James E. Scott Academy
VP for Student Affairs
The James E. Scott Academy is led by a board comprised of 20-30 accomplished vice presidents for student affairs (or the equivalent) who lead divisions at a wide variety of institutional types throughout NASPAs seven regions. The primary role of the Board is to provide advice and thought leadership on critical issues in student affairs and higher education and to advise the NASPA president and staff regarding these issues. Additionally, the Board plays a key role in identifying principles of effective student affairs practice for recognizing and responding to the trends and challenges present in the field and in higher education more broadly. Lastly, the Academy sponsors programs that provide opportunities for VPSAs to dialogue and learn with other vice presidents.
Message from the Academy Board Chair
Welcome to the NASPA James E. Scott Academy Advisory Board. It is my honor to serve as Chair and to work with a remarkable group of senior student affairs leaders and colleagues who bring vision, experience, and deep commitment to the future of our profession.
The James E. Scott Academy represents the heart of senior leadership within student affairs - a place where ideas take shape, challenges are met collaboratively, and the transformative power of higher education is reimagined for changing times. This Advisory Board has the unique privilege of advising NASPA on the issues, trends, and leadership needs that most impact senior student affairs officers. Together, we help guide the association’s strategic priorities, ensuring that NASPA remains responsive, forward-thinking, and grounded in the lived experience of campus leaders.
Our work is both reflective and aspirational. We are called to advance the profession by fostering spaces for dialogue, innovation, and mentorships in addition to sustaining those who lead with courage and compassion in complex institutional environments. Through our shared efforts, we strengthen not only our colleagues, but also the communities and students we collectively serve.
We invite all who engage with the Academy to join us in this work - exploring, questioning, and envisioning the next chapter of leadership in student affairs.
With appreciation and enthusiasm,
Eva Chatterjee-Sutton-Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students, Washington & Jefferson College,Chair, James E. Scott Academy Advisory Board, NASPA
About
The Academy was established in response to NASPA's initiative to provide continued professional education and development to meet the needs of vice presidents for student affairs, offering skill development in the areas of leadership and executive effectiveness.
In 1994, NASPA President James E. Scott appointed the Committee on Future Skills and Knowledge for Student Affairs Leaders, charging the committee with examining how VPSAs develop and refine professional skills throughout their careers and making recommendations on a deliberate process for continual professional development. The committee, consisting of VPSAs conducted a review of relevant theoretical constructs and applications affecting the future work of VPSAs and assessed pressing leadership effectiveness needs through extensive research and dialogue with VPSAs across the country.
By the end of 1997, the NASPA Board transformed the Committee on Future Skills and Knowledge into the National Academy for Leadership and Executive Effectiveness. On January 9, 1999, the Academy launched its first national Institute. In March 2003, the Academy was renamed in honor of past president James E. Scott.
Events
One of the best resources available to you is the wide range of professional development opportunities. This list contains both our “Hosted Events,” workshops and webinars that we plan and manage, and some “Related Events,” hosted by the NASPA Central Office or other NASPA Constituent Groups. To see a full listing of NASPA events, please see the Events page.
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Board Membership
The James E. Scott Academy Board is comprised of accomplished chief student affairs officers from throughout all of NASPA's seven regions. Board members serve at institutions that reflect a diversity of institutional types including public and private, two-year and four-year, and large and small colleges and universities.
