Dr. Sandra Miles, director student affairs and ombudsman at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) has been accepted to participate in the 2016 NASPA Alice Manicur Symposium for Women Aspiring to be New Vice Presidents for Student Affairs (VPSAs).
The NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. The organization’s work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and eight U.S. territories.
Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Baltimore and chairperson for the 2016 NASPA Alice Manicur Symposium for Women shares, “There were a record number of applicants, making the 2016 selection process was a difficult one.” Burkhalter states, “The selection includes Miles in a very talented group of 80 women across the United States selected to participant in this inspiring event.”
The Alice Manicur Symposium is specifically designed for women at the middle management level considering a move to become vice presidents of student affairs. It is sponsored by NASPA’s Center for Women, the Alice Manicur Symposium is an engaging and supportive environment allowing accepted participants to learn and reflect on personal goals and aspirations. The application-based conference is offered every two years.
The program is designed to allow time for in-depth discussions and faculty-lead mentor group sessions. Additionally, individuals meet one-on-one with experienced VPSA faculty members as well as participate in content sessions on topics such as strategic thinking, leading change, planning for career advancement, and work/life balance.
Through the implementation of IUPUC strategic plan, Miles has directed the Office of Student Affairs in a way that defines welcoming campus. On campus, Miles is a student educator of respect and civility. She is an advocate for student rights and actively guides students in the responsibilities and expectations as a student member of IUPUC.
She maintains the philosophy that student involvement is solidly aligned with academic success which places Miles in the forefront of student activities, clubs, and organizations. She shares, “Students who find their niche on campus through student involvement activities such as diversity programming, intramural sports, clubs and organizations, student involvement trips, and more, have a greater level of academic success.”
Dr. Miles earned a B.A. in Political Science, followed by an M.A. in Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida State University.