CSPA PROGRAM
CELEBRATES
By Tommy Navickas
The first graduates of the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program graced the commencement stage in 1996. Those Department of Educational Administration and Foundations (EAF) alums are now 500-strong and work in more than 40 states. Almost 20% have gone on to earn their doctorates.
It’s a growing but tight-knit community, comments CSPA program coordinator Gavin Weiser.
“I have known of and respected this program far longer than I have been involved directly with it,” said Dr. Weiser, who also serves as an associate professor for EAF. “CSPA alums are proud to be a part of this impressive network of professionals, and they’re eager to support the program and students. We’re stronger because of those connections.”
The culture and closeness of CSPA is largely due to Dr. Phyllis McCluskey-Titus, who led the program from 1999 through 2018. She also co-coordinated CSPA with Weiser from 2018-22 and remains a champion and admirer of her former pupils into her retirement.
“The greatest reward has been to see our past students’ progress throughout their careers,” McCluskey-Titus said. “They’ve taken on more responsible positions and have become leaders in professional associations. Several are even vice presidents or presidents.”
The program was founded by Dr. Neal Gamsky, Illinois State’s former vice president of student affairs. It officially became a concentration under former EAF faculty member Dr. Lemuel Watson. After he left the University, Dr. Marcia Hickrod oversaw the program for one year prior to McCluskey-Titus’ arrival. Hickrod was integral to the program’s growth, serving as advisor until 2021. In total, her Redbird career lasted over 40 years.
Hickrod’s successor was one of her own advisees, Dr. Marci Rockey ’02, M.S. ’05. Rockey’s decision to return to her alma mater underscores the value of the CSPA community. She now serves as the assistant coordinator, where she helps to recruit increasingly diverse cohorts of students.
“For many people, myself included, student affairs is a ‘found’ career. And the (type of) people who ‘find it’ is changing,” said Rockey.
“More international students are now interested in the program, and our classes feature people of diverse ages, professional backgrounds, and experiences. In fact, half of our students work full time and enroll part time.”
Other changes have taken place.
Among Weiser’s contributions to CSPA is a Critical Social Theory course. The content helps students interpret systems, culture, and power within higher education.
“The course presents a way to read the world and understand the different social actors within it. Students then see how institutions of higher education are a microcosm of society. This helps them to better advocate for student access, inclusion, and success.”
While the curricula evolved with the changing landscape of higher education, real-world practice remains a hallmark of a CSPA degree. All students participate in at least one practicum experience with full-time students often engaging in summerlong experiences across the country.
“Many of our students say they chose Illinois State because we get them real-world experience right away,” Weiser said. “And we’ve been told that our students perform so well during their summer internships that universities prioritize hiring them.”
Alumni–Join the Celebration
Share your own CSPA story, get involved with the program, or RSVP for the 30-year celebration event.
Alumni snippets
Dr. Todd “Bowtie” Jenkins, M.S. ’11
Jenkins founded the global leadership management and personal development firm Bowtie Leadership and Development, Inc. He’s an executive coach and published researcher and practitioner in psychological science, emotional intelligence, and inclusive leadership.
On his connection to CSPA:
“I am proud to be a CSPA alum because the program was a transformative experience. It pushed me to grow, to reflect, and to explore who I was and who I aspired to be. It gave me space to evolve personally and professionally.”
Dr. Danielle Miller-Schuster ’97, M.S. ’98, Ph.D. ’14
Miller-Schuster is the associate vice president of student affairs at Illinois State University. In her role, she provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for a portfolio of student-focused units focused on well-being, engagement, and student success.
On her connection to CSPA:
“From its earliest years, CSPA has prepared student affairs professionals who are reflective, student-centered, and committed to making higher education more inclusive and impactful. Having earned both my master’s degree in CSPA and Ph.D. through EAF, this 30th-anniversary milestone feels especially meaningful to me.”
Mimi Pena, M.S. ’23
Pena is the assistant director of student involvement at Dominican University. She creates opportunities for student engagement and developing a strong sense of belonging. This includes support of registered student organizations, the Student Government Association, and campuswide programming like Welcome Week.
On her connection to CSPA:
“As a first-generation student, it meant the world to be accepted into the program. Our Redbird nest really does run far and wide, and I can feel that sense of community and support in every professional space I am in.”
Dr. Aja Holmes ’00, M.S. ’02
Holmes is the assistant dean of students and director of community living at the University of San Francisco. She leads a comprehensive residential experience rooted in equity, care, and student belonging. She provides strategic vision and oversight for residential education, off-campus living, and basic needs initiatives, including the university’s food pantry.
On her connection to CSPA:
“My time in the CSPA program at ISU was transformative because it gave me both the theory and the practical tools to grow into a practitioner-scholar. It wasn’t just about learning concepts—it was about applying them in real ways.”