Student Affairs Personal and Professional Development
The Personal & Professional Development (PPD) team members are responsible for assessing professional development needs and developing programs and resources to address skill/knowledge enhancement for Student Affairs educators. The work of this committee is designed to complement existing department-specific training and focuses upon Student Affairs competency areas. Professional development programs will be offered each month. The PPD’s mission:
"Build empowered, resourceful and resilient educators through personal and professional growth."
Workshop topics will focus on enhancing the professional side of an employee and may address topics such as conflict management, leadership, communication, and conference preparation.
2025-2026 Personal & Professional Development Schedule
| Date | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, September 10 | 1:30pm | Professional Communication Skills |
| Tuesday, September 30 | 4:00pm | iSpy & Data Governance |
| Tuesday, October 15 | 2:00pm | Generative AI & Prompt Engineering for Student Affairs |
| Tuesday, October 28 | 4:00pm | Harvesting Harmony |
| Wednesday, November 19 | 10:30am | University Finance/All Funds Budget & Colors of Money |
| Tuesday, December 9 | TBD | EOY Celebration |
| Tuesday, January 27 | 4:00pm | Networking & Collaboration with Office of Faculty Excellence |
| Friday, February 13 | 2:00pm | Credit Scores |
| Tuesday, February 24 | 3:00pm | Trivia |
| Tuesday, March 10 | 11:30-1:00pm | Virtual Lunch and Learn |
| Tuesday, March 31 | 4:00pm | TBD |
| Tuesday, April 14 | 9:00am | TBD |
| Tuesday, May 26 | 4:00pm | TBD |
PPD Committee Members
| Name: | Unit: |
|---|---|
| Jocelyne Alfaro-Ruiz | Student Transitions |
| Kimberly Battle | Student Health Services |
| Marilynn Brimmage | Career Services |
| Jewel Brown-Thomas | Center for Counseling and Student Development |
| Logan Drumm | Dean of Students |
| Bryan Haddock | Housing |
| Brian Mattern, Chair | Business Administration |
| Dennis McCunney, Vice Chair | Center for Student Success |
| Virginia Ramsey | Transit |
| Chris Stansbury* | Student Affairs Operations |
| Kevin Sutton | Financial Wellness |
| Dede Smalls | Campus Recreation and Wellness |
| Karen Thigpen | Business Administration |
| Audra Thomas | Student Centers |
| Rob Weatherly* | HR Learning & Organizational Development |
| Chase Wheaton | Residence Life |
| Taryn White | Vice Chancellor's Office |
| Madison Wiggins | Parent and Family Programs |
| *Ex-Officio |