The Division of Student Affairs launched a new strategic plan with priorities in alignment with the pillars outlined in the University’s 150 Forward Strategic Plan.
Work began in May 2023, when the division began the planning process to help organize and harness the work of Student Affairs professionals, departments and programs to serve students efficiently and effectively. The division worked with Huron Consulting Group to revise and update the mission, strategic vision and organizational structure. Grounded in constituent feedback, three priorities with objectives and tactics, a new mission statement, and division realignment are driving the future of the division of student affairs.
“We are focusing on three priorities in our strategic plan, which we are calling Advancing Student Affairs – student access, well-being and belonging; post-graduation success; and a strong organizational culture,” said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “These priorities align with one or more of the pillars of the 150 Forward Strategic Plan.”
The new mission statement is a starting point to help describe the work of the division, and points to the new strategic plan and priorities: “The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success.”
A strategic plan website has been created to showcase the divisional priorities, the objectives outlined within those and the initial tactics the division will begin to take to make progress on the identified priorities, which are described as follows:
- Student access, well-being, and belonging: Center all students’ well-being experiences and create a campus-wide student community through welcoming practices, spaces, and experiences;
- Post-graduation success: Prepare students for success through career preparation, leadership development, and co-curricular experiences;
- Building a strong organizational culture: Build a culture of value, effectiveness, and opportunity for divisional staff.”
“Much of our time in the Spring will be spent launching our strategic plan and realignment,” Battjes said. “The transition to the new organizational structure is a fluid process and doesn’t have a defined date. Some parts will move quickly, and others will take several months.”
There is excitement amongst the Division staff about this new plan and the reorganization of Student Affairs.
“What excites me the most about the new Student Affairs Strategic Plan is the Student Success and Engagement team,” said Mary Skinner, director of Student Activities. “The collaborations between all these departments are going to be huge and really going to improve the overall student engagement experience for all students. I cannot wait to get started.”
“At the core of our endeavors, the strategic plan acts as a anchor, a guiding force shaping divisional priorities, and the central nexus that unites and aligns our collective efforts,” said Adrain Smith, director of the Multicultural Center. “This holistic approach seeks to leave a profound and lasting impact on key stakeholders.”
Three leadership positions were filled – Associate Vice Chancellors for Operations, Student Success, and Well-being. These three positions join the Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students and Sr. Advisor to the Vice Chancellor as the leadership team responsible for serving as dynamic, innovative and strategic leaders inspiring collaboration and communication throughout the division and carrying out the execution of the strategic plan. Effective Jan. 16: Jackie Micheletto – AVC for Operations, Leslie Yingling – AVC for Student Success, and Becky Todd – AVC for Student Well-being.
“These individuals demonstrate an ability to lead groups and teams of people, programs, and services, and think creatively and strategically regarding the work we do and how that work aligns with our strategic priorities and opportunities to move forward,” Battjes said.
As the AVC for Operations, Micheletto is responsible for operational excellence and consistency of practice of human resource and administrative functions, financial stewardship and budget planning, facilities management, contract management, and overall compliance practices for the division. Micheletto started working at the U of A in 2007 while she was a student and returned in 2013 to join the finance team within the College of Education and Health Professions. She most recently held the position of assistant vice chancellor for financial affairs within the division of student affairs.
As the AVC for Student Success in student affairs, Yingling is responsible for inspiring, leading, and integrating key functional areas that champion student life and engagement, and is charged with aligning student support practices and co-curricular experiences that cultivate a sense of belonging and prepare students for post-graduation success. Yingling joined the U of A staff full time in 2007, directing pre-college outreach programs. She most recently held the position of assistant vice chancellor for Student Success & Multicultural Initiatives and associate dean of students.
As the AVC for Student Well-being, Todd is responsible for advancing a holistic approach to services, programs, and initiatives to positively impact the well-being of students. This position is charged with integrating the eight dimensions of wellness model into the student experience and serving as a collaborative partner in divisional and institutional wellness strategies. Todd started her time at the U of A in 2014 when she became the director of programs for University Recreation. She is moving into her new role from her position as assistant vice chancellor and executive director of University Recreation, which she has held since Jan. 2022. Kristin DeAngelo, Director of Facilities at UREC, will serve as the Interim Executive Director of University Recreation, effective January 16.
Micheletto, Yingling, and Todd join Melissa Harwood-Rom, associate vice chancellor and dean of students, and Erin Butler, senior advisor to the vice chancellor, as members of the Division of Student Affairs senior leadership team. Harwood-Rom is responsible for coordinating student care, risk management, and emergency response efforts, and provide student support at the individual and community level in collaboration with campus partners outside of the Division of Student Affairs. Butler is responsible for the implementation of strategic priorities and coordination of cross-institutional partnerships, and oversees communications, data analysis & reporting, and student government.
“This team will be responsible for implementing the strategic plan and advancing priorities, objectives, and tactics,” Battjes said. “They are passionate about our students and staff and bring a great amount of enthusiasm to our future direction.”
A version of this story appeared in Arkansas News.