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Research Update: Christ Enlivening Student Affairs

Last year, ACSD provided our team with a research grant to explore how the Christian faith animates student affairs practice. Those of you who were at Biola University for ACSD 2018 may recall participating in an interview or hearing an announcement about the project in one of the main sessions. We wanted to share a brief update of the project in advance of our ACSD 2019 presentation at Wheaton College. 

GOALS

There are two specific goals for this project: (1) discover the thinking and practices of Christian student affairs professionals across the nation through a rigorous mixed-methods study; and (2) provide a Christian assessment and analysis of the state of Christian student affairs thinking and practice.  Since we currently do not have a resource that systematizes the best practices from the whole field of Christian student affairs, we often base our work on anecdotal evidence.   We hoped that this project could catalog the best thinking and practices in the field in order to help us discover what works and why. To do this, we needed to hear from you, and you responded. 

PHASES OF DATA COLLECTION

In accordance with a grounded theory approach to research—where themes emerge from the data, rather than being imposed through a prior conceptual framework—we collected data in multiple phases.  This provided us with the opportunity to allow your responses to shape and define the next phase of inquiry at each stage of the process. 

Phase I: In Phase I, we conducted an extensive review of the Christian student affairs literature on Christian.  Our “search for God” in student affairs literature was really an effort to discover how leaders writing about student affairs overtly connect theology and the biblical narrative to their work.  This review would provide the basis and building blocks for the rest of our project.

Phase II:  Based on the findings of our literature review, we formulated an initial survey for chief student development officers, typically a vice president of student life/development.  We asked these upper-administrators about their educational backgrounds and what makes their practice(s) distinctly Christian.

Phase III: The Phase II survey responses informed the types of questions we eventually asked during our in-depth interviews in Phase III. Our interview protocol included questions about who Christian student affairs professionals are, who they hope their students become, why they desire that outcome, and how they help students achieve said outcome. We also asked a series of topical questions that included questions regarding residence life, student conduct, student vocations, multicultural affairs, and sexuality.  Overall, we conducted in-depth personal interviews with over seventy student affairs professionals at CCCU institutions across the nation.

Phase IV: The most recent phase of our research involved an in-depth mixed-methods survey of student affairs professionals (at all levels) that many (over 300!) of you took.

DATA AND ANALYSIS

Between each phase of inquiry, we analyzed some of the data, debriefed our analysis as a team, and determined which questions would help us discover how faith informs the practice of Christian student affairs professionals. All of these phases combined have led to input from well over 400 of you, which amounts to over 1,000 pages of transcribed data.  We are well underway with our analysis, frequently checking and re-checking our emergent theories against more data. As we’ve collected the voices of so many in the Association, we have found some amazing things that we are excited to share! 

FORTHCOMING OUTPUT

Because there are so many facets to Christian student affairs, we will be publishing our results in various forms in the near future.  Here is an initial snapshot of how we will share our findings:

ACSD 2019 Workshops

We look forward to sharing some of our preliminary findings with you all at Wheaton College next week!  We are hosting two workshops based on our national study:

Tuesday, June 4 at 11 am
How Does Christ Animate Student Affairs? Results from National Research 

Wednesday, June 5 at 1 pm
Can I Call This Place Home? Challenges and Opportunities to Creating Inclusive Racial Climates

ASHE Conference

A number of us have submitted proposals to the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) drawing on data from this project.  Our proposals are currently under review. 

Journal Articles

Our review of the literature has been accepted by the International Journal of Christianity and Education and is forthcoming.  Other articles are currently under review including an article on supporting students of color at CCCU institutions, the state of Title IX at Christian colleges, and a sociological analysis of the Christian Student Affairs Identity.

Book  

At ACSD 2020, we will release the publication of our findings in full! The book release from Abilene Christian University Press will coincide with a presentation (likely in a pre-conference session) on the state of Christian student affairs.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all who have participated in the study thus far, and we look forward to reflecting your voice back to you—to help define and defend the unique contribution of Christian student affairs.

Ted Cockle, Doctoral Student, Higher Education Studies and Leadership at Baylor University

Elijah Jeong, Doctoral Candidate, Higher Education Studies and Leadership at Baylor University

Britney Graber, Doctoral Candidate, Higher Education Studies and Leadership at Baylor University

Perry L. Glanzer, Ph.D., Professor of Educational Foundations and a Resident Scholar with Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University

Picture of ted.f.cockle@gmail.com

ted.f.cockle@gmail.com

Theodore (Ted) F. Cockle, Ph.D., is a higher education scholar-practitioner pursuing more theologically animated forms of leadership and education. In addition to serving as the Editor for ACSD Ideas, he is co-author of Christ-Enlivened Student Affairs (ACU Press, 2020), and a Lecturer in the Educational Leadership department at Baylor University.

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Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director of eSuccess  

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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 at 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 has served as a member of the Diversity Leadership Team, New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair), and in various table hosting opportunities.

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 eSuccess 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

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

Eric Fehr

Grove City College, Assistant Dean of Student Life

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Eric has worked in college student development/higher education since he graduated from Longwood University in 2010, and has been a member of ACSD since 2014. He has held positions overseeing student employment programs for dining service operations, commuter student life programming, student and campus activities, student recreation, student clubs and governance, career services, international student advising, and more. Eric has been married to his wonderful wife, Barbara, since 2011. They have four children: Liam, Benat, Raegan, and McKenzie. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Longwood University (2010), a Master of Science in Education in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2014), and a Master of Arts in Religion in Discipleship and Church Administration from Liberty University (2018).  Eric is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Union University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I am excited to participate in sharing my experience and any knowledge/wisdom that the Lord has helped add to my life with others. I believe Elevate is a great opportunity to serve others and I can’t wait to help others prepare to propose workshops for ACSD 2025!

Nii Abrahams

Butler University, Director of the First-Year Experience

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Nii has a special passion for helping college students and young professionals discover and fulfill their God-given potential, whether it’s in ministry or the marketplace. While actively involved in church growing up, it wasn’t until he became a member of a dynamic college ministry at Missouri State University that his faith began to soar. He played an instrumental role in watching the ministry grow from 30 to over 200 people in a couple short years. Shortly after graduate school, he and a group of friends moved to the Indianapolis metro area, by faith, to plant Parkside Church—a young and vibrant faith community that meets at a YMCA, where he serves on the pastoral team as the Connections Pastor. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from MSU and is proud to be the inaugural Director of the First-Year Experience at Butler University. In his downtime, you can find him hanging out 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! 

MORE FAq's

Elevate is a year-long certification from June 2024 through June 2025. It begins during the June 2024 ACSD Conference and ends during the June 2025 ACSD Conference.

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.

To provide an intentional space for cohort participants to foster genuine connections and grow their network, the cohort size is 10 participants.

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 (days before) the 2024 ACSD Conference.

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

 

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status the first week of March 2024.

The Elevate Certification is $300, including all fees for the retreat at the 2024 ACSD Conference and the full-year certification program.

Additional related costs to consider:

    • $100 annual ACSD membership fee
    • $350 (early bird) ACSD Conference registration 
    • Cost of travel to the conference for 2024 and 2025

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.

Those interested in Elevate should only apply if they are certain they can attend the 2024 and 2025 ACSD Conferences.

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.