Trailblazing Leadership and the Future of Student Affairs: Dr. Doris Ching’s Legacy
Release Date: 06/12/2025
From Student Affairs to College President: Dr. Joshua Moon Johnson’s Journey
SA Voices From the Field
On the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, sits down with , the trailblazing President of (Manchester, Middlesex, and Asnuntuck), for an inspiring conversation that’s sure to resonate with higher education professionals everywhere. From Student Affairs to the Presidency Dr. Joshua Moon-Johnson shares an authentic, winding journey to leadership that began much like many in student affairs: as an “overly involved” undergraduate seeking belonging. Coming from a multiracial, first-generation background, student affairs became a hub for discovery, community, and...
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Happy Holidays from SA Voices From the Field
SA Voices From the Field
Dr. Jill Creighton and Dr. Christopher Lewis talk about the past season and the holidays as they prepare for a short break and then the end of Season 13. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:02]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts brought to you by naspa. We curate free and accessible professional development for higher ed pros wherever you happen to be. This is season 13 on the value of student affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton. She her hers Your essay Voices from the Field...
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Balancing Perspectives: The True Value of International Students in Higher Ed
SA Voices From the Field
The latest episode of “Student Affairs Voices from the Field,” hosted by , delves into the complex and evolving landscape of international education, featuring the perspectives and expertise of , Senior International Officer at the University of Michigan-Flint. From the outset, listeners are treated to Dr. Zachariah Mathew’s personal journey—a career that began as a physical education teacher in India, transitioned into higher education in the United States, and flourished with a research focus on international student college choice. His story reflects how diverse experiences and a...
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The Unique Value of Community Colleges in Student Affairs
SA Voices From the Field
Student Affairs professionals often serve as the heartbeat of a college campus, shaping transformative experiences for students at every stage of their educational journey. In the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, host is joined by , Director of Student Services at Miracosta College’s San Elijo campus. Together, they deliver an insightful discussion on the unique value of student affairs—especially within community colleges. This episode masterfully details Colleen Maeder’s multifaceted career spanning both two-year and four-year institutions, public and...
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Why Student Affairs Matters: Unpacking College Value and Worth
SA Voices From the Field
If you’ve ever wondered about the real impact of student affairs in higher education—or if you’re searching for compelling ways to articulate its value—this episode of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field" is a must-listen. Host brings together three leading voices in our field—, , and —to discuss NASPA's groundbreaking report, The Human Dimension of College: Why Student Affairs Matters. More than ever, higher education is under scrutiny. Public questions about its worth, declining college-going rates, and increasing skepticism about return-on-investment are creating intense...
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Enjoy The Short Break!
SA Voices From the Field
Season 13 of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field," hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton, shines a spotlight on the value of student affairs through engaging stories from both fresh perspectives and seasoned experts. In the recent Thanksgiving break episode, and reflect on the whirlwind pace of the academic year and extend heartfelt wishes for rest and rejuvenation to their listeners. They express gratitude for the incredible guests featured so far and tease upcoming episodes with compelling new voices that will continue to explore the impact of student affairs work. A main theme of this episode...
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Navigating the Enrollment Cliff: Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Today
SA Voices From the Field
On the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, host explores the intersection of enrollment management and student affairs with special guest , Executive Director of Enrollment Management at the University of Michigan’s . If you’re curious about the challenges and changes facing higher education, this episode offers a timely and thought-provoking conversation. Facing the Enrollment Cliff The “enrollment cliff”—a predicted decline of about 15% in college-bound students—is front and center in this discussion. Dr. Tremblay walks listeners through the domino effect:...
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Global Perspectives: The Impact and Value of Student Affairs Around the World
SA Voices From the Field
In the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, host Dr. Jill Creighton brings together members of the third cohort of the Global Master's Students Program, a unique partnership between NASPA, the European University College Association (EucA), and Lumsa University in Rome. This special episode showcases graduate students from around the world—including the Philippines, Belgium, Italy, Namibia, China, the Netherlands, Germany, Trinidad & Tobago, and South Africa—sharing their varied experiences, perspectives, and hopes for the student affairs profession. Thank you to...
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The Next Act: Exploring New Pathways in Higher Education Careers
SA Voices From the Field
If you’re looking for fresh perspectives on careers in student affairs—and a truly honest conversation about the journey ahead—don't miss the latest episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field. In this episode, host sits down with , Vice President for Student Affairs at Florida State University and co-editor of the new NASPA book, . The central theme of the conversation is the evolving nature of careers in student affairs, especially as professionals face mid-career questions and disruptions in life. Dr. Amy Hecht shares her own journey, returning to her alma mater after years...
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Navigating Financial Aid Changes: Insights from NASFAA's Melanie Storey
SA Voices From the Field
If you work in higher education or care about college access and affordability, "Student Affairs Voices from the Field" continues to be a must-listen. In this season's fifth episode, host welcomes , President and CEO of the , to demystify the changing landscape of student financial aid and its deep ties to student affairs. The episode dives headfirst into the rapid-fire changes shaping higher education funding today. Melanie, bringing decades of experience from policy implementation at the U.S. Department of Education and leadership roles throughout Washington, D.C., articulates how student...
info_outlineSeason 12 of “Student Affairs Voices from the Field” concludes with a remarkable episode featuring Dr. Doris Ching, an iconic leader whose influence continues to shape the student affairs profession. Whether you’re a veteran administrator or just starting your higher education journey, this episode is an inspiring listen that traces the arc of Dr. Ching’s extraordinary career, explores the evolution of student affairs, and points to a future built on inclusion, mentorship, and student-centered vision.
Dr. Ching, emeritus Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Hawaii and the first Asian American and first woman of color to be elected President of NASPA, shares how her journey began as an eighth-grade English teacher and evolved—often unexpectedly—into a series of leadership roles that allowed her to champion student success at every level. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, humility, and saying 'yes' to opportunities that may, at first, feel intimidating.
One of the central themes of the episode is mentorship: Dr. Ching credits her achievements to the many mentors and colleagues who believed in her, and she emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting new leaders within the profession. She also reflects on her commitment to rewriting the rules—literally rewriting job descriptions—to ensure her roles always centered on improving institutions for students and colleagues. Her advice to current professionals: if you’re offered a leadership opportunity, take it, and make it your own.
The episode also highlights Dr. Ching’s advocacy for greater representation and support for Asian American and Pacific Islander professionals—work that led to the founding of NASPA’s API Knowledge Community and established enduring community and visibility for AAPI leaders. Her legacy is honored through NASPA awards that bear her name and continue to encourage excellence and diversity in the field.
As Dr. Ching and host Dr. Jill Creighton discuss the past, present, and future of student affairs, listeners are challenged to consider how the profession can remain relevant and impactful, especially by ensuring student affairs always has a seat at the executive table.
This season finale brims with insight, perspective, and heartfelt encouragement—don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the field’s most influential voices. Listen to this episode to feel reinvigorated about your impact and to honor those paving the path for the next generation of student affairs professionals.