On May 16, 2024, MGA's Division of Student Affairs hosted its 10th annual Student Affairs Conference.
This day was full of professional development and included three distinct speakers. Dr. Michael Butcher, Assistant VP for Student Affairs at the College of Coastal Georgia led a discussion of Artificial Intelligence and Student Affairs and what is to come in our AI world. MGA's own Devereaux Lindsey, Assistant Director for Greek Life and Community Service, led an Adaptability Self-Assessment in order to understand themselves in an ever-changing workplace. Author and Student Affairs professional, Dr. Patrice Buckner-Jackson (Dr. PBJ) spoke from the heart and provided much-needed insight to help Disrupt Burnout. All three were key to making this 10th conference spectacular.
At the conclusion of the conference, the Division had their annual Greatness Awards which recognized greatness within Student Affairs. Members of the Division of Student Affairs nominate their colleagues for these awards. This year’s winners are:
New Professional of the Year – Trevion Burks, Student Conduct Coordinator
Unsung Hero Award – Kessiny Neal, Residence Life Coordinator in Lakeview Pointe
Bright Idea Award – Nina McKenzie, Administrative Coordinator for Student Affairs
Extra Mile Award – Shuntell Turner, Assistant Director for Housing & Residence Life
Friend of the Division Award – Rebekah Hazlett-Knudsen, Associate Professor of Social Work
Friend of the Division Award – Tripp Mitchell, Chief of Police
Distinguished Leadership Award – Michael Stewart, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Additionally, this year they started a new tradition called the Centerpiece Spectacular Award. Each department was required to creatively represent their department in a centerpiece for the conference tables. Dr. PBJ and her assistant judged the centerpieces for the awards. Conduct & Care and Recreation & Wellness were recipients. Both departments will bring their awards back next year to either retain their awards or surrender them to another department.
The traditional symbol for the 10th anniversary is tin or aluminum, which symbolizes strength and resilience. The modern symbol is a diamond, which is a rare gem and symbolizes durability. Whether traditional or modern, the symbols for both describe the professionals who make up the Division of Student Affairs. The Division gathered to connect and learn, to celebrate (and laugh at) another crazy year, and they refueled, refreshed, and rejuvenated themselves for the upcoming year. This was the most successful student affairs conference to date.