Division Engagement

The Division of Student Affairs provides year-round opportunities for staff to collaborate, build professional skills, and support campus initiatives beyond their daily roles. From professional development and collaborative projects to campus-wide initiatives, these experiences encourage shared learning and meaningful engagement.

Division Updates

Division Committees

The Hilltop Excellence Awards is ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½'s most prestigious awards ceremony, annually recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of students, staff, and faculty at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½. The awards program is produced by the Division of Student Affairs through the awards committee. Learn more about the Hilltop Excellence Awards at smu.edu/hilltopexcellence.

Co-Chairs

Bonnie Pickett (bpickett@smu.edu) Assistant Director for Digital Strategy, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
Alexis Stackhouse (astackhouse@smu.edu) Coordinator, Orientation and Transitions

Members

Greelie Bauman Residential Community Director - McElvaney Commons, Residence Life and Student Housing
Renée Gibson Senior Associate Director for Residence Life, Residence Life and Student Housing
Brandon Kitchin Social Change Coordinator, Social Change and Intercultural Engagement
Nicole Moore Coordinator, Student Center and Activities
Dr. Dawn F. Norris Chief of Staff, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs 

The Staff Experience Committee plans professional development opportunities and community-building activities designed to support staff growth, connection, and an enhanced work experience across the Division.

Co-Chairs

Michelle Madsen (mmadsen@smu.edu) Associate Director - Central Area, Residence Life and Student Housing
Roman Peterson (romanp@smu.edu) Residence Community Director - Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles, Residence Life and Student Housing

Members

Dr. Jennifer "JJ" Jones Executive Director for Student Development and Engagement
Preethi Kasilingam Assistant Director for Wellbeing Education, Campus Recreation and Wellbeing Education
Reyna Muñoz Contract and Staff Resources Specialist, Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
Gregg Suttle Associate Director of Operations, Residence Life and Student Housing
Abel Tomatis Psychologist, Dr. Bob Smith Health Center

The Strategic Planning Committee will develop a dynamic, mission-aligned strategic plan for the Student Affairs Division (2026-2031) including an implementation roadmap and a cycle for ongoing assessment and reporting.

Co-Chairs

Dr. K.C. Mmeje, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Dawn F. Norris, Chief of Staff

Members

Joel Gatti, Director, Housing Operations, Residence Life and Student Housing
Bonnie Hainline, Director, Campus Recreation and Wellbeing Education
Dr. Jennifer JJ Jones, Executive Director, Student Development and Engagement 
Ele Luna, Associate Director, Residence Life, Residence Life and Student Housing
John Martin, Associate Director, Orientation and Transitions
Tricia Miller, Clinical Counselor, Dr. Bob Smith Health Center
Nicole Moore, Coordinator, Student Center and Activities
Dr. Kim Nelson Pryor, Director, Student Affairs Assessment and Analytics
Laura Shwarts, Assistant Director, Student Advocacy and Support

Staff Advocacy Council

As an extension of the ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ Staff Association (ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½SA), the Staff Advocacy Council (SAC) seeks to facilitate dialogue regarding areas of common staff interest and concern, to provide insight on University initiatives, and to submit recommendations to administrators on behalf of the staff community. The representative for the Division of Student Affairs is Reyna Muñoz.

Have a question, comment, or suggestion for the SAC? You can email your representative directly (rmunozmartinez@smu.edu) or you may fill out the comment form found online at the link below. Each month, the SAC meets to address submissions from the form and individual representatives. Comments, questions, and recommendations are passed along to ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ administrators for review. 

Meet Colleagues and Get Involved

 

  • End of Year Picnic

    After the completion of each spring semester, Student Affairs staff are invited to celebrate another great year with food, fun, and games. Details are communicated through the Snapshot and at Division meetings.

  • Conversations with Colleagues

    Division staff are periodically invited by the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. K.C. Mmeje, for informal conversation with colleagues and Dr. Mmeje. Invitations are by way of ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ email. Each staff member is typically invited to one meeting per academic year.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    For those seeking more ad hoc opportunities to get involved, departments regularly solicit staff volunteers for various events (e.g., Stampede, Move-In, All-Majors Career Fair) in the Snapshot.