Don Stansberry, Old Dominion University's vice president for Student Engagement and Enrollment Services, was elected president of the Southern Association of College Student Affairs (SACSA). The announcement was made in Norfolk at the recent SACSA with NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Region III annual conference.
"I am both grateful and honored," Stansberry said. "SACSA has been pivotal both personally and professionally, and I want others to experience and know what a tremendous professional development opportunity SACSA provides."
SACSA focuses on the professional development of practitioners, educators and students engaged in student affairs. The mission of SACSA is to advance opportunities for professional development; scholarship, research and ethical practice; and understanding of issues impacting students and the student affairs profession, while fostering core values of inclusiveness, professionalism and collegiality.
The organization includes student affairs leaders from colleges and universities in Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
With more than 20 years in leadership roles at ODU, Stansberry leads the areas of student engagement, student success, enrollment services and institutional research. He is dedicated to student engagement, development and collaborative relationships to enhance the student experience.
Stansberry serves on the Foundation Board for SACSA. Previously, Stansberry held numerous leadership roles in SACSA, including vice president of member relations, conference chair, foundation silent auction coordinator and conference local arrangements chair.
His most recent recognitions include the 2016 Joe Buck Service Award from SACSA; the 2019 AVP/Senior Level Student Affairs Professional Award from Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education - NASPA Region III; the 2020 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award from Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education - NASPA Region III; and the 2020 Dynamic Senior Student Affairs Officer Newcomer Award from the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU).
Stansberry earned a Ph.D. in higher education and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Old Dominion University. He earned a master's degree in college student personnel administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational communication from Ohio University.
"I am excited to be a part of the future growth of the association," he said. "I've had the opportunity to find and learn from mentors and colleagues through SACSA. As I continue on in my new role, I will offer unwavering support to our members and a steadfast commitment to ensuring the association reaches its full potential."
