Shows
Student-CenteredArtificial Intelligence in Student Affairs WorkIn this episode of the Student-Centered, host Zackery Tucker has a conversation with Ava AI, an artificial intelligence persona, to explore the evolving role of AI in the world of Student Affairs — from everyday strategies that save time and improve decision-making, to deeper questions about ethics, equity, and the human connection that defines education.The episode is a recording of a virtual conversation with the AI tool ChatGPT using the Everway Read&Write tool about AI use in Student Affairs work.Whether you’re curious about practical applications of AI in advising, programming, and assessment — or you...
2025-11-2732 min
Student-CenteredShorter College Stands in the Gap for Displaced Students.As a new academic year begins, this special episode of the Student‑Centered Podcast offers encouragement to student affairs professionals preparing for move‑in, orientation, and the return of students to campus. Drawing on research and real stories, host Zackery Tucker highlights the vital role you play in fostering belonging, guiding transitions, and shaping futures. From residence life to advising, counseling to multicultural affairs, this episode reminds you that every conversation, every smile, and every act of care makes a difference. Tune in for inspiration and a heartfelt reminder: your work changes lives every single day.
2025-11-1339 min
Student-CenteredLeading as a New Professional, Part 2.In this episode, we continue the conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. This conversation is part-two of a two part conversation that was originally recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, featuring an engaging From navigating the shift from peer to supervisor to leading with empathy and building strong teams, Faith and Kendra will offer honest reflections and practical strategies for new and...
2025-10-3029 min
Student-CenteredLeading as a New Professional, Part 1.Recorded in front of an audience at the SWACUHO Arkansas Summer Drive-in, this episode of Student-Centered features an engaging conversation with two new professionals, Faith Earl and Kendra Erickson, Resident Life Coordinators at the University of Central Arkansas, as they share personal insights and lessons learned from stepping into student affairs leadership for the first time. From navigating the shift from peer to supervisor to leading with empathy and building strong teams, Faith and Kendra will offer honest reflections and practical strategies for new and aspiring supervisors.
2025-10-1632 min
Student-CenteredBridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 2.In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome back Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs at Black River Technical College and adjunct professor of Higher Education Law at Arkansas State University. With over 15 years of experience, Smith is known statewide for his expertise in student rights, FERPA, and creating student-centered systems. Smith shared his insights on thinking differently about higher education law and student affairs leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in student affairs, you take away something meaningful and useful from this conversation.
2025-10-0239 min
Student-CenteredBridging Student Affairs: Legal Compliance to Leadership, Part 1.In this episode of Student-Centered, we sit down with Jason Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs at Black River Technical College and adjunct professor of Higher Education Law at Arkansas State University. With over 15 years of experience, Smith is known statewide for his expertise in student rights, FERPA, and creating student-centered systems. Smith shared his insights on thinking differently about higher education law and student affairs leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in student affairs, you take away something meaningful and useful from this conversation.
2025-09-1846 min
Student-CenteredYour Work Changes Lives: A New Year Message for Student Affairs ProfessionalsAs a new academic year begins, this special episode of the Student‑Centered Podcast offers encouragement to student affairs professionals preparing for move‑in, orientation, and the return of students to campus. Drawing on research and real stories, host Zackery Tucker highlights the vital role you play in fostering belonging, guiding transitions, and shaping futures. From residence life to advising, counseling to multicultural affairs, this episode reminds you that every conversation, every smile, and every act of care makes a difference. Tune in for inspiration and a heartfelt reminder: your work changes lives every single day.
2025-08-0719 min
Student-CenteredBeyond College-Ready: Shifting the Institutional Mindset, Part 2.In this episode of Student-Centered, we welcome back Dr. Rickey Rogers, Vice Chancellor for Student Services at Southern Arkansas University Tech, for a special two-part conversation that unpacks the difference between seeking “college-ready” students versus designing institutions that are ready for the students they serve. Dr. Rogers opens up about his own college journey, the mentors who helped him along the way, and why student access and retention remain at the heart of his work. He also offers tangible strategies for institutions looking to break down barriers (big and small) and build policies, cultures, and practices rooted in equity, empa...
2025-07-2432 min
Student-CenteredBeyond College-Ready: Shifting the Institutional Mindset, Part 1.In this episode of Student-Centered, we sit down with Dr. Rickey Rogers, Vice Chancellor for Student Services at Southern Arkansas University Tech, for a special two-part conversation that unpacks the difference between seeking “college-ready” students versus designing institutions that are ready for the students they serve. Dr. Rogers opens up about his own college journey, the mentors who helped him along the way, and why student access and retention remain at the heart of his work. He also offers tangible strategies for institutions looking to break down barriers (big and small) and build policies, cultures, and practices rooted in equi...
2025-07-1032 min
Student-CenteredInvesting in Student Affairs Professionals, Part 2.In this episode of the Student-Centered Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Robin Williamson, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Central Arkansas, for a special two-part conversation on Investing in Student Affairs Professionals. Drawing from her 2022 chapter in the NASPA-published book First-generation Professionals in Higher Education: Strategies for the World of Work, Dr. Williamson shares insights on the challenges and strengths of first-generation professionals, the importance of supporting their growth, and practical strategies for leadership development and inclusion. This inspiring kickoff episode spotlights the vital role student affairs staff play in advancing student success and shaping the...
2025-06-2639 min
Student-CenteredInvesting in Student Affairs Professionals, Part 1.In this episode of the Student-Centered Podcast, we welcome Dr. Robin Williamson, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Central Arkansas, for a special two-part conversation on Investing in Student Affairs Professionals. Drawing from her 2022 chapter in the NASPA-published book First-generation Professionals in Higher Education: Strategies for the World of Work, Dr. Williamson shares insights on the challenges and strengths of first-generation professionals, the importance of supporting their growth, and practical strategies for leadership development and inclusion. This inspiring kickoff episode spotlights the vital role student affairs staff play in advancing student success and shaping the future...
2025-06-1233 min
Student-CenteredSupporting First-Generation Student Success.In the inaugural episode of the Student-Centered Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Nadia Eslinger, Director of the Bear Life Program at the University of Central Arkansas, for a powerful conversation on Supporting First-Generation Student Success. Recorded live in front of an audience at the Critical Conversations Drive-In Conference—co-hosted by NASPA Region IV-West and ArSAA at Northwest Arkansas Community College—this episode explores the unique needs of first-generation college students and the strategies institutions can use to foster belonging, resilience, and achievement. Dr. Eslinger shares insights from her work leading the Bear Life Program and offers practical takeaways for an...
2025-05-1533 min