Region I
Region I
Region I is dedicated to serving the needs of NASPA members in what would broadly be described as New England and Eastern Canada. Our goal is to provide members with a forum to address regional issues while providing specialized professional development and networking opportunities.
Message from the Director
May 17, 2024
Dear Region I Colleagues,
As I step into the role of your Regional Director, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Alex Cabal and the 2022-2024 Regional Advisory Board for their commendable efforts during their tenure. Their unwavering commitment and dedication to our organization and its members ensured that we remained actively engaged in professional dialogues amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic.
Our 2024-2026 Board is now in place and everyone is very enthusiastic. Allow me to introduce the 2024-2026 Board. Our board members represent a wide range of student affairs experience. This group is poised to make meaningful contributions to Region I and NASPA as a whole.
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with many of you over the coming two years. I hope to see you at our regional conference in Burlington, Vermont on November 17-19.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable summer.
Best regards,
Carole Hughes, Ph.D.
Advisory Board
The Region I Advisory Board (RAB) is comprised of NASPA members appointed by the Regional Director except State Directors, who are voted by members of the respective states. Member of RAB oversees the various operations of the Region as well as representing the state organizations within Region I and coordinating with the Knowledge Communities, Divisions, and other constituents at the NASPA level. Please reach out to member of the board to learn more about their role.
Region 1 - Newsletters
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Get Involved
NASPA Regions are run and supported entirely by the continued hard work and contributions of our volunteers. Region I offers numerous volunteer positions and opportunities for our members to become involved. Whether it’s taking on a leadership role or helping out at a drive-in, there’s something for everyone.
To see all available volunteer opportunities go to Volunteer Central.
Signature Initiatives
New Professionals Mentoring Institute (NPMI)
In continuing the tradition of providing unique and high quality professional development opportunities, NASPA Region I is proud to offer the 10th Annual New Professional Mentoring Institute (NPMI). The NPMI was launched in the fall of 2008 as a means to provide new, full-time professionals in their first two (2) years in the profession instructional sessions co-facilitated by seasoned student affairs administrators and faculty, as well as mentorship from a mid-level or senior level Student Affairs professional. The program takes place over the course of four sessions.
Mid-Level Institute (MLI)
A Region I signature event, the Mid-Level Institute provides professionals with 5-8 years of professional experience an opportunity to explore the challenges and rewards of leading from the middle. The cohort based model increases regional connections and offers mentorship from a chief student affairs officer. The engaging sessions with seasoned student affairs officers, the collegial support, and the time for reflection all make the institute a unique experience. The Institute is scheduled for four days, one day in each of the months of March through June.
Student Affairs Leaders of Tomorrow (SALT)
The Student Affairs Leaders of Tomorrow (SALT) conference is designed to help undergraduate students explore the field of student affairs as a career path. Participants will have the opportunity to meet other student leaders who share their same interests, discover the variety of functional areas available to them, meet professionals in the field who will provide guidance, mentorship and direction, and have a chance to learn about and meet representatives from the various graduate programs in student affairs in our region.
Senior Student Affairs Officers (SSAO) Institute
The Senior Student Affairs Officers (SSAO) Institute is an opportunity for Chief Student Affairs Officers/Vice-Presidents of Student Affairs to discuss topics and issues relevant to their positions. The Institute includes a dinner on Sunday Night and a half-day of programs on Monday. The topic of the SSAO Institute changes every year.
UBUNTU Institute
The mission of the NASPA Region I Ubuntu Institute is to be a leadership development opportunity designed for student affairs professionals of color. The Institute will inspire emerging professionals, ranging from graduate students through mid-level professionals, to reach their full potential and serve as a pathway to leadership within institutions and associations through a cohort based model. The goals of the institute are to aid participants in navigating the complexity of higher education as professionals of color through the lenses of strength, empowerment, resiliency & authenticity.
State Chapters
Region I State Chapters are led by State Directors who are voted by their respective state members. Each State Director oversees a leadership team that is responsible for content knowledge and programs within their state. Please contact your State Director if you are looking to get involved.
Awards
NASPA Region I - Award Winners
NASPA Region I - 2024 Award Winners
| Award | First Name | Title | Institution at Time of Award |
| Catch a Rising Star Award |
Jaychele Schenck | Bentley University | |
| Program of the Year Award | Weiss Women's Leadership Program | Wheaton College | |
| Richard F. Stevens Outstanding Graduate Student Award | Melissa Ochoa | Graduate Assistant for eSTEM | University of Vermont |
| Richard F. Stevens Outstanding New Professional Award | Grace Peterson | Assistant Director for Club Sports and Student Organizations University of Vermont |
University of Vermont |
| Doris Michiko Ching Award for Excellence as a Student Affairs Professional | Alfred Garcia | Assistant Director of Residential Life | University of Massachusetts Boston |
| AVP/Senior-Level Student Affairs Professional Award | James Kohl, Ph.D. | Dean of Student Affairs and Experiential Learning | University of Massachusetts Lowell |
| Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award |
Misael Beltran-Guzman | Assistant Director - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Colby College |
| Institutional Leadership Award | Rodney Mondor | Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students | University of Southern Maine |
| Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Award Award |
Richard J. DeCapua, EdD | Senior Associate Dean of Student Life Deputy Chief Student Life Officer |
Tufts University |
| Outstanding Contribution to Literature and/or Research Award | Brittany Williams | Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration | University of Vermont |
| Fred Turner Award for Outstanding Service to NASPA |
Will Johnson | Associate Vice President & Dean of Students | Fairfield University |
| Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Chief Student Affairs Officer | Maureen Keefe | Vice President of Student Development | Massachusetts College of Art and Design |
Public Policy Updates
December 23rd, 2024
Campus Safety:
- 41% of young voters say UnitedHealthcare CEO killing “acceptable”: poll
DEI:
- Idaho Board of Education faces vote on DEI resolution
- Idaho education board bans DEI across state’s 4-year colleges
- Harvard enrolls smallest number of Black students since 1965
- What it’s like to send your autistic kid off to college
- TX students are experiencing the impact of SB 17
- U of Michigan says DEI official fired over “behavior” at protests, conference
- DEI bans flourished in 2024. Politicians aren’t finished
First Amendment:
- The AAUP condemns faculty arrests at NYU
- Massive decline in protests from spring to fall 2024
General:
- Higher ed group asked for delayed gainful employment, financial value transparency deadline
- Colleges urge ED to delay gainful employment…again
- A year in review: 10 higher ed opinion pieces from 2024
- Looking back at 2024 in higher ed
- What 3 ratings agencies project for higher ed in 2025
- CA nixes degree requirements for 30K state jobs
- College operating costs rose 3.4% in fiscal 2024
- Brown University to slow faculty staff growth as it attacks $90M budget hole
- Declining K-12 enrollment spells trouble for higher education’s future
- Splashy hires and messy exists on 2024
- Audit sheds light on state-issued credit card misuse in the CT college system
- The early bird gets admitted
Title IX:
- USC settle sexual assault suit against professor for $150K
- Federal report on Baylor finds delay in Title IX cases
- Here’s how Donald Trump might ban trans athletes from competing in sports
- NCAA president says there are “less than 10” transgender athletes in college sports (10, not 10%)
Washington Wrap-up:
- Rep. Tim Walberg to chair House education committee
- Virginia Foxx reflect on her time in the hot seat
- Trump nominated conservative culture warrior to lead DOJ’s civil rights division
- US senate passes Stop Campus Hazing Act
- House antisemitism probe demands stronger federal oversight of colleges
For Fun:
History
Timeline
| Month/Year | Event |
| November 1969 | William Swantzbaugh, Dean of Students at Amherst College, becomes first RVP of Region I |
| November 1976 | Region I has 309 Individual Members |
| November 1981 | Region I host regional conference in Easton, Massachusetts - Theme: Making Connections, Sharing Wisdom, Creating Harmonies |
| November 1993 | Registration for the regional conference is $85 - spouses were eligible to come to the conference at a discount rate |
| March 1986 | Sarah Light, VPSA at Westfield State, becomes first female RVP of Region I |
| January 1989 | Sarah Light and Paula Rooney work to bring NASPA Mid-Level Professionals Institute to Region I |
| May 1990 | ACPA and NASPA joined forces to form the Maine Association of Student Affairs Personnel, marketing heavily toward undergraduate students; Region I only region with a Network Coordinator. |
| August 1990 | Membership is 499 |
| September 1990 | Andy Matthews is named Region I Liaison to Canadian and International Members in efforts to recruit and increase membership. |
| May 1991 | Placement Conference takes place at Babson College (MA) with 200+ candidates and 50+ positions – giving Regions II and III the idea to host a similar conference. |
| April 1991 | Kathleen Yorkis, Dean of Student Affairs, Bentley College (MA) attends White House Briefing on Fraternities |
| May 1991 | Region I paves the way for opportunities and discussion of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual conversation through the GLB Network. ““Region I has much to be proud of. There are a number of regions where gay, lesbian and bisexual are not easily or openly addressed. The network is appreciative of opportunities this region has made available. These include: space in the newsletter, display space at the regional conference, sessions on the conference program, encouragement from regional leadership. The continuation of these opportunities is anticipated.” |
| May 1991 | Membership reaches 587 |
| September 1991 | Regional Advisory Board approves formation of a Disability Network for Region I |
| November 1991 | First NEED Award & first state awards were presented |
| December 1991 | Paula Rooney, Vice President of Student Affairs at Babson College (MA), and Region I Past Vice President, announced as a candidate for President-Elect of NASPA. |
| December 1991 | Membership reaches 594 members |
| January 1992 | Region I’s Disability Network approved at the national level |
| February 1992 | Region I teleconference on “Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Students” co-sponsored by NASPA & ACPA |
| September 1992 | NH sponsors statewide conference for students of color |
| December 1992 | Region I develops “Discussion Group” on the Internet |
| January 1993 | Membership reaches 622 members |
| March 1993 | NASPA Annual Conference held in Boston, MA celebrating the 75th Anniversary of NASPA |
| March 1993 | Membership reaches 717 members |
| September 1993 | 888 members in Region I. The region is flourishing having had hosted the Annual Conference in Boston, picking up an additional 300 members from the conference. ∞ |
| September 1994 | Region I Network for Women in Student Affairs co-hosts with Interventions Consulting Group: Women Transforming College Campuses at Worcester State College (MA), facilitated by Peggy Jablonski of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. |
| July 1994 | Began the planning and implementation in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology to provide a three-day workshop on technology for senior student affairs officers |
| July 1994 | International Education Network Created for the purposes of encouraging professional connections with colleagues in other countries |
| November 1995 | NASPA revised its strategic plan and mission impacting goals and focus of Region I |
| June 1996 | Joint day conference with International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) IACLEA in Springfield, MA |
| October 1997 | Regional drive in conference for new professionals and Graduate Students at Trinity College in Collaboration with NEACUHO |
| March 1997 | Jack Warner of Bristol Community College (MA) in Region I becomes president of NASPA |
| November 1997 | First Silent Auction - Started by Sheila Murphy and Sue Brady |
| September 1998 | NASPA Region I exceeds goals for membership with 121 institutional members and 755 individual memberships |
| April 2001 | Networks officially become "Knowledge Communities" |
| November 2001 | The first "Undergraduate Track" pre-conference is held at the regional conference in Springfield, MA |
| January 2003 | First Mid-level Institute was established to help mid-levels in career development by Dave Zamojski |
| May 2003 | First New England Latino Conference was held |
| November 2004 | Region I has 12 MUFP fellows as a part of the national program |
| September 2005 | Membership reaches 1,121 |
| June 2007 | The undergraduate pre-conference in Burlington, VT was renamed Student Affairs Leaders of Tomorrow (SALT) |
| November 2007 | 35th anniversary of the Region I conference which featured a band called “Back in Time” |
| January 2008 | Jenn Kosses and Laura De Veau create the New Professionals Mentoring Institute *NPMI) to provide mentoring and professional development to new professionals |
| March 2008 | NASPA's National Conference in held in Boston, MA. |
| March 2008 | Oonagh Holmes from Acadia University serves as Canada Director from 2008-2009 |
| January 2009 | New Professionals Mentoring Institute created to provide mentoring and professional development to new professionals by Laura DeVeau & Jenn Kosses |
| July 2009 | NASPA Region I Ireland conference created to establish greater connection amongst members abroad, 40 in attendance. |
| March 2009 | Faculty Summit becomes a part of the Region I Conference |
| March 2010 | Jana Luker became the Canada Director on the Advisory Board Served til 2016 |
| November 2010 | Lunch and learn workshops integrated into the Region I conference in Manchester, New Hampshire |
| June 2011 | Region I hosts a Switzerland Conference at Franklin College themed “Integrating Residential Communities in International Environments” is launched to encourage greater discussion across borders, ten different countries were represented |
| October 2012 | Membership reaches 1,593 members |
| November 2012 | The regional conference in Mystic, CT has 541 attendees (first time attendance exceeds 500 members) |
| March 2013 | Brian McCoy (Nichols College) chairs the 2013 National Conference in Orlando, FL |
| June 2013 | NASPA Region I is represented in the Boston Pride Parade - first time NASPA is represented in a parade in its history |
| April 2013 | Candid Conversations program is started at Region I conference in Rockport, Maine |
| November 2014 | Dr. Arthur Chickering is the closing speaker/guest at the regional conference in Newport, RI |
| April 2016 | Mid–level, senior level position added to Region I advisory board |
| March 2016 | Jason Masterson (University College Dublin) is the first European member to join the Regional Advisory Board |
| November 2016 | Region I advisory board offers support for institutions and colleagues given new FLSA requirements |
| March 2017 | Nancy Crimmin (Becker College) chairs the 2017 National Conference in San Antonio, TX |
| November 2017 | The UBUNTU Insitiute host its inagural cohort of 43 participants at the regional confence in Springfield, MA |
| June 2018 | Region I sponsors a conference in Dublin, Ireland - 10 members from the United States attend conference |
| November 2018 | Alex Cabal (Wentworth Institute of Technology) becomes the first Person of Color to chair the regional conference in Providence, RI |
| November 2018 | Attendance for the regional conference in Providence, RI surpasses 600 attendees (first time in region historyI |
| November 2019 | Alana Anderson (Boston University) becomes the first Woman of Color to chair the regional conference in Providence, RI |
| November 2020 | Regional conference is held remotely due to the COVID-19 Pandemic |
| March 2022 | Alex Cabal becomes the first Person of Color to hold the Regional Director position. |
| November 2022 | Sean Thompson (Brown University) becomes the first African American man to chair the regional conference. |
Regional Directors
| Term | First name | Last name | Position During Term | Institution During Term |
| 2024-2026 | Carole | Hughes | Senior Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Student Life | Boston College |
| 2022-2024 | Alex | Cabal | Director of Diversity Initiatives and Engagement, College of Arts, Media, and Design | Northeastern University |
| 2020-2022 | Melinda | Stoops | Associate Vice President, Student Health and Wellness | Boston College |
| 2018-2020 | Jen | DeBurro | Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students | University of New England |
| 2016-2018 | Beth | Moriarty | Director of Residence Life | Bridgewater State University |
| 2014-2016 | Richard | DeCapua | Associate dean of students | Boston College |
| 2012-2014 | David | Zamojski | Assistant Dean of Student & Director of Res. Life | Boston University |
| 2010-2012 | Nacy | Crimmin | Dean of Campus Life | Assumption College |
| 2008-2010 | Pauline | Dobrowski | Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students | Stonehill College |
| 2006-2008 | Brian | McCoy | Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean Of Students | Nichols College |
| 2004-2006 | Craig | Hutchinson | Vice President for Student and University Life | University of Southern Maine |
| 2002-2004 | Cynthia | Forrest | Dean of Student Services | Framingham State College |
| 2000-2002 | Karen | Haskell | Dean of Students | Roger Williams University |
| 1998-2000 | Sheila | Murphy | Dean of Student Life | Simmons College |
| 1996-1998 | Margaret | Jablonski | Associate Dean for Undergrad. Education and Student Affairs | Mass. Institute of Technology |
| 1994-1996 | Jack | Warner | Dean of Students | Bristol Community College |
| 1992-1994 | Joan | LeMoine | Dean of Student Affairs | Western Connecticut State University |
| 1990-1992 | Joyce | McPhetres | Associate Dean of Students | Colby College |
| 1988-1990 | Paula | Rooney | Vice President, Student Affairs | Babson College |
| 1986-1988 | Sarah | Light | Vice President, Student Affairs | Westfield State College |
| 1984-1986 | Kevin | Duffy | Vice President, Student Affairs | Boston College |
| 1982-1984 | Thomas | Aceto | Vice President, Student Affairs | University of Maine |
| 1980-1982 | Frank | Napolitano | Asst. Vice President, Student Affairs and Services | Universirty of Connecticut |
| 1977-1980 | Dennis | Golden | Vice President, Student Affairs | Framingham State College |
| 1976-1977 | Richard | Wotruba | Dean of Students | Middlesex Community College |
| 1973-1976 | Donald | Hardy | Vice President, Student Affairs | Rhode Island College |
| 1971-1973 | Richard | Stevens | Vice Provost, Student Affairs | University of New Hampshire |
| 1970-1971 | John | Shay, Jr | Dean of Students | Holy Cross College |
| 1969-1970 | William | Field | Dean of Students | University of Mass. Amherst |
| 1968-1969 | Gilbert | MacDonald | Vice President, Student Affairs | Northeastern University |
| 1965-1968 | William | Swartzbaugh | Dean of Students | Amherst College |
Conference Chairs
| Conference Year | Conference Chair Name | Conference Location |
| 2024 | Alyssa Cashman | Burlington, VT |
| 2023 | Matt Heiser | Portland, ME |
| 2022 | Sean Thompson | Hartford, CT |
| 2021 | Caitie Regan | Hartford, CT |
| 2020 | Colleen Lubin | Virtual Conference |
| 2019 | Alana Anderson | Providence, RI |
| 2018 | Alex Cabal | Providence, RI |
| 2107 | Dave Golden | Springfield, MA |
| 2016 | Megan Keeney | Buriington, VT |
| 2015 | Cameron Smith | Manchester, NH |
| 2014 | Elissa Carolll | Newport, RI |
| 2013 | Greg Jones | Rockport, ME |
| 2012 | Daniel Brown | Mystic, CT |
| 2011 | Jennifer Michael | Sturbridge, MA |
| 2010 | Jenn Kosses | Manchester, NH |
| 2009 | Shawn De Veau | Newport, RI |
| 2008 | Greg Narleski | Hyannis, MA |
| 2007 | Phil Bernard | Buriington, VT |
| 2006 | Rebecca Norwell | Portland, ME |
| 2005 | Gina Grubb | Sturbridge, MA |
| 2004 | Richard DeCapua | Mystic, CT |
| 2003 | Pauline Dobrowski | Hyannis, MA |
| 2002 | Cheryl Barnard | Waterville Valley, NH |
| 2001 | Brian McCoy | Springfield, MA |
| 2000 | Deborah Cady | Rockport, ME |
| 1999 | Maureen McDermott | Manchester, NH |
| 1998 | Gary Carskaddan | Hartford, CT |
| 1997 | Artie Travis | Newport, RI |
| 1996 | Shelly Masson | Springfield, MA |
| 1995 | Peter Simonds | Hyannis, MA |
| 1994 | Mary Anne Ives | Buriington, VT |
| 1993 | Margaret Jablonski | Hartford, CT |
| 1992 | Eric Riedel | Portland, ME |
| 1991 | John King | Newport, RI |
| 1990 | Eileen Sul | Portsmouth, NH |
| 1989 | Springfield, MA | |
| 1988 | Cape Cod, MA | |
| 1987 | Buriington, VT | |
| 1986 | Boston, MA | |
| 1985 | Newport, RI | |
| 1984 | Hartford, CT | |
| 1983 | Portland, ME | |
| 1982 | Cape Cod, MA | |
| 1981 | Easton, MA | |
| 1980 | Providence, RI | |
| 1979 | Boxborough, MA | |
| 1978 | Northfield, MA | |
| 1977 | Braintree, MA | |
| 1976 | Windsor Locks, CT |
Pillars of the Profession
| Name | Institution | Year |
| Jacinda Félix Haro | Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | 2025 |
| Marcella Runell | Mt Holyoke College | 2024 |
| Melinda K. Stoops | Boston College | 2024 |
| Carole Hughes | Boston College | 2023 |
| Michele Murray | College of the Holy Cross | 2022 |
| Beth Moriarty | Higher Education Consultant | 2021 |
| Walter Diaz | Eastern Connecticut State University | 2021 |
| Jim Hope | Emerson College | 2021 |
| Lawrence P. Ward | Babson College | 2021 |
| Pauline Dobrowski | Stonhill College | 2020 |
| Brandi Hephner LaBanc | University of Massachusetts Amherst | 2020 |
| Maureen Keef | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | 2020 |
| David Zamojski | Boston University | 2020 |
| Kenneth Elmore | Boston University | 2019 |
| Ann Marie Vacarro | Rhode Island College | 2018 |
| Brian McCoy | Nichols College | 2018 |
| Nancy Crimmin | Becker College | 2017 |
| Frank Sanchez | Rhode Island College | 2017 |
| Ellen Heffernan | Spelman Johnson Group | 2015 |
| Laura Wankel | Northeastern | 2015 |
| Delight Champagne | Springfield College | 2014 |
| Barbara Fienman | Suffolk University | 2013 |
| Carol Wiggins | UConn | 2012 |
| Jackie Gribbons | University of Vermont | 2008 |
| Larry Benedict | MIT | 2008 |
| Art Jackson | Westfield State | 2008 |
| Dwight Rideout | UMAINE | 2007 |
| Margaret Jablonksi | Brown | 2007 |
| Paula Rooney | Dean | 2006 |
| Sheila Murphy | Simmons | 2006 |
| Donald Blumenthal | Quinipiac | 2005 |
| Kathleen Manning | University of Vermont | 2005 |
| Cynthia Forest | University of New England | 2005 |
| Jack Warner | Bristol Community College | 2004 |
| Evelyn Clements | Unknown | 2004 |
| Kevin Duffy | Boston College | 2003 |
| Karen Rigg | Northeastern | 2003 |
| Don Howard | UMass Dartmouth | 2003 |
Strategic Plan
NASPA National Strategic Plan Goals
- Deliver dynamic, innovative, and timely professional development and volunteer engagement opportunities to build the leadership capacities and effectiveness of student affairs professionals
- Generate scholarship and disseminate knowledge that supports evidence-based, innovative, inclusive, and socially just student affairs practices
- Lead public policy and advocacy efforts that shape the changing landscape of student affairs within higher education
- Provide leadership for student affairs in integrating existing and emerging technologies
- Develop and promote NASPA’s identity as a global student affairs association