2025 Family Engagement in Higher Education Virtual Spring Summits 

Focusing on Building Strong Partnerships (March 28) and Initiatives for Special Populations (April 25), these half-day virtual summits serve to bring together campus-based professionals who work with parents and families in an effort to explore best practices and advocate for/foster engagement with family members of college students.

All sessions will be live, providing an opportunity to interact with the speakers and fellow attendees. After the live sessions, round-tables will be hosted for participants to discuss the sessions or network with their colleagues. Casual and affordable, AHEPPP Spring Summits offer you an intimate and safe space to learn and build community with your fellow experts.

To join us for our 2025 virtual spring summits: Register here

Details

 AHEPPP Spring Summit fees are non-refundable. 

April Summit Details

Engaging the Whole Family: Initiatives for Special Populations
April 25, 2025 | 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT/ 9 a.m to 1 p.m. PDT

Registration deadline: April 21
Registration fee: $55

The April Summit will focus on how Parent and Family focused units can provide intentional programming and resources to advance student wellbeing and retention and enhance family engagement Concurrent sessions provide participants with options to engage in topics most helpful to them and their unit and there will be opportunities to network and connect with colleagues throughout the day.

Agenda

Meet the April Summit Speakers:

Aaron A. Brown
Assistant Director for Family Engagement | California State University, Los Angeles

After giving four years to the professional sports industry, Aaron found a love for higher education. Being a first-generation student, of an immigrant woman, who served as both mother and father in his childhood, Aaron understands how important engagement is to student families and/or supporters as it impacted his college journey. Aaron previously was the Alumni Outreach and Communications Specialist at Cal State San Bernardino, and as of AUG '24 he serves as the Assistant Director of Family Engagement at Cal State LA. 

Titania Boddie
Assistant Director, ASU Family | Arizona State University

Titania Boddie is the Assistant Director of Family Programs at Arizona State University. In this role, she leads family involvement initiatives, working to keep families actively engaged and fostering a strong sense of community to support the success of all students. Before her role at ASU, Titania worked as a Program Director at Temple University, where she provided support to students with intellectual disabilities and autism, assisting them and their families throughout the college experience in areas such as academic coursework, community engagement, and career development.

Justine R. Cheung
Director, Bridging Success | Arizona State University

Justine Cheung is the Program Director for Arizona State University’s Bridging Success – a campus-based support program for students with a foster care background. She implemented Bridging Success in the spring of 2015 and has since welcomed and worked with ten cohorts of students. Justine has an undergraduate and graduate degree in social work, is a faculty associate for ASU’s School of Social Work, and researcher. Before working at ASU, she worked in the public mental and behavioral health field advancing peer-support practices as a pathway to mental health recovery. Research interests include mental health recovery and higher education outcomes for students who have experienced foster care.

Steven Couras
Director of Residence Life & Student Conduct | Drew University 

Steven Couras serves as the Director of Residence Life & Student Conduct at Drew University, where he leads both the university’s student conduct operation and the residential life program. In this role, Steven oversees the student conduct process and trains students on their rights and responsibilities as members of the campus community. He also manages the university’s emergency on-call response process, providing critical support to professional staff and ensuring the consistent development and evaluation of campus crisis protocols. Steven plays an active leadership role on university-wide committees, including the Academic Retention Committee and the Behavioral Intervention Committee, and he leads staff in supporting Drew’s mission to develop strong living-learning environments. Additionally, he oversees aspects of residence hall operations from opening and closing periods to the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and professional development of departmental staff.

Steven holds a Master’s from Montclair State University and a Bachelor’s from Stockton University. Throughout his career, he has worked at a variety of institutions, including large public universities, small liberal arts colleges, STEM-focused campuses, and performing arts environments, giving him a broad perspective on student success, community development, and campus engagement.

Libby Daggers, Ph.D.
Director | Texas A&M University

Libby Daggers is the director of New Student and Family Programs at Texas A&M University and has worked with orientation and family engagement at Texas A&M since July 2012. She is passionate about fostering positive transitions for new students and their family members and creating environments that support student success. Libby has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University. She is an active member of AHEPPP: Family Engagement in Higher Education and the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA).

Maureen Hurley
Director, Student Transitions and Family | Emerson College

Maureen Hurley, Director of Student Transitions and Family Programs at Emerson College, has worked in education for over 30 years. She previously worked with the Division of Student Affairs at Boston University, at Boston University’s British Programmes office in London, at the British School of Boston, and Boston University Academy, a high school for gifted young people. She is recognized for her expertise in new student and family transitions and has been a member of the Board of Directors for NODA (the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education) and AHEPPP. Maureen is also a passionate advocate for social justice and college access. Maureen was a contributing author of the books, College Ready: Expert Advice for Parents to Simplify the College Transition and Sophomore College Ready. She is also a contributing author to Partnering with the Parents and Family Members of Today’s College Students: Innovations in Practice.

Kenyatta Jeter
Associate Director for the Student Experience | University of Kentucky

Kenyatta Jeter joined the Office of Residence Life in 2014, where she currently serves as the Associate Director for the Student Experience. She leads all residential engagement strategies through a curricular approach, aiming to create a premier residential experience. Kenyatta holds a M.Ed. in Professional Counseling with a concentration in College Student Affairs from the University of West Georgia, a BA in Psychology from Winthrop University, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Kyoungah Lee
Assistant Director, International Programs | University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Kyoungah Lee is a higher education professional, educator, and former international student with a passion for supporting international students and their families. Originally from South Korea, she studied in the Philippines before continuing her academic journey in the United States. Affectionately known as Dr. Lemon, she embraces the philosophy that reflects her journey: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Drawing from her lived experience navigating multiple education systems and cultural transitions, Dr. Lee brings a thoughtful, culturally informed approach to her work. She is passionate about helping institutions engage international students and their families in meaningful ways, and about empowering students to turn their own “lemons” into success throughout their U.S. higher education journey.

Dr. Lee earned her Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh, where her dissertation focused on international students’ sense of belonging. She also holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, a B.S. in Business Administration, and a B.A. in Economics from the University at Buffalo (SUNY).

Tomie Lenear
Program Director for the Student Parent Center | UC, Berkeley

Tomie Lenear is a first-generation Filipino & African American professional born and raised in the Bay Area. His early higher education journey began in community college at Berkeley City College while working full-time, attending evening classes, and taking care of his three children. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 2014 with a BA in Linguistics.

As a re-entry, transfer student and student parent, Lenear cultivated community at Berkeley through the Student Parent Center, while working as a Student Lead Representative. He focused on various aspects of student-parent inclusivity, such as advocating for better financial security and academic policy reform for student parents and other marginalized populations. His ethic and practice of leadership at the time, was built on community-based values in action, which he developed prior to entering higher ed while growing up in Oakland.  Eight months post-graduation, he was hired as an Academic Counselor for the Student Parent Center at UC Berkeley. Today as the Director for the Student Parent Center and a member of the California Alliance for Student Parent Success, he works to sustain operations and practices that ensure both holistic and academic empowerment for student parents at UC Berkeley and beyond.  

Megan LLoyd, Ph.D.
Director, Office of PittServes | University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Lloyd is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and social justice, currently serving as the Director of the Office of PittServes at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a Ph.D. in Community Engagement from Point Park University, where her dissertation focused on equity for students with experiences in foster care. In her professional career, Dr. Lloyd has held significant roles at esteemed institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, where she served as the Assistant Director of the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Civic Engagement, and Point Park University, where she contributed as both an adjunct faculty member and graduate assistant. Her efforts in community engagement have led to the creation of impactful programs and partnerships that enhance student retention and civic participation.

Dr. Lloyd is not only an accomplished educator but also an active contributor to academic literature and conferences, sharing her insights on student advocacy and civic engagement. She has received numerous honors, including the Emerging Engagement Scholar award and recognition from the College of St. Joseph for her outstanding service to students. Dr. Lloyd welcomes the opportunity to share her expertise and insights on fostering inclusive environments for all students.

Caroline Murray
Community Director | Michigan State University

Caroline (she/hers) is going into her 5th year at Michigan State University in Residence Education and Housing Services. She currently serves as a Community Director for Case Hall, a 930-bed living learning community-centered residence hall. Caroline also serves as the Campus Safety & Crisis Management Chair for the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officer (GLACUHO). Caroline received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and her Master of Education in College Student Affairs Leadership at Grand Valley State University. In her work, Caroline loves supporting students in defining and achieving their own definition of success. 

Joe Pierce, Ed.D.
Associate Dean of Students | University of Tennessee

Joe Pierce, EdD serves as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of Tennessee. He provides executive support to the Center for Student Advocacy (families/supporter experience, student government advising, and general student advocacy) and the Center for Basic Needs. He also promotes and coordinates strategy on student crisis and support across the Division of Student Life. Joe is also serving as the 24-26 Tennessee State Director for NASPA.

Sandra Robinson
Director, Parents and Family Programs | Vanderbilt University

Sandra Robinson is the Director of Parents and Family Programs at Vanderbilt University residing under Development and Alumni Relations. The office focuses on both engagement and fundraising initiatives. With a career dedicated to higher education, she has honed her expertise in volunteer management and program development, spearheading initiatives such as the Class Agent fundraising program for young alumni and the robust Vanderbilt Parent Ambassador program. Her team oversees the Parent Ambassador Council, Vanderbilt Parent Ambassadors, Family Weekend, webinars, and parent communications, collaborating closely with Alumni Engagement and campus partners on events throughout the year. Before joining Vanderbilt, Sandra worked in music publishing with renowned songwriters Tommy Sims, Bob DiPiero, and others.

Judith Robles, Ed.D.
Associate Director, Sun Devil Athletics | Arizona State University

Dr. Judith Robles is a dedicated leader for student-athlete and family engagement at Arizona State University (ASU). With over 14 years at ASU, she has held various roles supporting students, families, and community outreach. As an Associate Director in Sun Devil Athletics, she is committed to enhancing connections between student-athletes, their families, and the ASU community through strategic communication and engagement initiatives.

A first-generation college graduate, speaker, and co-founder of the Robles Unstoppable Foundation, she is passionate about empowerment, resilience, and education. As a mother of five, including NCAA Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles, she brings a deep understanding of the student-athlete experience, ensuring families feel welcomed, informed, and connected.

Terry Thies
Associate Director for Family Engagement, New Student & Family Experiences | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign

Terry Thies (she/her) has over 19 years in higher education and started her career at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign in University Housing. While holding the positions of Assistant Director for Community Development and Director of Family and Graduate Housing, Terry served graduate and international students and their families. Terry currently serves in New Student & Family Experiences, a unit within Student Success, Inclusion and Belonging at Illinois. In her role as Associate Director for Family Engagement, Terry serves parents and families by providing resources, communications, events, and programs that encourage and support a family’s engagement in their students academic career at the University. As the campus liaison to two independent parent associations, Terry collaborates with these organizations to further family engagement opportunities that support student success and a sense of belonging for all. Terry is a member of AHEPPP’s Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Council as well as the AHEPPP Awards Committee. Terry holds degrees from Millikin University (B.A.) and the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign (M.A.).

Isaiah J. Thomas, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residential Education, Housing Services, and Student Conduct

Isaiah has worked in higher education for more than a decade and brings a deep passion and commitment to higher education, specifically the small liberal arts college experience. As both a first-generation college student and person of color, Isaiah is deeply committed to helping students of all backgrounds thrive in the college environment in order to make a difference in the greater world. Isaiah grew up in the Twin Cities, and has lived and worked across the country and abroad to support diverse and inclusive student communities. He currently serves as Assistant Dean of Students at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, where he provides leadership to the Department of Residential Education and Housing Services, Office of Student Conduct, and Veteran Support Services. Prior to assuming his role at Occidental, he served as Director of Residential Communities and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Swarthmore College, and was MACUHO's Mid-Level Engagement Co-Coordinator. He has also worked in residential life roles at Carleton College, Penn State University, and Semester at Sea.

Outside of Occidental, Isaiah serves as an affiliate faculty member at Cal Lutheran University teaching in the counseling education program, and sits on the Board of Trustees for the High Mountain Institute. Isaiah is also certified in Mental Health First Aid.

Deonne Yeager
Director of Parent and Family Programs | University of South Carolina

After almost 25 years in Higher Education, Deonne has served as an advocate for students and as a senior member of several Student Affairs divisions. Her background includes leadership in Housing, Student Conduct, Student Activities, New Student Orientation and Career Services. In her current role, she brings her broad experiences from Student Affairs areas to support Parent and Family programs. She aspires to serve as an effective communicator who is visible, accessible and goal oriented to foster a sense of community and provide support for families of our students.

Donell Young, J.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students | University of Houston

YoYoung began his career in higher education in 2001 as a coordinator in Lincoln University’s Division of Student Affairs before joining the staff at the University of Missouri as a senior coordinator in its Office of Student Conduct in 2004. Promoted in 2013 to assistant director of the Division of Student Affairs/Department of Student Life, Young then became director of the Center for Academic Success & Excellence in MU Division of Undergraduate Studies and eLearning in 2015. Since February 2016, he has also served as assistant vice-chancellor, overseeing two dozen staff focused on student success and engagement, as well as numerous other departments.

Donell Young joined Houston's Division of Student Affairs and August 3, 2020 as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.Young has overall responsibility and accountability for providing leadership in long-range planning, program development, problem solving, and staff development. Young provides administrative oversight to the following departments: the Dean of Students Office, Children’s Learning Center, Veteran Services, Women and Gender Resource Center, International Student and Scholar Services, Student Conduct, Student Advocacy Services, UH Student Handbook, Parent and Family Programs, Commuter Student Services and the Student Fee Advisory Committee.

Sandra Zhao
Senior Director of International Development | Carnegie Mellon University

Sandra Z. Zhao is the Senior Director of International Development at Carnegie Mellon University, where she leads family and alumni engagement and fundraising across East Asia and the Asian diaspora community in North America. With a focus on building trust and community through cross-cultural philanthropy, Sandra forges meaningful relationships that support student success and deepen global connections.