Campus Connection

Student Affairs Leadership Academy fosters talent at UW campuses

A new program at UW-La Crosse is connecting and developing the next generation of leaders in higher education. 

The Student Affairs Leadership Academy was developed by the senior Student Affairs Officers within the Universities of Wisconsin system and is led by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Vitaliano Figueroa and Professor Tori Svoboda, chair of the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) in Higher Education program at UWL.

The Student Affairs Leadership Academy supports higher ed professionals who are interested in growing professionally within student affairs, a field encompassing the many services that aid in students’ academic and personal development while in college. The academy, hosted at UWL, is available to professionals across the Universities of Wisconsin. It graduated its first cohort of nearly 30 professionals this summer and will welcome a second cohort this fall.

“I liked the idea of being able to meet student affairs professionals from all over the state,” says Alexis Bergstrom, complex director for UWL’s Office of Residence Life. “It is very rare for entry- and mid-level professionals to interact with their Universities of Wisconsin counterparts. I was (also) intrigued by being able to hear from senior student affairs officers about their specialty area. Getting to listen to these individuals' daily experiences and how they navigate the field was very engaging and fun!” 

Those enrolled in the academy meet once a month for one year, attending virtual lectures by higher ed professionals on a broad range of topics: crisis management, strategic planning, budgeting and finance, supervision, media and news, diversity and inclusion, fundraising, decision-making, board and cabinet relations, town and gown relations, communication, organizational development, higher ed law, and student conduct.

The eclectic curriculum allows professionals to expand their horizons and become more familiar with the various functional areas of a university. 

“This program gave me the opportunity to take a step outside my own silo and develop a wider view of student affairs leadership and the roles we all play as leaders across the Universities of Wisconsin,” explains Anya Russom, international programs manager for UW-Superior. “It was so impactful to learn from and engage with my colleagues throughout the state. We shared a lot over the year, especially during such a critical time in higher education. The perspectives shared, the struggles, the triumphs – they all made an impact on me and my perception of the work we all do.” 

In addition to guest lectures, participants complete readings, review case studies and engage in group discussions. The academy culminates in a final project or a two-day experience at a UW campus. 

Those who complete the academy are better equipped to perform effectively in their current roles and to take the next step in their careers. In this way, the academy serves as a powerful workforce development tool, diversifying the UW talent pipeline and helping universities with succession planning.

While the practical skills learned through the program are already proving useful, professionals from the first cohort say it is the relationships they value most. 

“The academy ended up being significantly helpful to me and my career because I was able to connect with colleagues from across the state and learn from them,” says Blythe McConaughey, violence prevention specialist for UWL. “The biggest takeaway is the relationships I’ve gained. Many of us in this first cohort have formed solid friendships, and this has been quite rewarding.” 

More information

Learn more about the Student Affairs Leadership Academy.

If you have questions about the academy, contact Vitaliano Figueroa, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, at 608.785.8062.

The application window for the 2024-25 cohort closes Friday, Aug. 9.

Funding for the academy is provided in part by the Universities of Wisconsin.