NPI Year in Review: Jerusha Labady

Name: Jerusha Labady

Current Position: Residence Life Coordinator

Current Institution: Florida International University

Years of Experience: 2 years

Why did you choose to apply to NPI:

I chose to attend NPI because I heard so many amazing things about the institute. It was described to me as a necessity and something that would really give me a boost as a new professional, and that’s exactly what I got!

What did you expect going into the program:

I had high expectations for the New Professionals Institute. The program as a whole reviews a wide range of discussion topics in our field and various opportunities to connect with peers and senior level administrators. Knowing this, I was thrilled.

What was the biggest lesson you learned from NPI:

Don’t compare! When you attend NPI you will start to connect with peers on similar feelings and experiences but these things change according to institution and position type. I learned to accept my experience for what it was, my experience. I also gained the resources (with the help of faculty and peers) on how to maximize my tenure at my specific institution, develop professional goals, and more importantly revisit my passion for the work that I do.

What has stuck with you since finishing NPI:

Since NPI I’ve maintained the notion that Student Affairs professionals are awesome! There’s a concept that our field is  overly fluffy and not so serious. When the opposite can be true. We face difficult times in our roles and are easily spread thin with little to no recognition. As a result stagnation and disinterest can easily creep in. Making a conscious decision to address these very real emotions requires strength and courage, and illustrates true dedication the field of Student Affairs.  

What piece of advice would you give to a fellow new pro:

There’s only so much we can share through words. I encourage anyone who is thinking about NPI to go and experience the “magic” for themselves.  

We are delighted to invite new professionals to Huntsville, Alabama for a intensive, interactive week of learning, sharing, networking and professional and personal development. Co-sponsored by NASPA Region III and SACSA, the New Professionals Institute is the preeminent professional development opportunity for new student affairs professionals in the South. This unique opportunity allows new professionals to draw on their first years of experience to improve their effectiveness and to learn from others. It is a time of professional and personal renewal and assists new professionals in the development of their careers.

NPI  requires a commitment by the new professional to work intensively over five days with other new professionals and a team of more-seasoned faculty members. To assure that new professionals' participation in the Institute is fully endorsed by the current senior student affairs officer at his/her institution, registrants must have a letter of support submitted by the senior student affairs officer at their institution. There is a limit of two participants per institution.

Many institutions have used the New Professionals Institute not only as a training ground for rising stars in the profession, but as a form of recognition for outstanding new professionals on their campus. Participants come from all areas of student affairs: student activities, orientation, career services, residential life, recreation, judicial affairs, admissions, Greek affairs, counseling, international services, and more!

The application deadline is April 10th.

Application information can be found at the following link: HERE

We hope to see you in Huntsville!