The Leadership Academy is a unique opportunity for housing and residence life professionals from underrepresented backgrounds to gain leadership skills and experience that translate to positions on their home campuses and within the Association’s volunteer leadership pipeline. Through monthly meetings, mentorship experiences, and other intentional professional development opportunities, cohort members prepare for personal and professional growth. 

The 2025-2026 Leadership Academy kicked off on May 19 and consists of 12 cohort members who will engage in the year-long experience. The cohort members come from institutions across the U.S. The program will be led by: 

  • Nyerere Tryman, Chair, Executive Director, University Housing | Auburn University 
  • Quiana Stone, Chair-Elect, Director, Auxiliary Services & University Housing | Governors State University 
  • Magdalena Gracia, Admin Chair, Assistant Director, Wellbeing and Belonging | Northwestern University 

Along with these individuals who will support the program as planning team members: 

  • Suzanne Price, Ph.D., Curriculum Chair, Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Enterprises | Clemson University 
  • Domonique Crosby, Ph.D., Curriculum Chair-Elect, Associate Director, Residential Education | Washington University, St. Louis 

  • Marco Aurelien | Residence Hall Director, New York University 
  • Neil Butler | Residence Hall Assistant Director, New York University 
  • Leya Deickman | Associate Director of Residence Life, College of William and Mary 
  • LaToya Howell | Associate Director for Residential Experience, Texas State University 
  • Octavia Hubert | Resident Director, Miami University – Oxford 
  • Taj Julien | Hall Director, University of Connecticut 
  • Kimberly Lainez | Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life, Florida International University 
  • Takisha Pierre | Residence Hall Director, New York University 
  • Jewellia Simpson | Associate Director of Housing Operations, Oklahoma City University 
  • Gabrielle Vasquez | Student Leadership Coordinator, Rutgers University – New Brunswick 
  • Maria Villanueva | Community Director, University of San Diego 
  • Cristal Pinnix Visser | Communications and Content Manager, University of Washington