Praise for In the Middle: Leading as a Mid-Level Professional in Student Affairs
“In the Middle is both timely and necessary, offering mid-level student affairs leaders the frameworks, grounding, and encouragement needed to navigate complexity, lead with purpose, and advance student success in a rapidly changing higher education landscape." —Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President, Community College of Aurora
“A timely, thoughtful, and much-needed resource for mid-level student affairs professionals. This book offers practical insight and speaks directly to those leading from the middle as they navigate their journey.” —Don Stansberry, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, University of Missouri–Kansas City
“Mid-level professionals serve as the heart of postsecondary institutions, anchoring much of the daily work that advances student success. In the Middle emphasizes the critical and essential role these professionals play and offers actionable guidance for investing in their growth and development. It is a must-read for mid-level managers—especially those in community colleges—and for the supervisors who support them.” —Rosline Sumpter, Vice President for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research, SC Technical College System
“Mid-level professionals are one our greatest assets in student affairs, and this text illuminates the impact they can have on institutional success. The tools and resources outlined throughout the book are valuable not only for current and aspiring mid-level professionals, but also for the supervisors who support them.” —Lamar R. Hylton, Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Indiana University Bloomington
“At a time when many mid-level professionals are rethinking their place in higher education, this book offers clarity, validation, and direction. The chapters address everything from principled supervision to reimagining career pathways, helping readers align their values with their professional choices. It is both a practical toolkit and a reflective companion for long-term success.” —Lorie A. Kittendorf, Assistant Vice President, Office of Access and Community Programs, The University of Tampa
“In an era when higher education feels defined by uncertainty, increased demands, and shifting student needs, this book provides clarity and direction. It offers a well-rounded set of tools that speak directly to the realities of mid-level roles, from supervision and politics to resilience and well-being. It is a thoughtful guide for those seeking to align their values with their practice and to find meaning in the ‘in-between’ spaces of our profession.” —Justin C. Smith, Associate Dean, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
“In today’s higher education landscape, mid-level professionals are more essential than ever as leaders, educators, and advocates. This book offers a thoughtful and timely guide for those aspiring to, or currently serving in, mid-level management roles. It provides practical strategies to navigate the complex responsibilities we hold with students, colleagues, parents, and fellow administrators.” —Gayle Spencer, Senior Director, Illinois Leadership Center, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign; President, Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (2023–2026)
“Despite the pivotal role of mid-level managers in higher education, they often do not receive enough attention in the leadership literature. This insightful book offers thoughtful analysis by blending practice-oriented guidance from multiple perspectives. It illuminates how mid-level professionals can effectively serve as a bridge between frontline staff and senior leadership to foster healthy workplace cultures and team dynamics that advance institutional mission and student success. Featuring concrete strategies, developmental frameworks, and actionable recommendations, this volume is a valuable tool for leadership growth.” —Henry Tran, Associate Professor of Education Leadership, College of Education, University of South Carolina; Editor, Journal of Education Human Resources
