Region II
Region II
We are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our members and institutions through tailored support and intentional engagement. Our work includes investing in the growth of professionals at every stage of their careers and recognizing the impactful work happening throughout the region. From students and new professionals to mid-level managers and senior leaders, we offer access to programs, mentoring, and meaningful avenues for involvement and leadership. Together, we continue to build a strong, connected, and thriving Region II community.
Message from the Director
Greetings!
The work we do to support student success and create opportunities for growth and development is more critical than ever in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. Regardless of when we entered this field, we were driven by a shared passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to making a difference. I encourage all of us to reflect on what inspired us to join this profession and to come together in support of one another.
As members of Region II, I invite you to explore meaningful ways to stay connected. Whether you're joining virtual or in-person sessions, mentoring, facilitating, or sharing your expertise in other ways—your time, creativity, and support are truly invaluable. I encourage you to engage in ways that are meaningful to you and fit within your busy schedule.
As we move forward together, I’m honored to serve as your director. I look forward to building on the strengths of our Region II community—and to a term defined by collaboration, connection, and a shared commitment to excellence.
NASPA Region II is on the move!
Francisco Díaz
Region II Director
ABOUT
WHO WE ARE
We are dedicated to advancing student affairs as a profession—both within and beyond our region—by providing impactful training and development opportunities. We actively explore and engage with critical higher education topics to better support both our students and our members. Through mentorship, guidance, and leadership opportunities, we foster a community that remains innovative, relevant, and committed to excellence year-round.
TERRITORY
NASPA Region II encompasses Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Each June, Region II brings together its dedicated community of Student Affairs professionals and students for the annual Region II Conference—an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow while reaffirming a shared commitment to student success.
2026 Region II Conference
- Dates: June 1-3, 2026
- Location: The George Washington Univessity, Washington, D.C.
Advisory Board
The Region II Advisory Board oversees the region's operations and supports the development and implementation of both in-person and virtual training opportunities. The Board also advances regional and national initiatives, represents the interests of members and institutions across member states, and collaborates with NASPA’s Knowledge Communities to support their work locally and nationally.
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Awards
Please join us at the 2026 Annual Conference in Washington, DC, to honor these outstanding leaders in our field.
| Service & Engagement Awards | |
| Community College Professional Award | James L McDougle, Vice President for Student Services, Mountwest Community and Technical College |
| Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award | Dr. Dru Alvez Sr, Assistant Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, School of Visual Arts |
| Innovative Program Award | Enrollment Progression Dashboard, Harrisburg Area Community College |
| Outstanding to Contribution to Literature and/or Research | Dr. Mimi Benjamin, Professor, Student Affairs in Higher Education, Department for Student Affairs, Student Success, and Disability Access, Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
| Award for Outstanding Service to NASPA | Dr. Jodi Bailey Accavallo, Vice President for Student Affairs, Temple University |
| Marijo Russell O’Grady Spirit of Region II Award | To Be Announced at Region II Conference |
| Professional Distinction Awards | |
| Award for Academic Excellence as a Graduate Faculty Member | Dr. Max Schuster, Associate Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy; Program Coordinator, Higher Education MEd, University of Pittsburgh |
| Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award | Hunter Bash, Graduate Student in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
| Outstanding New Professional Award | Roxana Aguilar, Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, Temple University |
| Outstanding New Professional Award | Kelli-Ann T Francis, Student Life Coordinator, Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
| Outstanding Mid-Level Student Affairs Professional Award | Dr. Phillip R Smith, Associate Dean of Students / Director for Student Basic Needs, Rutgers University - New Brunswick |
| Award for Outstanding Performance as a Chief Student Affairs Officer | Dr. Kimberly Denise Guyer, Vice President for College Life, Muhlenberg College |
| President’s Award | Dr. Havídan Rodriguez, President, University at Albany |
Newsletter
The regional Advisory Board will periodically publish a newsletter to share information about both regional and national events and initatives. Continue to check back here and follow NASPA 2 on LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up to date!
Region II September 2025 Newsletter
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.
If you are interested in planning an event for the Region, you must fill out this form. The completed form will be sent to your Regional Director and Regional Treasurer for approval. They'll be in touch with further information.
Blog Series
Blogs
History
NASPA Region II has long been one of the largest regions (by membership) due to the number of colleges and universities located in the Middle-Atlantic United States. The leadership of Region II strives to recognize the excellent work being done within the region as well building talent at all levels by providing members with professional development and networking opportunities. Each year, Region II celebrates its community of student affairs professionals and students at the Region II Conference, held annually in June. We have several pages dedicated to the history of Region II in an attempt to help create a repository for members to see what we have done and what we still need to do. Feel free to peruse and let us know if we are missing something or there is something that you would like to see!
NASPA National History Timeline
NASPA Regional History Timeline
NASPA Region II History (including past regional leaders and conferences)
- Jeffrey S. Putman, NASPA Region II Historian
Strategic Plan 2025
Check back soon for more information on our updated strategic plan!