National Award Recognizes Student Life Professionals

The Division of Student Life at Kent State University has been selected as one of the 2024 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs (MPPWSA) by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) — College Student Educators International and the Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine.

The division has received this national recognition for the fourth consecutive year. Out of the 26 MPPWSA, Kent State was the only university in Ohio included in this year’s list.

Eboni Pringle, Ph.D., interim senior vice president of Student Life, represented the Division of Student Life at the ACPA24 Convention on March 19 in Chicago to officially accept the award.

Pringle joined the division in August 2023. She mentioned it is an honor to know the division was selected for another year because it recognizes the contributions made by Student Life professionals who work toward student success.

“This award pays tribute to our Student Life professionals and their commitment to providing transformative experiences through advocacy, support, engagement, and inclusion,” Pringle said.

She added that this win demonstrates the division’s commitment to creating an environment that values and fosters the professionals’ inclusive excellence, well-being, and professional growth.

For the past four years, Valerie Samuel, associate director for Accreditation, Assessment, and Learning, collected data from across the division and submitted the surveys for ACPA. The survey assesses the organization’s focus on workplace diversity, staffing practices, and work environment.

Kent State was one of the universities that distinguished itself in categories such as family friendliness, salary and benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Pringle mentioned the credit for this recognition goes to the division’s professionals who started this journey before she joined. She feels honored to be able to work with these individuals and wishes to honor them and her predecessor, Lamar Hylton, Ph.D.

“I want to live up to the good work they’ve already done and continue to provide experiences and opportunities that meet the needs of our professionals,” she said.

When Pringle joined the division, she was impressed by the team’s dedication to ensuring everyone has a voice. She participates as many times as possible in a professional development experience called Coffee Convo. This event allows members across the division to get together and engage in conversations that sometimes can include difficult topics. These conversations help them understand their role in this community and equip themselves with information to achieve their goals.

Pringle mentioned that being able to engage in that dialogue has demonstrated to her the reason behind the MPPWSA recognition. Now, she wishes to build upon what has been done in the past.

“We want to look at the additional opportunities that emphasize quality of life, which also feeds into how our Student Life professionals support quality of life for our students,” Pringle said. “We need to ensure that we’re centering our professionals and valuing their contributions.”

The 2024 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs list (in alphabetical order) includes: