Petersen named Vice President for Public Relations and Communications for NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

Chelsea Petersen, a marketing and communications professional with over 15 years of experience in higher education and administration, has been appointed Vice President for Public Relations and Communications for NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. 

"I am excited to welcome Chelsea to the NASPA community. As we prepare to launch NASPA’s new strategic plan, this is a pivotal time for student affairs and the association. I am certain that Chelsea will bring great expertise to help us communicate the value of our profession and NASPA’s impact in higher education,” stated NASPA’s President, Dr. Amelia Parnell. 

In this inaugural role, Petersen will lead strategic marketing and communications efforts, including increasing NASPA’s brand awareness in public relations and membership spaces. Additionally, she will serve as a member of the executive leadership team, oversee the Association’s marketing and communications staff, and consult with NASPA stakeholders. 

Petersen most recently served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Division of Student Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). Joining WashU in the summer of 2018, Petersen built the external relations functions within the Athletic & Recreation departments before joining the leadership team of Dr. Anna Gonzalez, WashU’s Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, in 2021. Gonzalez, who is currently serving as the immediate past chair of the NASPA Board of Directors, echoed Parnell’s enthusiasm for Petersen’s appointment. 

“Chelsea is a proven team builder who has worked efficiently across many diverse university departments including career services, health and well-being, campus and residential life, family engagement, and finance. She will bring tremendous energy to the NASPA membership,” explained Gonzalez. 

During her time at WashU, Petersen’s marketing and communications teams have been recognized with over 25 national awards spanning digital communications, videography, and brand development. Along with Gonzalez, she established the Student Affairs Marketing & Communications Office, offering services to 28 departments and over 400 employees. Additionally, she oversaw the process for the division’s rebrand and website overhaul and was highly involved in writing the strategic plan for the Student Affairs Division.

Prior to WashU, Petersen spent over ten years in collegiate athletics coaching and administration. She holds an undergraduate degree in marketing and communications from Upper Iowa University, where she was a DII basketball player. She received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Anderson University. 

She begins her NASPA duties on December 3, 2025. 

 

About NASPA: Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. NASPA’s work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.