We’re currently experiencing technical difficulties. Our team is working hard to restore full functionality as soon as possible.
Please note that the “Careers” tab is still under maintenance. Thank you for your patience. For further questions, email webmaster@acsd.org

Linkedin Instagram Flickr Envelope
Search
Sign-In
Search

ELEVATE

The Elevate ACSD certificate is a year-long professional development opportunity for ACSD members who serve in a student-facing, multicultural role at their institution.

PURPOSE

Elevate will support professionals practicing multicultural work within higher education by providing participants with the following practical tools to be used for long-term professional and departmental development. 

  • Strategic Planning: Learn how to create and implement a multicultural strategy in their area of influence and across departments.
  • Programming: Cultivate innovative and new approaches to multicultural programming through assessment and best practices. 
  • Sustainability: Assess their own professional capacity and the sustainability of their office/department. 
  • Development: Grow in ability to creatively propose new departmental roles, resources, policies and practices to strengthen their work. 

What to expect

Each member of the Elevate Certificate cohort will:

  • Participate in 6 workshops led by ACSD members related to strategic planning, departmental assessment, professional sustainability, student leadership curriculum, and creative budgeting.
  • Engage in a cohort of 10-15 ACSD professionals to strengthen their professional network.
  • Design and present a workshop based on their Elevate training at the following year’s ACSD Conference.

who should consider elevate

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

Certification Length

Elevate is a year-long certification program that begins at the ACSD Conference and concludes at the following year’s ACSD Conference.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Interested members of ACSD may apply for the upcoming ELEVATE Certificate cohort by using the Apply Now link below:

  • Early December: Application goes live
  • Mid-February: Application deadline
  • March 1st: Decision emails sent to applicants
  • March 31st: Accepted applicants confirm they will join the upcoming Elevate cohort and that they have registered for the upcoming ACSD annual conference (including the cohort’s pre-conference retreat)
APPLY NOW

COST

The Elevate Certification is $300, which includes all fees for the retreat at the ACSD Conference and the full-year certification program.
Additional related costs to consider:

  • $100 annual ACSD membership fee
  • Early-bird ACSD Conference registration
  • Cost of travel for the upcoming and following year’s conference

Institutional Support

Elevate participants must have institutional and/or organizational support from a senior colleague or supervisor to ensure participants can utilize their learning to implement what is learned (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) to strengthen the impact of their department, role, or institution as a multicultural practitioner.

Workshop Topics and Schedule

There are 6 Elevate workshops in total and an Elevate Graduation. The first workshop and the Elevate Graduation will be held in-person during an ACSD Conference. All other workshops are virtual. 
There are two workshops per semester to accommodate the rhythm of the student affairs academic year. Each workshop is up to 2 hours long.

Presenters

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

BIO

Comfort Olugbuyi

BIO

Kevin Villegas

BIO

Jerry Woehr

BIO

Shino Simmons

BIO
BIO

SCHEDULE

Summer/Fall 2026

July or Early Fall – Starting with You: Self-Awareness and Sustainability presented by Dr. Kevin Villegas

This workshop will start with an assessment of each Elevate participant to reflect and evaluate their areas of growth, capacity, professional goals, and overall well-being before diving into setting healthy boundaries and sustainable practices both personally and in their work.

October – Programming: Innovative Approaches to Multicultural Programming presented by Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

This workshop will guide participants on how they can take their student programming to the next level. It will assess their programming in relation to their institution’s vision, mission, and goals in addition to creating short and long-term goals taking into consideration staffing, campus climate, budgets, and sustainability.

November – International Students: Your Role in Their Flourishing presented by Jerry Woehr

This workshop will focus on two areas: strategies for developing institutional partnerships to meet the goals/needs of the participant’s department or role and learning operational efficiency in the areas of documentation for long-term sustainability, proposing new positions/roles, and budgetary needs.

Spring 2027

January – Strategic Planning: How to Create a Multicultural Strategy in Your Area of Influence presented by Dr. Shino Simons
This workshop will focus on several areas Elevate participants can be strategic in their area of influence including: understanding how to utilize strategic partnerships, and programming to communicate a department or role’s value to the institution, developing and implementing a record-keeping strategy with the perspective of impact to the campus community, and outlining a strategic plan to launch or sustain a department.

March – Be the Standout: Elevating your Workshop Skills presented by Comfort Olugbuyi

This workshop will equip Elevate participants to effectively prepare their workshops and present in a way that is engaging and practical for their intended audience. The workshop will also offer opportunities to ensure participants leave with the tools and confidence needed for successful workshop facilitation.

May – Elevate Check-In presented by the Diversity Leadership Team

Elevate participants and Diversity Leadership Team members will connect to discuss final details regarding the ACSD Conference, participants’ conference presentation, and Elevate Graduation.

FAQ

Participants will have 10 total hours of workshop instruction. Additionally, participants should anticipate 5-8 hours of workshop preparation over the year of the certification. Participants are also required to attend the Elevate retreat which is the weekend before the ACSD Conference.

The Diversity Leadership Team will award up to 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

Those interested in Elevate should only apply if they are certain they can attend both the upcoming and following year's ACSD Conferences.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 
MORE FAQs

CONTACT INFORMATION

ACSD Diversity Chair
diversitychair@acsd.org

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Scroll to Top

MORE FAq's

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.

Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant is eager for new learning and support (department of one, early career professional in this field)
  • Applicant is interested in learning more about best practices within multicultural (higher ed) work
  • Applicant currently serves in student facing multicultural role (part time or full time)
  • Applicants have the support and institutional backing to participate in 2 ASCD conferences, all Elevate workshops, and to eventually use their learning to strengthen the impact of their department/role/institution.
  • Applicant will document how they will contribute to the cohort and shared learning experience

The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 

Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.

The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.

Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.

Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director for Center for Learning and Student Success and eSuccess   

Workshop: Be the Standout: Elevating your Workshop Skills

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi comes to Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Youth and Family ministries from John Brown University, and a Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University (MN). Comfort’s research and experience focuses on academic support for college students. She looks for opportunities to support students where they are in the ever-changing world and create partnerships and connections to close gaps and increase retention and overall sense of belonging for students. Comfort joined ACSD June 2008 and has loved the partnership, friendships, mentorships, and overall camaraderie experienced through the years. She currently serves as the Chair of the Diversity Leadership Team, and previously served as New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair).

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi has almost two decades of higher education experience in various positions. She started as a Graduate Assistant Caterer and event coordinator at the University of North Texas, moving on to a Resident Director at John Brown University and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Comfort then spent over a decade in various student affairs positions at Palm Beach Atlantic University within First Year Advising, Academic Support, and Disability Services. She had additional opportunities to invest and support employee professional development, employee health and wellness, multicultural programming, and NCAA athletics all at PBA. Currently, Comfort serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support at Florida Atlantic University, which is part of the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) where she provides academic support and serves as a liaison to online and hybrid students to all six campuses. When she is not on a college campus you can find Comfort serving at her local church as a welcome host and greeter, volunteering at local community events, or watching local musical theater/play productions.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Olugbuyi is excited and honored to partner with Elevate. There is tremendous value within this professional development opportunity. Comfort is excited to share her ideas through her unique perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with this group of professionals to share information and offer support in helping to create workshops to enhance ACSD and other conferences.

Shino Simmons

Keck Graduate Institute, Dean of Students

Workshop: Strategic Planning: How to Create a Multicultural Strategy in Your Area of Influence

Shino was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii. Shino has served in higher education for the past 27 years, and she felt the call to raise up the next generation of leaders through higher education. She began her career as a resident director but quickly rose to various leadership positions, including associate director of residence life, directorship in various offices, Title IX Coordinator, associate dean of students, Vice President for Student Affairs, and currently the Dean of Students at Keck Graduate Institute.

Shino received her B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She continued her education at Claremont Graduate University and received her Ph.D. in Higher Education, where she learned from scholars such as Dr. Daryl Smith, Dr. Linda Perkins, and Dr. Susan Paik.

Shino has been married for almost 26 years to Eric, and they have two beautiful, fun, strong, smart, and crazy kids (Kayla, 17 and Travis, 13). She loves having great conversations over a good cup of coffee (and dessert). She especially enjoys seeing the next generation of leaders be trained, equipped and developed so that they can continue to lean into what God is calling them to do.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Placeholder

Kevin Villegas

Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives

Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability

Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. 

Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years. Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.

Leah Fulton

Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success

Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency

Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.

Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.

Jerry Woehr

Wheaton College, Director of International Student Programs

Workshop: International Students: Your Role in Their Flourishing

As Director of International Student Programs at Wheaton College, Jerry empowers international students (F-1 visa, MKs & TCKs) to flourish by advising student organizations,  advocating for international student needs, mentoring students, and providing leadership for the F-1 visa student program. Partnering with his office staff and student leaders, Jerry seeks to fulfill a vision of developing students that follow Jesus, as members of God’s global kingdom, through relationships that foster belonging, active learning experiences, and meaningful engagement with their communities. He considers it a privilege to know God more deeply through his experience, and support of, a vibrant and multicultural community at Wheaton.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I hope to encourage the Elevate cohort with the experiences and lessons God has given me in higher education, just as so many have done (and still do) for me! I also had the unique privilege of being a part of the team that created the Elevate certificate and returning as a workshop presenter is a gift.

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams

Butler University, Senior Director, Student Experience and Engagement

Workshop: Programming: Innovative Approaches to Multicultural Programming

Nii Kpakpo Abrahams serves as the inaugural Senior Director of Student Experience and Engagement at Butler University. While reporting through Academic Affairs, the office sits between university divisions to partner with and collaborate across campus to cultivate a relationship-rich, high-impact, and seamless student experience that fosters a sense of belonging for all students. He is extremely passionate about helping college students discover, develop, and deploy their giftings and passions. In addition to his work at Butler, Nii is a church planter in the Indianapolis metro area. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from Missouri State University. In his downtime, you can find him spending time with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?

As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country!

ACSD Executive Committee voting is now live!