institute on the Curricular Approach (formerly RCI) and recently finished his term as Chair for the Senior-Level Community of Practice (SLCoP). During his tenure as the SLCoP Chair, the group launched the Senior-Level Support Network, spearheaded the Growing Knowledge Series in partnership with the other communities of practice, and of course, launched the Dean of Students Institute for which he is the current chair. He has received recognition from CHRL and is an ACPA Diamond Honoree. 

Dr. Seppelt received his doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, master’s in Counselor Education – College Student Affairs from Western Michigan University, and bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Minnesota, Morris.

Registration Rates

In order to qualify for member rates for the ACPA’s Dean of Students Institute, membership with ACPA must be valid through 16 February 2025. You must have your own individual membership. ACPA Members who purchase a Dean of Students Institute Registration understand their membership needs to be active through 16 February 2025. If it is not active prior to the start of the Dean of Students Institute you will not be provided with your Dean of Students Institute Event credential unless you renew your membership or pay the difference between the non-member and member registration cost.

Registrations can be paid by check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. All fees must be prepaid. Purchase orders are not accepted. Refunds will be given for cancellations, received in writing at ACPA by 15 January 2025. Registrations can also be withdrawn by registrants by using the event registration system through 15 January 2025. After 15 January 2025 there are no refunds. ACPA reserves the right to charge a service fee of US$50 for returned checks. Registrations are non-transferable. The conference may be cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. In this case, the fees will be fully refunded; however, ACPA will not be responsible for other additional costs, charges or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines and/or travel agencies.

hotel information

The Dean of Students Institute will occur in ACPA25 Convention facilities. Hotel accommodations are available through the ACPA25 Convention hotels. The convention hotel blocks close on 22 January 2025 or once the blocks fill, whichever occurs first.

schedule-at-a-glance

*all times listed in Eastern Time • Schedule is tentative and subject to change

Meals included are dinner Wednesday, breakfast and lunch Thursday and Friday, and breakfast on Saturday. Dinner on Thursday and Friday are on your own.

Day 2 – Sunday, 16 February 2025