Leaving NASPA with a Full Heart: Reflections from NASPA 2025

As I boarded my flight home from #NASPA25, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude, purpose, and pride and found myself smiling SO BIG as I walked down the jetway! This year’s conference in New Orleans wasn’t just a gathering—it was a rejuvenation. A reminder of why we do this work, who we do it for, and the incredible community of professionals who show up every day to support student success.

Over the past few days, I had the privilege of wearing several hats: keynote speaker for the VPSA Institute, co-host of the Connected Exec Meetup, facilitator of AI in Student Affairs sessions, and consultant to VPSAs navigating leading at a challenging time in higher education. Each moment brought its own spark—whether it was diving into strategy, talking through emerging tech, or exploring what it really means to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion in 2025.

But as powerful as the sessions were, what made NASPA special—as always—were the people.

The magic lives in the hallway conversations, the hugs between sessions, the late-night reflections over dinner, and the spontaneous reunions with colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends. It’s in celebrating our wins—big and small—and cheering each other on as we share research, receive awards, present new ideas, and push the field forward. I was especially moved watching my clients and collaborators shine on national stages, reminding me that coaching and consulting is, at its core, about empowering others to lead boldly.

It was also nice to introduce AHECC to the conversation. A new professional home for Higher Education Consulting and Coaching. AHECC will serve as a complementary force to in the higher education ecosystem, reinforcing the vital role that our existing Higher Education Associations plays while addressing the specific needs of consulting and coaching professionals.Many of the consultants and coaches who will join AHECC are already active members of many of our national associations, working alongside your community to turn ideas into action and drive meaningful change on campuses. We see AHECC as an added layer of support in the higher education ecosystem—one that reinforces our shared commitment to higher education while addressing the unique needs of consulting and coaching professionals in our field.

A HUGE thank you to:

• Josie Ahlquist and Carrie Petr for co-hosting the "Connected Exec Meetup" with me that welcomed nearly 100 friends and colleagues.

• NASPA's Abby Vollmer and Stephanie Gordon for inviting me to speak at the VPSA Institute and to conduct VPSA Consultations.

• NASPA's Secoya Holmes, Elise Newkirk-Kotfila, and the amazing Garrett Naiman for inviting me to present an extended learning session focused on AI.

• Eddie Martinez, Mordecai Brownlee, and Scott Peska for co-presenting about AI innovation at Community Colleges.

And even though I didn’t get to see everyone I hoped to (isn’t that always the way at NASPA?), I’m leaving with my cup full. Energized by what’s possible. Reminded that we’re all in this together. And more in love than ever with this profession that has shaped my life and career in the most meaningful ways.

To those who attended a session, stopped by to say hello, shared a hallway laugh, or simply showed up with your full self—thank you. You helped make this conference unforgettable.

Until next year—see you in Kansas City!