Alison Black Email & Phone Number

I've worked as a higher education administrator for 29 years. I was very involved as an undergraduate student at Kenyon College and was influenced by several mentors. I wanted to give back to students what I gained from my mentors. When I learned that "Student Affairs" was a path I could follow in graduate school and beyond, I knew I had found my fit!I am passionate about working with students to help them discover talents and skills within themselves. I try to get to know students in a variety of ways so that I can be most helpful to them. Being accessible and approachable are keys to my interactions with students. I try to be a good listener who doesn't pass judgment on students' individual choices and paths.I am very interested in diversity and identity issues both in my professional work as well as my personal life. I also spend a lot of time learning about current events and thinking about the world.During my career I have worked in a wide variety of areas of student life, including: orientation, leadership development, judicial affairs, academic advising, Title IX, alcohol education, residence life, disability services, tutoring, mental health services, academic advising, and diversity education. I have always wanted to be a Class Dean as it combines my passion for working with students on-on-one with my desire to help them grow and learn. I also really enjoy collaborating with faculty and other staff to support students.Professional development has always been very important to me and I've continued to grow and learn through amazing professional associations. My main professional development "home" that has been most consistent over the years has been the National Association of Personnel Administrators (NASPA). I've been a member since 1992! I have served in various capacities on the NASPA Region 1 Advisory Board, including Awards Chair and Chair of Mid-Senior Level Initiatives. I am also a member of ACPA and NACADA.