Faculty & Staff

12th Annual Student Affairs Conference

  • 05 June 2026

On May 21, 2026, MGA's Division of Student Affairs hosted its 12th annual Student Affairs Conference  

The theme of this year's conference was Transforming Together: Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact!  The Honorable LaRhonda W. Patrick, Mayor of Warner Robins, was the keynote speaker who kicked off the day full of professional development.  The breakout sessions included:

  • Time & Task Management in Student Affairs - Shuntell Turner, Assistant Director for Residence Life & Taylor Royal, Residence Life Coordinator
  • Understanding Compassion Fatigue: Challenges in Student Affairs – Andrew Harper, Area Coordinator for Housing & Residence Life
  • Storytelling - Dr. Marc Miller, Dean of the School of Business
  • Let Them Cook: Recipe 101: Growth, Balance, and Belonging in Higher Education - Trevion Burks, Student Conduct Coordinator
  • Stop Hoarding the Hats: Transforming “Other Duties as Assigned” into Staff Development – Myra Gist, Internship & Career Development Coordinator

All were key to making this 12th 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:

Emerging Professional of the Year –Myra Gist, Internship & Career Development Coordinator

Dr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipient Myra Gist smile while holding a plaque that reads, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Emerging Professional of the Year, Myra Gist."


New to MGA Impact Award- Steven Rhodes, Head Women's Basketball Coach

Dr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipient Stephen Rhodes smile while holding a plaque that reads, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - New to MGA Impact Award, Steven Rhodes."

 

Unsung Hero Award – Andrew Harper, Area Coordinator for Housing & Residence Life

Dr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipient Andrew Harper smile while holding a plaque that reads, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Unsung Hero Award, Andrew Harper."

 

Bright Idea Award – Steven Rhodes, Head Women's Basketball Coach and Tyler Thayer, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach

Dr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipients Tyler Thayer and Steven Rhodes smile while holding individual plaques that read, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Bright Idea Award, Tyler Thayer" and "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Bright Idea Award, Steven Rhodes."

 

Extra Mile Award – Nathan Long, Director of Testing Services 

Dr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipient Nathan Long smile while holding a plaque that reads, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Extra Mile Award, Nathan Long."

Friend of the Division Award – Susan Collins, Dual Enrollment Academic Advisor

Dr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipient Susan Collins smile while holding a plaque that reads, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Friend of the Division Award, Susan Collins."

 

Friend of the Division Award – Dr. Kemarie Jeffers, Chair and Assistant Professor of Aviation Science and Management

Dr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipient Dr. Kemarie Jeffers smile while holding a plaque that reads, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Friend of the Division Award, Kemarie Jeffers."

 

Distinguished Leadership Award – Ashley Thompson, Assistant Director for Student Engagement and Experiences

XDr. Jennifer Brannon and award recipient Ashley Thompson smile while holding a plaque that reads, "Middle Georgia State Student Affairs Greatness Awards 2026 - Distinguished Leadership Award, Ashley Thompson."

Kudos to the Student Affairs Professional Development Team (pictured here with the keynote speaker, Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick) for organizing and implementing another successful student affairs conference.  

The Student Affairs Professional Development Team poses for a photo with keynote speaker, Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick.

Staff received an insulated lunch bag to commemorate the 12th Annual Student Affairs Conference.  The traditional symbols of a 12th anniversary are silk and linen, representing strength, adaptability, and the many threads woven together over time to create something meaningful. The modern symbol is the pearl, a reminder that growth and excellence are developed through patience, persistence, and care. Those symbols perfectly capture the spirit of Student Affairs professionals, whose work is woven together through collaboration, service, and a shared commitment to students. And while an insulated lunch bag may not be an official anniversary symbol, it serves as a fitting reminder that just as it helps keep things fresh and energized, the ideas, partnerships, and inspiration gained at this conference will continue to nourish our work throughout the year.

The Student Affairs Division gathers annually to connect and learn, to celebrate another crazy year, and refuel, refresh, and rejuvenate themselves for the upcoming year. 

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