Tim Arth (he/him/his) joined the International Office staff of ACPA-College Student Educators International in October, 2014 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Membership & Strategic Initiatives.

Prior to joining ACPA, Tim worked in various roles for the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA). Prior to these roles, Tim worked at Loyola University-Chicago in Residence Life.

Tim often cites his experience as being a volunteer on the 2008 ACPA Convention Planning Team in Atlanta as an incredibly important moment of his professional career. He strongly believes that he would not be working in higher education association management if it were not for this incredible opportunity.

Tim earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Boston College, and a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration from Indiana University-Bloomington. Tim lives in Bloomington, Indiana with his wife of over eighteen years, Emily. Tim is at his happiest and proudest being called Uncle Timmer (along with his wife, Auntie Em) to eighteen incredibly special kiddos (nieces, nephews, and God kids) in their lives.

Dr. Joe Cooper is Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of Students at Montana Technological University, where he provides executive leadership for Student Affairs and advances initiatives focused on student success, retention, well-being, and institutional effectiveness. With two decades of higher education experience, Dr. Cooper has held progressive leadership roles spanning various areas of Student Affairs, including student success, enrollment and financial aid, housing, student leadership and involvement, and emergency management. Dr. Cooper holds an Ed.D. from Edgewood University, M.Ed. from South Dakota State University, and B.S. from Northern Michigan University.

Dr. Cooper has been an active member of ACPA for 15 years and has contributed to the association through leadership, presentations, mentoring, and service. He served as a Trustee and Secretary of the ACPA Foundation and currently serves as Vice President for Operations-Elect. He chaired ACPA’s Commission for Campus Safety & Emergency Preparedness, following service as Vice Chair for Communications & Outreach.

Dr. Cooper has sought to lead with empathy, authenticity, and service, connecting people, systems, and ideas to improve student success and strengthen institutions. He is passionate about developing future leaders and creating collaborative, compassionate environments where students and colleagues can thrive.

Dr. Natasha N. Croom is Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs in the Graduate School at Clemson University.

For over 20 years, she’s worked as a student affairs educator and critical race feminist scholar-practitioner. Throughout her career at the University of Maryland, Iowa State University, and Clemson University, she has collaborated with communities to build equity-centered practices across higher education.

A distinguished scholar, leader, and mentor in higher education, she has been recognized as an ACPA Emerging Scholar (2015) and Senior Scholar (2025) and currently serves as the President-Elect for the Association for the Study of Higher Education.

Holistic student support is Dr. Croom’s favorite part of the job. Her commitment to shaping the next generation of educational leaders includes formally and informally advising more than 500 master’s graduates; chairing and mentoring 13 PhD graduates who are award-winning professors, senior K-12 and university administrators, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders; and supporting students’ intellectual pursuits, providing career guidance, and leading Celine Dion, Beyoncé, or Whitney Houston sing-alongs.

Dr. Croom earned a Ph.D. from Iowa State University, M.S. from Texas A&M – College Station, and B.A. from Texas A&M – Kingsville.

Dr. Sarah K. Cunningham believes students are the architects of their collegiate experience and that the role of student affairs is to create the conditions for them to thrive. As Vice President for Student Affairs at Tulane University, she works alongside a talented team and colleagues across the university to foster belonging, build community, and create opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.

Sarah has had the privilege of working with the communities at Tulane University, Saint Louis University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Chicago, the University of Florida, and George Mason University. Her work is rooted in relationships and a commitment to investing in people. She is inspired by the students, staff, colleagues, and mentors who have strengthened her journey and by the opportunity to support and celebrate the growth and success of others.

Sarah earned her doctorate in higher education and organizational change from Benedictine University, master’s degree in college student personnel from Western Illinois University, and bachelor’s degree in combined social studies from Youngstown State University.

Sarah is a proud aunt, beloved dog mom to Bailey, sports fan, and avid traveler. She treasures time with family and friends and is always up for a great morning workout.

Stephanie J. Fujii, Ph.D., has spent over 35 years learning alongside students and colleagues in higher education, with deep roots in student affairs, college counseling, instruction, and community college leadership. As President of Arapahoe Community College, she draws on her experiences as tenured counseling faculty, division chair, dean and vice-president—roles that taught her the power of listening, collaboration, and meeting students and staff where they are. Stephanie’s own journey as a struggling college student profoundly shaped her path. Student Affairs professionals who believed in her during difficult times inspired her to pursue graduate work in counseling and college student development. Their investment became the foundation of her work: a commitment to helping others recognize their inherent gifts and potential. She has been fortunate to contribute to conversations on inclusion, resilience, and student persistence through publications and interviews with Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Stephanie’s service to the profession includes serving on the boards of Campus Compact and ASU+GSV Higher Education Insights, and as Chair-Elect of the American Association of Community Colleges, continuing to learn from colleagues dedicated to values-centered, inclusive leadership.

Luis H. Garay currently serves as the Director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center at Elon University in North Carolina and most recently was a class of 2024 fellow for LatinxEd, a North Carolina-based, non-profit organization working to dismantle the barriers to education for Latine communities. A proud first-generation college graduate, Luis earned a degree in Theatre Arts (BA) from Dominican University and College Student Personnel Administration (MS) from University of Central Missouri. From the Chicago suburbs, with cultural roots in Zacatecas, Mexico, Luis has worked in higher education for 14 years in identity centers across Missouri, Virginia, and North Carolina. As a doctoral student in the cultural foundations of education program at University of Carolina at Greensboro, they are curious about the K-12 educational experiences of queer and trans Latine students, the use of theatre as a site for transformation and social change, and the cultural capital of multiply minoritized youth of color. Their research is rooted in Jotería Studies, Critical Race Theory, and Sociology of Education. Luis lives with their partner in Greensboro, North Carolina and both are proud cat parents to a 22-year old tuxedo cat Twister and 4-year old tripod ginger tabby Bumi.

Dr. Kim Harvey serves as Vice President for Student Experience at Alfred University, bringing nearly two decades of progressive leadership in higher education. A first-generation college graduate, her career reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunities for students and creating campus environments where all students can thrive.

At Alfred University, Dr. Harvey provides strategic leadership to advance student success, belonging, and holistic well-being. Previously, she served as Associate Provost for Student Experience and Dean of Students at Nazareth University, where she led a comprehensive portfolio spanning student affairs, academic support, and institutional initiatives. Her leadership included introducing a campus-wide student thriving framework that contributed to improved student persistence and retention, resulting in a record-high retention rate in 2025.

Throughout her career, Dr. Harvey has built partnerships across academic and student affairs, championed data-informed decision-making, and advanced innovative approaches to student success. Earlier, she served as Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions at SUNY Geneseo, overseeing recruitment, enrollment planning, and financial aid operations. She also held student success leadership roles at Gannon University and positions at SUNY Geneseo and Buffalo State in residence life, orientation, and first-year experience.

Dr. Rocío D. Hernández is a first-generation Chicana/Latina scholar-practitioner and proud daughter of immigrants who has dedicated nearly 20 years to serving students and advancing equity in higher education. Born and raised in Ventura County, California, she currently serves as Counseling Faculty at Ventura College, where she oversees the CalWORKs program and supports students in achieving their educational and career goals.

The daughter of farmworkers in Oxnard, California, Dr. Hernández witnessed inequities affecting her family and community from an early age. These experiences continue to shape her commitment to advocacy, social justice, and creating opportunities for historically underserved students.

Dr. Hernández is the editor of Diverse Experiences of Latinas in Higher Education: Chingonas on Their Own Terms, published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis. She serves on the editorial board of the Journal of First-generation Student Success and the board of the NASPA Center for Women. She is a former fellow of HACU’s La Academia de Liderazgo and a former member of the ACPA Latinx Network.

A certified Social Emotional Intelligence Coach with MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory certifications, Dr. Hernández holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara, California State University, Northridge, and the University of Southern California.

Erica Johnson, Ph.D., serves as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Central Michigan University, where she leads student involvement, civic engagement, well-being, belonging, and success initiatives. As a first-generation college student, she understands how a college degree can change the trajectory of a person’s life, which led her to pursue a career in student affairs.

Erica approaches her work from a holistic perspective shaped by experiences across student activities, fraternity and sorority life, residence life, career services, academic advising, and civic engagement. She is passionate about helping students build a sense of belonging, supporting their well-being, and preparing them to contribute to their communities.

Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in professional accountancy and management from Saginaw Valley State University, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University, and a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from CMU.

An ACPA member since 2008, Erica values the mentorship and community she finds in the association. She has volunteered at conventions, co-chaired the 2015 NextGen Institute, and reviews program proposals.

Erica enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband, their two amazing children, and beloved dog. Much of her free time is happily spent cheering from the sidelines and shuttling between activities as a proud soccer, dance, basketball, cross country, and orchestra mom.

Dr. Hilary L. Lichterman (she/her) is a leader, educator, and scholar whose work has advanced student affairs practice, impacted leadership development, and prompted organizational learning for more than two decades. Currently, she is Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life and Practitioner Faculty at Seattle University. Hilary is also a Fellow at the Global Curiosity Institute. She is at her best when accompanying individuals and organizations through change and helping organizations advance strategic priorities. Across her work, she encourages practitioners to bridge theory and practice, cultivate organizational learning, and embrace curiosity and people-centered practices as essential to leadership.

Hilary has shaped the profession through institute leadership, institute faculty roles, mentoring, presentations, webinars, publications, and keynotes. Her work has influenced conversations about organizational transformation, assessment, learning beyond the classroom, and curiosity-driven leadership. She is a co-author of The Curricular Approach to Student Affairs: A Revolutionary Shift for Learning Beyond the Classroom and a co-editor of the forthcoming Leading with Curiosity in Higher Education: Embracing Uncertainty and Complexity. Hilary’s enduring impact is reflected in the students, colleagues, and communities she has inspired to lead boldly, remain curious, and create meaningful change.

Karol Y. Martinez (they/them) serves as the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Pathways, Inclusion, & Success at Johns Hopkins University. Karol earned their bachelor’s in Mathematics Education from Florida State University and a master’s in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland, College Park. They are a queer, non-binary, Latinx Nicaraguan immigrant, first-generation college student, and a Gates Millennium Scholar. At the core, their higher education work has centered around community, equity, and social justice so that everyone can have access to a successful and fulfilling life.

Karol serves on the governing board of ACPA College Student Educators International and has held many other leadership positions within the association. They have also been involved with the Maryland College Personnel Association, LeaderShape, the Baltimore Collegetown Network, the Baltimore County Board of Elections, and is a proud sibling of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated. Karol recently completed the Social Justice Training Institute in June 2026. They have 2 amazing daughters, two dogs and a rockstar cat. In their spare time, Karol enjoys spending time with their family and friends, planning a wedding, trying new food, going on adventures, watching movies, telling dad jokes, and living each day to the fullest.

Suzanne Sullivan McGillicuddy is based in NYC where she is Syracuse University’s inaugural Director of Student Support for Remote Programs (Study Away). In a career spanning over 30 years she has served as Assistant Dean of Students at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and led work in commuter student services, residence life, student engagement, social impact, and sustainability at Stony Brook University, SUNY Purchase, and the University of New Hampshire. She earned a BA from the University of Vermont and her MS from the University of Rhode Island.

ACPA has always been Suzanne’s professional home. Her involvement has included serving on two Convention Planning Teams, the ACPA@100 Celebration Committee, as Chair of the Commission for Commuter Students & Adult Learners, and more. Locally she has been an active volunteer for WFUV Public Radio since 2000, and was elected Chair of the Community Advisory Board for the station. Suzanne is a connector who believes in the value of mentoring and cultivating community for students and colleagues. Her favorite titles over the years have been Mentor (professional) and Auntie (personal). If she is not working or traveling, you can find her with family or enjoying live music around town.

Melanie Pagán is a 1.5-generation (im)migrant from Puerto Rico, raised in Chicago, whose commitment to community and social justice has shaped her 18-year career in higher education. She advocates for marginalized communities, particularly graduate students of color, students with disabilities, and pregnant/parenting students.

Melanie received her bachelor’s from Bradley University and her master’s from Baruch College. She pursued doctoral studies at The George Washington University, researching the academic self-efficacy of graduate students of color with disabilities through a DisCrit framework. Her scholarship includes co-authored publications addressing gendered racism and doctoral student experiences.

Her career includes roles at Yale University, Harvard University, Columbia University, and Connecticut College, including three inaugural roles focused on supporting graduate students. She was recognized by Yale for her contributions to advancing an inclusive campus community.

A member of ACPA for 15 years, Melanie has served on the Latinx Network Board for more than a decade, including three years as Chair. She founded the LN Summer Leadership Symposium and received the 2018 LN Outstanding Mid-Level Higher Education Professional Award and 2023 ACPA Advocate Award. Today, she supports alumni engagement at Yale and works with Uproot Talent to diversify C-suite leadership in social impact organizations.

Cedric Bernard Rucker is a higher-education leader, educator, and public servant whose career has focused on supporting students and strengthening university communities. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Rucker completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Mary Washington, later earning a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, where he also pursued doctoral study in sociology.

Rucker began his career at the University of Virginia as an Assistant Dean of Admissions before returning to Mary Washington as Associate Dean in 1989, he spent more than three decades in student affairs, ultimately serving as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life. In recognition of his contributions, the university renamed its University Center the Cedric Rucker University Center in 2022.

After initially retiring in 2022, Rucker returned to UVA and served as Sr. Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students from 2023 to 2025. There, he emphasized student engagement, self-governance, and ensuring that student perspectives were represented within university leadership., he was honored to deliver the commencement address to the class of 2025.

Rucker has also served Virginia in several public appointments, including the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Board of Medicine.

Dr. Tyeesha “Tye” Wesley (she/her) is a proud Black autistic woman. Raised in South Jersey by her paternal grandparents, Tye credits their love, value of education, and resilience for molding her into the woman and leader she is today. That same trifecta grounds Tye’s approach to leadership, one centered on direct communication, genuine investment in people, and cultivating environments where individuals can experience belonging without erasing parts of themselves.

Currently, Tye is Director of Residence Life at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, supporting a residential community of nearly 6,000 students. Her commitment to higher education extends beyond campus, through her involvement with ACPA, SEAHO, and ACUHO-I as faculty, presenter, scholar, and contributor to professional development. she is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she embodies “Finer Womanhood” through service to her communities.

Tye earned her Ed.D. in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University, M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership from Valdosta State University, and B.A. in Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Tye hopes to positively impact the people and places she encounters, leaving a legacy of inclusion, determination, and community building that creates a path for others to follow.