2025 NASPA Institute for New Vice Presidents for Student Affairs

Successful VPSAs know that understanding mission, institutional type, and culture require intentional connection of their personal educational philosophy with the mission-driven purpose of the institution they serve. This requires adapting to the unique complexities of various institutions. From community colleges to regional publics, large systems, and small private or religiously-based schools, VPSA roles evolve based on institutional goals in ways that require flexibility and insight into workplace dynamics and how those shift based on context. This includes developing skills and habits to manage the intersection of personal and professional values in mission-driven settings and developing an appreciation of how culture, environment, and community profoundly shape the influence and outcomes of the work.

As a new Vice President for Student Affairs, your ability to lead transformative student success work is deeply connected to the strength of your executive relationships. Establishing trust and alignment with cabinet members, academic leaders, and trustees is not only foundational—it’s strategic. This session explores how to navigate formal structures and informal dynamics of influence, position Student Affairs as an institutional driver, and foster cross-divisional collaboration to advance shared goals. Through a dynamic panel discussion, participants will gain practical insight into interpreting and communicating the student success agenda in executive terms, decoding political landscapes, and building credibility. Panelists will share real-world strategies for understanding institutional power structures, cultivating early allies, and identifying opportunities for impactful partnerships.

This session will engage participants in a critical analysis of the issues they will face as VPSAs, provide space to assess their specific contexts, and identify strategies they can deploy for success. Participants will gain an awareness of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that lead to successful resource management leadership.

Talent management in student affairs relies on trust as the foundation for effective human resource management, ensuring talented staff are in key roles and excel at their responsibilities. It’s about strategically surrounding yourself with skilled professionals while focusing on asking the right questions rather than knowing every job’s specifics. By providing clear vision, support, and autonomy, leaders create an environment where individuals and the overall team can thrive.

Navigating the unspoken dynamics of power, trust, and influence is critical for leaders stepping into new roles. This session will explore how political acumen — the ability to understand and leverage organizational culture, stakeholder agendas, and informal networks — shapes a leader’s impact. Participants will develop a series of strategies to employ in the first few years to build credibility, listen intentionally, and establish trust across campus stakeholders. The session will offer tactical tools, self-reflection prompts, and political navigation strategies essential for long-term success.

In times of constant change and increasing demands, senior student affairs leaders are being called not only to lead—but to lead with compassion, clarity, and care. This panel explores how a culture of care begins at the top, shaping the well-being of our teams, our institutions, and ourselves. Join seasoned leaders as they share personal insights, intentional practices, and transformative strategies for embedding wellness into leadership. Discover how healing and leading can go hand-in-hand—and how modeling care can create lasting impact across your campus.