Our expert speakers bring extensive experience in student wellness, leadership, and resilience. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by residential communities, they will offer practical insights on balancing work-life boundaries, motivating student staff through coaching, navigating trauma on-call, fostering belonging, and leveraging lived-in experience for career advancement in higher education.
Keynote Speaker

Melanie Bullock Harris
Melanie Bullock is a higher education administrator committed to developing people who will in turn transform their organizations, their communities, and the world. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spelman College and her Master of Education degree in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University. In her career, Melanie has developed teams to plan diverse events and programs. She’s provided leadership for various departments, offices, and teams that include Leadership Engagement programs, Student Organizations, First-Year Experience programming, Student Government, Alternative Break experiences, and multiple programming boards.
Melanie currently serves as the Director for the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement at American University. In her role, she leads the strategic development and delivery of campus and community wide, inclusive community engagement, service, and leadership programs that enhances the student experience, and supports the university’s commitment to experiential learning. Beyond her immediate role, Melanie serves as a volunteer for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and an Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Advocate Leader.
Meeting the Moment and Finding Joy
Working at a small college or university comes with unique challenges. Yet, amidst the demands of our work, there are moments of deep fulfillment, purpose, and joy. This session invites professionals to reflect on their “why,” reconnect with the meaningful aspects of their work, and explore strategies for sustaining joy in the midst of challenges.
Through storytelling, discussion, and interactive reflection, we will uncover ways to meet the moment with resilience and rediscover the passion that brought us to this work. Attendees will explore the importance of purpose-driven leadership, the impact of celebrating small wins, and strategies for fostering positivity within themselves and their teams. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need a reminder of why you love this work, this session will provide inspiration and actionable steps to help you meet the moment with joy.
Educational Session Speakers

Senior Director of Residence Life and
Housing,
Baldwin Wallace University

College Provost and Vice President –
Academic Affairs,
Valencia College.

Resident Director,
Occidental College
.

Community Director,
California State University, Northridge
.

House Advisor,
Vassar College
.

Assistant Director of Residential
Education,
University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

Area coordinator for first year,
all gender, honor living learning
communities, Hiram College

Residence Life Coordinator,
University of North Florida
.

Director of residential life,
Pace University’s NYC campus
.