Since 2013 I have been researching and supporting campus executives’ social media strategies. At first, my primary focus was vice presidents, which soon expanded to college and university presidents. As a result of this research, I’ve presented on the topic probably over 100 times, written dozens of blog posts and I am even publishing a book this summer that features over 40 campus leaders.
Through the tail end of writing the book, I discovered an untapped audience and a number of unresolved questions related to associate/assistant vice presidents/deans of students (i.e. number two’s) and social media. Not only have I not written about them on my blog, but I’ve discovered some of the most engaging emerging executives online are from this level.
For many reasons, number 2’s are carving out the future of the Higher Ed C-suite and social media.
These titles are also entry points for those that aspire to the executive level in higher education, where the transition from mid to senior-level can be distinct, and very public. I, too, aim to turn my attention to being a resource for these professionals.
A few of these critical considerations and guiding questions include:
- What are specific impactful digital practices for AVP/Deans/serving in #2 positions, primarily serving in student affairs divisions?
- What leaders provide guiding models to follow that currently serve in AVPs, Dean and #2 positions?
- Navigating the digital dynamics between AVP/VP and even campus president.
- For example, how to not outshine your VP/President online. How do you give critical digital feedback to your VP or President who has some questionable social media choices, or no presence whatsoever?
- How does one handle (publicly and privately) a national conflict tied to your campus and/or your position?
- What are the realistic practices to engage consistently and on what social media platforms?
- What wellness practices need to be established and role modeled within executive positions connected and complicated with social media and technology?
- Are there suggested social media/PR methods to follow during a position transition?
- For example, when starting a #2 role or promotion to VP position? How do you position your digital platforms to prepare for a VP role and/or search process?
- What does the future look like for digital engagement of campus executives – as we prepare future higher education leaders who aspire to serve in AVP/Dean roles and above?
- What other common challenges are professionals at this level facing that tie back to social media, technology, and mobile communication?
With so many juicy questions – I put on my researcher and facilitator hats and began reaching out to a handful of highly engaging and well-respected Associate Vice Presidents, Deans of Students and Vice Presidents who could speak to some of these questions in order to produce tangible tools and guiding practices.
The Student Affairs Digital Task Force Members
Exploring the future of social media for student affairs executives, especially AVPs, Deans and aspiring executives.
The primary outcome of the task force will be to produce a guidebook to support AVP/Dean of Students positions. We began meeting in the fall of 2019 and will continue dialoguing through the first part of 2020.
I am thrilled to share the roster of The Student Affairs Task Force. I highly encourage you to connect with them!
Chief Diversity Officer at Portland Community College
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at University of Cincinnati
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Ohio University
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University, Fullerton
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students at Grambling State University
Want to get involved?
Do you currently (or aim to very soon) serve in an AVP, Dean or #2 role in Student Affairs – or previously did?
Are you curious about exploring the social media use of campus leaders? Interested in being part of creating knowledge (writing, researching, designing) that can be disseminated throughout the field?
Please consider submitting your interest for phase II of the task force. Add your information with this form and I’ll be in touch!
If you’ve got questions or ideas you can also email me directly at info@josieoldsite.meljudsonclientportal.com
Not ready for another committee – I get it! Stay updated on our progress, give feedback on content AND network with other current and future executives in this Facebook group I created two years ago called The Connected Exec Community.
You can also stay updated on the project and all my work by subscribing to my monthly newsletter (yes I promise only monthly).
Social Media Resources for Campus Executives
Finally, if you are looking for resources immediately – well I’ve got just a few for you!
Blog Posts and ebooks
- Get Connected: A social media guide for campus leaders
- Presidential Podcasting: College & University Edition
- What’s the Story with Instagram Stories and Campus Executives?
- Cornerstones of Digital Engagement for Community Colleges
- Instagramable Vice Presidents
- Insta Follow Worthy Executive
- Tweet the Veep: 30 Vice Presidents to Follow on Twitter
- Secret Sauce of Social Media for Campus Executives
- Thought Leadership 2.0: The Relational Leadership Update
- 4 Missteps CEOs Make on Social Media
- 20 Higher Education Presidents to Follow on Instagram
- 25 Higher Education Presidents to Follow on Twitter
- The Connected Campus Executive
Josie & The Podcast Episodes with Executives
- Mordecai I. Brownlee, Vice President for Student Success at St. Philip’s College
- Terisa Riley, Chancellor of University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of Texas A&M University-San Antonio
- Steve Robinson, President of Owens Community College
- Ejnnifelle Strother, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services at Concordia University
- Mary Boyd, Provost at Berry College
- Ajay Nair, President of Arcadia University
- Special Episode: Keynote recording with Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough
- Kirk and Noel Schulz, Washington State University President and First Lady
- Melissa Woo, Stoney Brook University Vice President of Information Technology
- Luoluo Hong, San Francisco State University Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
- Walter Kimbrough, Dillard University President
- Levester Johnson (LJ), Illinois State University Vice President of Student Affairs
- Tonantzin Oseguera, Cal State Fullerton Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
- Mamta Accapadi, Rollins College Vice President of Student Affairs
- Ann Marie Klotz, The New School Vice President of Student Affairs
