Have you ever been asked why college costs so much? Have you ever wondered about it yourself? In this month's episode, we ask Dr. Scott Moats, President of Anderson University in Indiana, this question. Beyond the costs to students, we also discuss how to be a better steward of your own budget, and how to identify and address mission drift within your Christian institution.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

0:00 ACSD Conference recap

3:50 Dr. Scott Moats' introduction

10:15 Speed round questions

14:22 Why does college cost so much?

28:50 Growth Journal Promo

30:30 Being better stewards of our budgets

37:57 Scott's leadership at Anderson

54:57 Addressing mission drift

1:05:40 Advice for young professionals to learn more about institutional finances

LEARN MORE

Why College Costs So Much by Robert B. Archibald and David H. Feldman

As much as we love our jobs, hobbies are crucial to a well-rounded life. In this month's episode, Mark and Kara explore the theories around why hobbies are so important while simultaneously sharing some recent hobbies of their own. Tell us in the comments what hobbies are giving you life this fall!

It's August! If you're in Student Life, you're likely shifting into a high work gear you'll be asked to maintain for several weeks through the start of your semester. This month, we're offering a 30-minute break in your day to reflect on the people who have shaped your career. This conversational deep-dive weaves together social theories and Mark and Kara's personal lives, with the hopeful end result being renewed inspiration and gratitude for the job you get to do.

This month we sat down with two university presidents and spent some time diving into their roles and how they support the work of student development.

Dr. Robin Baker (George Fox University) and Dr. Barry Corey (Biola University) are legends in the field of Christian higher education and this hour+ conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the reflections of two friends and leaders that we know you'll enjoy. Kara and Mark get the benefit of working on their campuses each day and are excited to share this episode with you!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - introducing our guests

7:15 - speed round, feat. feats of strength

12:42 - the journey to the presidency

23:19 - a tale of two friends

32:10 - the complexities of the presidential role

42:58 - advice to the younger professionals

55:30 - the president’s role in developing campus culture

1:08:40 - final reflections and encouragement

Today's episode is with Dr. Sharra Hynes, newly minted VP for Student Life at Baylor University, and we had a wonderful conversation that ranged from discussion student conduct to the differences (and similarities) to be found working in the many kinds of university contexts there are. As Dr. Hynes steps into the studio with us, you'll be encouraged by her wisdom and encouragement for the good work of student you do on your own campus.

CHAPTERS

0:49 - in which Kara takes her comprehensive exams

3:30 - meet Dr. Sharra Hynes!

5:28 - our “not so fast speed round”

14:03 - Sharra’s higher ed journey

21:46 - a key “yes” for Sharra that has led to today

31:23 - a unique philosophy on student conduct

37:17 - lessons learned across all types of universities

42:04 - a word for the women

sharra_hynes@baylor.edu

Many professionals in our field are somewhere on the continuum of considering doctoral work to completing doctoral work. We recorded this episode for you all. It features advice from professionals who work all over the country. At the end of the day, this is your journey and you get to choose what it looks like. But if you're asking, "How do I know if it's time?" or "How do I start?" or "How do I stay motivated?" you might find something in this episode that speaks to you.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Topic introduction

1:55 How to know if it's time to start

7:37 How to choose a program

15:39 How to apply

18:16 How to adjust to this new level

23:28 How to do the coursework

32:28 How to think about the dissertation

39:45 How to write the dissertation

46:11 How to defend the dissertation

51:10 How to live after graduation

NOTES

The Dissertation Warrior by Guy White

The Dissertation Journey by Carol Roberts

Statistics for People Who Think They Hate Statistics by Neil Salkind

Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer

As always, contact us at scholarship@acsd.org

This month we are joined by Delight Darenya, a MAHE graduate student at Taylor University, who shares about her experience as a student while serving as a Graduate Assistant in both the Taylor University Student Development department and honors college. We also hear from Delight a bit about the role of mentors in her journey, studying and leading in a different cultural context, and how a GA role is helping shape her vision for the future.

00:31 - SuperBowl reflections

03:00 - developing a Student Life internship program

06:00 - introducing Delight Darenya

09:10 - speed round with Delight

11:04 - considering higher ed as a career

17:50 - Mark finally shows up

19:19 - the challenges of leading in a different culture

23:11 - last call for workshop proposals!

24:13 - advice for those who lead GAs

27:29 - advice for the GAs

32:20 - how a GA role prepared Delight for the future

34:35 - what being a Student Life Intern taught Delight

38:48 - the GA role is ending; so what’s next?

40:45 - encouragement for those considering the work of student life

This month we sit down with Dr. Jamie Johnson, Dean for Spiritual Life at George Fox University, to unpack the 2025 ACSD Conference Theme "Wonderfully Known". Along the way, expect to learn more about George Fox, Newberg, and other conference details.

0:00 Episode introduction

4:15 Guest introduction

7:35 Speed round questions

12:30 The Wonderfully Known theme

22:50 What it takes to plan the conference

27:20 Highlights of Campus, Newberg, and Oregon

31:45 Jamie's best conference memories

36:30 Behind the scenes of a conference planning session

38:33 Excursion options

42:45 Mark and Kara wrap it up with some menu sneak-peeks