Author: Hope Adkins Special Projects Coordinator, Division of Student Life

I was sitting in the fourth row of a large lecture hall in Omaha, Nebraska when someone tapped me on the shoulder.

“Are you from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville? I noticed your nametag. Your university is doing some incredible work that we have tried to mirror.”

Over the next few days of the conference, I had similar interactions with faculty and staff from universities across the country who have been encouraged and challenged by the work being done at UT and just wanted the opportunity to say hello. Professional development is vital to the advancement and success of any individual or organization and, as evidenced by my personal interactions, vital to the continued success of the university.

In the field of higher education, where change is constant, ongoing learning and adaptation is essential. The Division of Student Life recognizes this in its strategic plan priority focused on advancing the personal and professional development of our students and staff. By fostering a culture of exploration and innovation, we not only enhance our individual competencies but also contribute to the collective development of the institution.

This summer I participated in three unique opportunities: the Gallup at Work Summit in Omaha, Nebraska; the New Professionals Institute hosted at the University of South Carolina in Columbia; and the NASPA Region III Summer Symposium held in Orlando, Florida. Each experience sparked new excitement for the work of student affairs, provided opportunity for reflection and challenge, and reminded me of the importance of professional development overall.

The Gallup at Work Summit focused on the latest trends and strategies in strengths-based development, coaching, employee engagement, and leadership growth. One of my most significant takeaways was how leveraging individual strengths can lead to higher engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction for employees and their institutions. The practical strategies shared by experts at the summit equipped me with the tools and knowledge to foster personal and professional development. The emphasis on strengths-based development resonates with the division’s commitment to exploration and innovation, encouraging staff to harness their unique abilities to reach their full potential.

“The Gallup at Work Summit broadened my perspective on how we can integrate strengths into our programs in the Jones Center for Leadership and Service, inspiring us to create more transformative experiences for our students.” -Steven Cheppo, Associate Director, Jones Center for Leadership and Service

The New Professionals Institute was a week of intensive, interactive learning, sharing, networking, and growth with 80 other new professionals. The institute provided a platform to reflect on my early experiences in the field and learn from seasoned professionals while also connecting with colleagues from UT and around the country. Learning from faculty at the Institute, as they shared their experiences and perspectives on challenges that student affairs professionals face, and passing on skills necessary to success was beneficial for me to more effectively contribute to the university and student affairs as a whole. The institute’s focus on peer learning and mentorship was particularly impactful, allowing me to gain insights from colleagues who have successfully navigated similar challenges or were considering similar next steps in their career. The networking opportunities with fellow cohort members fostered connections that will undoubtedly support my continued growth in the field, specifically with a group of cohort members who serve at other SEC institutions.

The NASPA Region III Summer Symposium is the annual gathering of student affairs professionals from across the region. This year’s theme emphasized the need to   rekindle our passion for the work we do and refocus on our goals as higher education professionals. One of the key takeaways was the importance of maintaining a strong sense of purpose and motivation in our work, a powerful reminder that, as higher education professionals, our energy and enthusiasm are critical to the success of our students and institutions. Connecting with regional colleagues, sharing and celebrating the work being done at UT Knoxville, and advocating for new and exciting ways to share our work and collaborate with others was the perfect way to top off the summer!

On a personal level, these experiences have ignited my passion for professional development and lifelong learning. They reminded me of the importance of

continuous growth and the value of investing in my own development as well as that of others. The professional development opportunities I have engaged in this year have been pivotal in advancing my growth and effectiveness as a student affairs professional and these experiences have not only enriched my own practice, but my hope is that they have also contributed to the broader goals of our institution.
And so, to the person who tapped me on the shoulder, yes, I am from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and I am grateful for the investment they are making in the professional development of our staff.