Recent Posts

Awards Presented at SAHE Thanksgiving

At the annual SAHE Thanksgiving celebration, the program honored students with two major awards: the Get Involved! SAHE Student Leadership Award, presented to Nyekeya Hardy, and the Nancy J. Newkerk Scholarship, awarded to Abigail Hancox and Tristan Pfeiffer. These recognitions celebrate students’ outstanding contributions to the SAHE community and the broader field of student affairs.

Benjamin is Keynote Speaker at National Learning Communities Association 2025 Conference

Mimi Benjamin, SAHE professor, delivered the keynote at the National Learning Communities Association conference in Ames on Nov. 4, sharing how learning communities function as a “blueprint for home” at the intersection of belonging, engaged learning, and gathering.

ASD Hosts “Finding Your SAHE Why” Event

Associates for Student Development hosted “Finding Your SAHE Why” on November 3, bringing current SAHE students together with SAHE alumni for a purpose-focused conversation on career direction in student affairs.

SAHE Alumna Motycki Named NODA’s 2025 Outstanding OTR Professional

SAHE alumna Katie Motycki (’04) has been named NODA’s 2025 Outstanding OTR Professional for her leadership and impact in student orientation and transition at The Pennsylvania State University.

Lowery Is Keynote Speaker at ATIXA-NABITA 2025 Conference

John Wesley Lowery, professor in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program, was the opening keynote speaker at the Association of Title IX Administrators and the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment joint annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday, October 14.

SAHE Alumnus Bailey Recognized by AFA

Kevin W. Bailey was named the recipient of the 2025 AFA Dr. Kent L. Gardner Award.

Lowery Guest on “More Likely Than Not” Podcast

John Wesley Lowery, professor and SASSDA assistant chair, was a guest on ATIXA’s “More Likely Than Not” podcast.

Lowery Presents at ASCA Florida Summer Virtual Conference

John Wesley Lowery presented a keynote address at ASCA’s Florida Summer Virtual Conference on legislative and public policy updates.

Benjamin and Segar Present at NASPA Region II Conference in Pittsburgh

Mimi Benjamin, professor in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program, and Tom Segar presented “IUP's Crimson Scholars Circle: A Student Affairs/Faculty Partnership for Continued Improvement” at the NASPA Region II conference.

Benjamin Publishes Chapter on Sport Management Themed Living Learning Communities

Mimi Benjamin co-authored the recently published “Sport Management Themed Living Learning Communities: Enhancing the Academic and Social Development of College Students.”

Students and Alumna Honored at SAHE Banquet

The Student Affairs in Higher Education program honored graduating students and recognized a graduate and an alumna for exceptional accomplishments and contributions as part of the department’s annual banquet on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, coordinated by Associates for Student Development.

Ronald Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award 2025

Katie Motycki, SAHE Class of 2004, received the Ronald Lunardini Distinguished Alumni Award for her impactful career in student orientation and transition programs. Recognized for her creativity, mentorship, and student-centered approach, Katie has held leadership roles at La Roche College, IUP, and Penn State, where she currently serves as a Director.

Benjamin and Lowery Present at NASPA

Mimi Benjamin and John Wesley Lowery presented at the 2025 NASPA Conference in New Orleans. Benjamin shared research on peer mentoring for underrepresented students and co-lead a session on research-to practice in student affairs. Lowery copresented on the 75-year partnership between HBCUs and NASPA, highlighting their historical contributions.

ASD Completes 2025 Résumé Project Submissions

The Associates for Student Development 2025 Résumé Project has officially wrapped up, and ASD has received all final submissions.

Lowery Presents at ASCA Annual Conference, Receives Legacy of Excellence Award

John Wesley Lowery presented legislative and public policy updates at the ASCA annual conference in Portland. He received the inaugural Legacy of Excellence Award for his significant contributions to student conduct. A long-time ASCA member, he has received multiple awards and presented policy updates over 20 times

Benjamin Publishes International Study on Peer Mentoring

Mimi Benjamin, Claire Hamshire, and Alan Soong Swee Kit published a study in Teaching and Learning Inquiry on peer mentoring for underrepresented students in the UK, USA, and Singapore. They developed a model highlighting social connections, shared experiences, and trust as key to belonging

Mueller to Receive Esther Lloyd-Jones Professional Service Award from ACPA

John A. Mueller, SAHE professor emeritus, will receive ACPA’s 2025 Esther Lloyd-Jones Professional Service Award at the association’s annual convention in February 2025.

Newkerk Scholarship Presented to Updyke

Mattie Updyke, a second-year Student Affairs in Higher Education student, received the 2024 Nancy Newkerk Scholarship for outstanding contributions to student advocacy, especially supporting LGBTQIA students. The award was presented during the annual SAHE Thanksgiving celebration, recognizing Mattie’s commitment to student growth, inclusion, and collaboration in higher education

SAHE Alumna Winters Is NACADA Closing Speaker

Dana Winters delivered the closing keynotes at NACADA's annual conference in Pittsburgh. Her speech, "Look for the Helpers," drew inspiration from Mister Rogers, emphasizing the importance of advisors as supportive figures in students' lives. The conference theme celebrated advisors' roles.

SAHE Alumnus Bailey Recognized as Keeper of the Flame Award Recipient

Kevin W. Bailey '90 was recognized as IUP’s recipient of the Keeper of the Flame Award at the 2024 PASSHE Summit.

SAHE Student Serving on PASSHE Chancellor Search Committee

Abigail Hancox, a first-year student in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program, has been appointed to the PASSHE Chancellor Search Committee. She also serves on the Board of Governors and studies public affairs at the master's level.

Benjamin and Co-authors Opening Plenary Speakers at Academic Initiatives/Residential College Society Conference

Mimi Benjamin, professor of Student Affairs in Higher Education, served as a keynote speaker for the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International/Residential College Society’s joint conference in Portland, Oregon, on October 8, 2024.

Benjamin Appointed to National Conference Leadership Committee

Mimi Benjamin, professor in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program, has been appointed to the NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education 2026 National Conference Leadership Committee.

Benjamin Is Guest on "Student Affairs Now" Podcast

Mimi Benjamin was a guest on this week’s episode of the "Student Affairs NOW" podcast. She and her co-authors discussed their new book, "Living-Learning Communities in Practice."