NASPA South Carolina
Region III
NASPA South Carolina represents NASPA members and institutions in the Palmetto State in support of NASPA Region III and NASPA National. NASPA South Carolina is focused on fostering a statewide network of student affairs professionals to support each other in our efforts to impact students and enhance higher education. NASPA South Carolina is committed to providing professional development, volunteer opportunities, resources and recognition.
Welcome from State Director
On behalf of the NASPA South Carolina (NASPA-SC) State Board I want to share with you our 2024-2025 theme “Continuous Connections: Uniting SAPros Across South Carolina”. Throughout this year, expect to see a variety of opportunities to network and engage both virtually and in-person as we seek to foster value added opportunities for engagement. We want to encourage you all to consider getting involved, below are a few avenues to do so:
- Serve on our executive board, or Join a committee
- Attend a virtual session or event
- Share our content on social media
I am excited for this year and look forward to connecting with you!
Upcoming State Events
Fall 2024
- Friday, October 25 at Noon- Careers in Student Affairs Month webinar
- Register to get the meeting link!
- From graduate school to professionals in the field, this session will be an opportunity for our panelists to share their journeys through higher education! Additionally, this virtual session will spotlight graduate degree programs in South Carolina, and how to become active with NASPA.
- Friday, November 22, at Noon- Conference Review webinar
- Check back soon for information on presenters, registration links and more.
Spring 2025
Want to host our annual drive in conference? Reach out to the board today to get more info on host site needs at [email protected]
Join Our Team
Looking to get involved in NASPA-SC? We are seeking members to fill TWO spots for 24-26!
- Assistant State Director for Policy and Partnerships
- Assistant State Director for Conference Coordination
Review the Position Descriptions
Apply Today! Applications are being taken on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Complete Your Profile
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Annual State Conference
6th Annual NASPA South Carolina State Conference- want to host?
Want to host the conference in May 2025? Email us at [email protected]
The 5th annual NASPA South Carolina Drive-In Conference happened on May 23, 2024 at Newberry College!
Thank you to our 2024 Drive-In Conference Sponsors!
Partner Level ($500 or above)
- Metz Culinary Management
Sponsor Level ($250-$499)
Associate Level ($100- $249)
State Board
The South Carolina Board oversees the various activities of the state. We meet monthly to organize events, develop member engagement experiences and strengthen the higher education community within the state.
State Director- Mike Wade, University of South Carolina
Assistant State Director for Policy and Partnerships- Vacant- Apply Today!
Assistant State Director for Membership- Mandy Lautzenheiser, University of South Carolina
Assistant State Director for Conference Coordination- Vacant- Apply Today!
Assistant State Director for Awards and Non-Conference Programming- Ti-Ana Pyatt, Clemson University
Assistant State Director for Communication and Marketing- Kimberly Dressler, University of South Carolina
Graduate Student Coordinator- Curtis Pernell, University of South Carolina
In The Know
NASPA-SC publishes a montlhy newsletter open to members, past event attendees, and anyone who would like to receive information from our board.
Palmetto Awards
Each year NASPA recognizes outstanding members by honoring individual professionals with national and regional awards. The Palmetto Awards are an opportunity for NASPA South Carolina to embrace the NASPA recognition tradition by honoring members in our state for their outstanding contributions to the Higher Education and Student Affairs profession.
Nominations are will open for Spring 2025 with a streamlined application process in late 2024!
Nominations for the 2025 Palmetto Awards will be due in March 2025
Nominations can be submitted online in late 2025.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
Winners will be notified in April 2025, and awards will be presented in-person at the 6th annual NASPA South Carolina Drive-In Conference.
Individual Award Categories
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence Award
The Commitment to Inclusive Excellence award recognizes a professional’s efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in education. Nominee should:
- be recognized by students and colleagues as an advocate who takes a stand on critical issues related to diversity, and inclusion,
- provided leadership and direction in fostering a culture of respect for multicultural values and the acceptance of individual and group differences.
The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
- 2024- Shelley Dempsey
- 2023- Sonia Badesha
- 2023- Melissa Brannen
- 2022- Florencia Cornet
Outstanding Contribution to Student Engagement
The purpose of this award is to recognize a professional’s work at the campus level in the area of student programs. The nominee should have:
- Made contributions above and beyond the assigned duties of their position,
- A commitment to personalized student experiences and evidence of successful efforts in humanizing the campus community,
- High quality interaction with individual students and student groups
- Consistently give time and effort towards counseling, advising and supporting students.
The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- Alisa Liggett
2023- N/A
2022- N/A
Outstanding HBCU/ MSI Professional
The Outstanding HBCU/MSI Professional award recognizes an individual member with demonstrated leadership and commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), minority serving institutions, and/or the profession. Nominees should have:
- made significant contributions to in advocacy for HBCU/MSI,
- exhibits care in creating a campus environment that promotes student learning and personal development
- be currently employed at an HBCU/MSI in South Carolina with at least two years of HBCU/MSI experience.
The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- N/A
2023- N/A
2022- N/A
Outstanding Graduate Professional
The Outstanding Graduate Professional award recognizes the outstanding contributions by a graduate student, master's or doctoral level in a student affairs or related degree. The award is not for individuals currently employed full-time while also completing a graduate degree. Nominees should have:
- made a significant contribution to their campus,
- demonstrated academic achievement,
- exceeded the expectations of their respective leadership positions,
- assumed a leadership role at their institution and demonstrated an interest in the field of student affairs, and/or in higher education.
- a graduate assistantship or internship experience in a student affairs department.
The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- Curtis Pernell
2023- Deja Kenion
2022- Jasmine Carter
Outstanding New Professional
The Outstanding New Professional award recognizes outstanding contributions by a higher education and student affairs professional within their first three years of full-time employment. Nominees should have:
- demonstrated initiative,
- contributed to programs that address the needs of students and the institution,
- created campus environments that promote student learning and personal development.
The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- Amanda Oliver
2023- N/A
2022- Patrick Riccards
Outstanding Service as HESA Faculty Award
The Outstanding Service as HESA Faculty award recognizes the consistent and exemplary teaching and mentorship of graduate students in higher education and student affairs programs at South Carolina colleges and universities. Nominees should:
- have a record of scholarly achievement through publications and conference presentations,
- made significant efforts to collaborate with students on publications or conference presentations,
- be recognized as a mentor by students entering the profession.
The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- N/A
2023- Dr. Debbie Conner
2022- N/A
Outstanding Technical College Professional
The Outstanding Technical College Professional award recognizes an individual member with demonstrated leadership and commitment to technical colleges in South Carolina, and/or the profession. The nominee should have:
- made significant contributions in advocacy for SC Technical Colleges and their students,
- exhibits care in creating a campus environment that promotes student learning and personal development
- be currently employed at a SC Technical College with at least two years of community or technical college experience.
The winner must be member of NASPA South Carolina. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominees are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- Gina Polizzi
2023- N/A
2022- Austin Floyd
Special Recognition Awards
Outstanding College or University Senior Leadership Team
The Outstanding College or University Senior Leadership Team recognizes the strength of the relationship and combined efforts of the College or University President, Senior Student Affairs Officer and Senior Academic Affairs Officer to positively influence the quality of student life on campus. The nominees should:
- be recognized by constituents, especially students, as collaborative, effective, and inspirational,
- each have a record of publications, speeches, and remarks that recognize the value and importance of student life to the overall mission higher education,
Additionally, the nominees' should have directed their efforts to significantly impact one of the following areas of the student experience:
- Academic Advising, Career Services, Graduate Programs and Services, Professional Services
- Alumni, Community Relations, Family Programs, Fundraising
- Athletics, Recreation, Counseling, Health, Wellness
- Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics
- Campus Security, Crisis Management, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Violence Prevention
- Civic Learning, Democratic Engagement, Service-Learning
- Commuter, Off-Campus, Military-Connected, Non-traditional
- Contracted/Auxiliary Services, Housing, Residence Life
- Enrollment management, financial aid, orientation, and first-year programs
- Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice
- Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership, Student Activities, Student Unions
The leadership team must be from a NASPA institutional member. Nomination submissions must include nominee information (Senior Student Affairs Officer, Senior Academic Officer and President), summary statement detailing college or university leaders’ efforts to positively impact student life and advance the mission of student affairs related to a specific focus areas and biographies of College/University leaders (uploaded as additional documentation).
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- N/A
2023- Dr. Bennie Harris
2022- N/A
Program of Distinction
The NASPA South Carolina Program of Distinction Award highlights innovative initiatives that relate to the programs, policies, procedures, best practices, or services provide by South Carolina colleges and universities to impact students in one of the following areas:
- Academic Advising, Career Services, Graduate Programs and Services, Professional Services
- Alumni, Community Relations, Family Programs, Fundraising
- Athletics, Recreation, Counseling, Health, Wellness
- Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics
- Campus Security, Crisis Management, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Violence Prevention
- Civic Learning, Democratic Engagement, Service-Learning
- Commuter, Off-Campus, Military-Connected, Non-traditional
- Contracted/Auxiliary Services, Housing, Residence Life
- Enrollment management, financial aid, orientation, and first-year programs
- Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice
- Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership, Student Activities, Student Unions
Nominations for the Program of Distinction must include nominee information, summary statement detailing program’s impact on student success, relevance to student affairs mission, and application of research, theory, or assessment. The additional documentation category can be used to share assessment data, or other relevant information.
At least one person associated with the nomination must be a NASPA South Carolina member. NASPA South Carolina membership is determined by an individual having a NASPA membership that is connected to South Carolina address. Nominee(s) are encouraged to have an active NASPA membership by April 1, 2024.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2024- Mitzi Winesett Fund for Student Emergencies, Columbia College
2023- On Your Time, University of South Carolina
2023- Soulful Sunday, University of South Carolina- Upstate
2022- N/A
Graduate Programs
South Carolina offers multiple graduate prepartion programs for aspiring Higher Education and Student Affairs professionals. Our univeristies also provide options for professionals seeking a terminal degree to further enhance their experience as student affairs practitioners or transition to faculty.
Clemson University: Master and Doctoral Programs
M.Ed. in Student Affairs
The Master of Education in Student Affairs program provides students with a transformative learning experience founded on theory-to-practice. In producing practitioner-scholars, the faculty combine in-class learning with graduate assistantships / full-time employment enhanced with practicum and internship experiences. The programs strong network of alumni help foster connections across the field and in and beyond the region. Students leave with the skills they need to successfully support students with strong collaboration, leadership, and communication skills based in theory and ethical practice. Learn More
Ph.D in Educational Leadership
Clemson’s Ph.D. program in educational leadership in higher education focuses on developing professionals’ knowledge and research abilities in this applied multi- and interdisciplinary field. Because many of the higher education Ph.D. students in this field remain connected to their professional roles, this program is paced to accommodate each student’s timeframe while ensuring steady progress to degree completion. Learn More
Coastal Carolina University: Doctoral Program
Ph.D in Education
The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education is an advanced graduate program in the Spadoni College of Education. This program will involve students in developing the breadth and depth of understandings, skills, and dispositions through study in one of three specialization areas (Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment). In addition, Ph.D. candidates will become well versed in the foundations of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. The curricula will also involve the selection of cognate and elective courses, and completion of dissertation hours. Identified courses in both the specialization and cognate areas may be co-taught to interrelate key conceptual understandings. Learn More
Columbia College: Master Programs
M. Ed. in Higher Education Administration
Columbia College designed the curriculum for the M. Ed. in Higher Education to impart the essential knowledge necessary for professional advancement through a variety of administrative positions and departments. The program focuses on a global view of higher education. Students gain knowledge in governance, organization of higher education, leadership, student affairs, enrollment management, finance, critical issues facing higher education, and the law. The breadth of courses equips students to be competent, confident leaders across many departments at the institution. Learn More
The Citadel: Master Programs
M.Ed. in Student Affairs & College Counseling
The Master of Education in Counselor Education program in Student Affairs & College Counseling is designed for adults who are already working in or want to enter institutions of higher education. Students who successfully complete the program will obtain a graduate degree in counselor education: student affairs and college counseling. Learn More
M.Ed Higher Education Leadership (Online)
The Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership degree features a 36-hour program of study designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in post-secondary educational settings, including four-year colleges and universities, community and technical colleges, and related educational organizations. The program provides a broad preparation in higher education leadership, including specialized coursework in higher education organization and governance, student affairs, finance, and strategic planning. Learn More
University of South Carolina - Columbia: Master and Doctoral Program
M.Ed. in Higher Education & Student Affairs
The Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) combines a rigorous program of study with opportunities for in-depth practical experience suited to dedicated individuals seeking professional careers in higher education administration and the administration of college student services and activities. Learn More
Ph.D in Higher Education Administration
The Ph.D. Degree in Higher Education Administration is designed to prepare professional academic leaders in colleges and universities whose practical knowledge is enhanced by inquiry and scholarship. Students engage in a range of academic coursework to prepare them to assume advanced leadership positions, including coursework in the history, philosophy, financial, legal, and governance aspects of higher education. Learn More
South Carolina Institutional Members
- Allen University
- Central Carolina Technical College
- Claflin University
- Clemson University
- Coastal Carolina University
- Coker University
- College of Charleston
- Columbia College
- Converse University
- Furman University
- Lander University
- Limestone University
- Midlands Technical College
- Presbyterian College
- Technical College of the Lowcountry
- University of South Carolina-Columbia
- University of South Carolina-Aiken
- University of South Carolina-Lancaster
- University of South Carolina-Upstate
- Winthrop University
- Wofford College
- York Technical College
Updated Fall 2024