2025 Directors and Managers Institute

The Directors and Managers Institute (DMI) is a two-day virtual program tailored for experienced professionals leading orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) efforts in higher education. Designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by directors and managers, this institute combines a range of engaging formats, including large group presentations, panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and small group meetings with experienced Institute faculty.

Participants will delve into the complexities of managing OTR programs in an ever-changing higher education landscape. Sessions will focus on enhancing leadership skills, fostering collaboration across campus, navigating institutional priorities, and employing innovative strategies to support student success. Through this program, attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools to strengthen their professional impact and drive meaningful change within their institutions.

The Institute also offers opportunities for networking with peers and thought leaders in the field, creating a collaborative learning environment that encourages the sharing of ideas, best practices, and solutions to common challenges. Whether you are looking to refine your leadership style, tackle emerging issues in higher education, or build stronger, more inclusive programs, the Directors and Managers Institute is an exceptional opportunity to invest in your professional growth and organizational success.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• NETWORKING: Foster meaningful connections with OTR leaders committed to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and socially just higher education environments.
• STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: Enhance knowledge of how to cultivate strategic relationships to foster collaboration, secure buy-in from stakeholders, and effectively navigate competing priorities.

• ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Explore management issues and strategies that promote a shared vision aligned with an institution's strategic priorities.

• TECHNOLOGY: Discuss the use of evolving and new technology to streamline operations, enhance student engagement, and improve departmental efficiency through innovative practices.

• DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING: Enhance your ability to leverage data and assessment tools to demonstrate program impact and garner institutional support, enabling informed decision-making and alignment with strategic priorities.
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT: Develop strategies for navigating institutional changes and the evolving higher education landscape.

NODA Core Competencies addressed: 

• Organization & Leadership
• Campus Collaboration
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Access
• Program Delivery & Management
• Research, Assessment, and Evaluation
• Financial Management 
• Communication
• Law, Policies, & Governance
• Crisis Management

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

DMI is designed for experienced professionals who hold decision-making authority within their unit or division for orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) initiatives. This program is ideal for individuals responsible for leading strategic efforts, managing teams, and navigating complex institutional priorities to enhance student success.

Note: Professionals who are newer to the field of OTR are encouraged to explore the Orientation Professionals Institute, which is designed to address foundational knowledge and skills.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:

This is a synchronous virtual institute that includes large and small group presentations and discussions where participants will engage in a collaborative, discussion-based learning environment. Participants are expected to attend and actively engage in all sessions. This includes turning cameras on and engaging in discussion both verbally and via the Zoom chat function. We encourage participants to network and build meaningful professional relationships with Institute participants and faculty.

To foster a positive learning experience, participants should actively contribute to creating a safe and professional space, respect themselves and others, engage in collaborative learning, commit to inclusion, and remain open-minded.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:

*Please note that this is a tentative schedule. The finalized session schedule will be released in early February 2025. All times are listed in Central Time. 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025:

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

MEET THE FACULTY:

• Dan Murphy (DMI Lead Faculty), Director, Commonwealth Campus Support in Student Affairs, Penn State  |  In Dan’s current role, he provides support and leadership to student affairs operations at 23 Penn State campuses across Pennsylvania. Dan also advises the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (a multi-campus coalition student government). Dan spent 16 years in OTR at Penn State, Indiana University, and James Madison University. Dan has served as a board member for the Association and as an elected representative on the State College Borough Council. Dan is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, and guest writer for Rediscover State College -- rediscoverstatecollege.com.  
• Jennifer Kay Leach, Program Manager, Core Curriculum, University of Texas at Austin  |  Jennifer currently serves as the program manager for the core curriculum at The University of Texas at Austin (UT). She earned a MEd in Counseling from University of North Texas and a PhD in Educational Psychology from UT. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in academic advising and has served as a strategic leader, collaborating cross-functionally to change culture through evaluating and designing programs and initiatives. She is a skilled communicator and innovator with coaching and human development experience supporting a diverse group of students and institutions toward their goals. In addition, Jennifer has conducted research on various aspects of motivation and learning to produce successful outcomes.
• Chris Shemanski, Director of the First-Year Experience, Stevens Institute of Technology  |  Chris (he/him) currently manages the coordination, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the First-Year Experience (FYE) course, a one-credit, graduation requirement for all incoming first-year and transfer students. He holds an M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Texas A&M University and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Manhattan College. Chris is currently pursuing his PhD in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy at Seton Hall University, with research centered on the relationship between student-college match and first-year retention in STEM fields.
• Lisa N. Jackson, Ed.D, Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success, Inclusion, and Belonging, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign  |  Dr. Jackson brings over 20 years of experience and knowledge in Student Affairs. She holds a B.S. in Political Science, a M.A. in Political and Justice Studies and her Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership.  Described as having a magnetic personality, Lisa makes those around her feel valued and appreciated. Her openness and honesty keep her grounded, while her friends and mentors praise her sense of humor and balanced approach. Lisa is devoted to leading by example, keeping her faith and strong commitment to serving others at the forefront of her decisions.
• Chris Trudell, Assistant Dean of Students, San Francisco State University  |  Chris Trudell is the Assistant Dean of Students for the Division of Student Life at San Francisco State University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico, and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Clemson University. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, Chris has a strong background in student orientation, transition, retention, and engagement initiatives. Chris is also known for leveraging contemporary technology to better serve and engage students through digital mediums. Chris focuses on fostering constructive engagement and addressing barriers to student success. Beyond his professional endeavors, Chris enjoys exploring the great outdoors, spending time with his French Bulldog, Ham, and traveling with his husband, Ted.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Member Rates:

• Early Bird Registration: $165 (ends March 6, 2025)
• Regular Registration: $190 (ends March 20, 2025)
• Late Registration: $240 (ends April 3, 2025)

Non-member Rates:

• Early Bird Registration: $345 (ends March 6, 2025)
• Regular Registration: $370 (ends March 20, 2025)
• Late Registration: $420 (ends April 3, 2025)

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Please review NODA's cancellation policy prior to registering for this symposium or institute.

NODA EXCELLENCE FUND:

Scholarships for this event and other NODA educational opportunities are available through the NODA Excellence Fund.