Member Achievements – March 2026

Ryan Alezz
(Johns Hopkins University)

Ryan Alezz has been selected for the prestigious 2027 class of Schwarzman Scholars, one of only 150 selected from more than 5,800 applicants worldwide. A researcher and community leader, Alezz served as president of the Muslim Student Association, expanded interfaith partnerships, and led engineering teams that designed a pacemaker training simulator and an automated food distribution system. His global health research spans oxygen infrastructure in West Africa and mental health programs for refugees on the Thai-Myanmar border. Alezz aspires to advance health equity worldwide as a physician-engineer.

Sonja Ardoin
(Louisiana State University)

Sonja Ardoin has released the second edition of The Strategic Guide to Shaping Your Student Affairs Career, an updated and practical resource that invites higher education professionals to strategically shape their career paths through five key components: lifelong learning, job searching, networking, self-reflection and well-being, and professional development planning. This expanded edition features 20 new contributor stories representing diverse identities, institutions, and functional areas. Notably, fellow O∆K members Cord McLean (Rhodes College), Armina Khwaja Macmillan (Georgia Institute of Technology), Gary Santos Mendoza (Florida Atlantic University), and Leslie Webb (Central Washington University) are among the contributing authors, further showcasing the breadth of O∆K leadership throughout this essential guide.

Richard Campbell
(Elon University)

Richard Campbell has been named the 29th president of Louisburg College, bringing a decade of senior leadership experience in communications and marketing across leading institutions, including North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Auburn University. A North Carolina native with deep ties to faith-based higher education, Campbell is committed to advancing student opportunity, strengthening community partnerships, and building on the college’s legacy of transformational education grounded in faith, access, and purpose.

Jack Chesebro III
(SUNY Oneonta)

Jack Chesebro III is advancing his professional journey through a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership at SUNY Cortland. Committed to growth and service, Chesebro is working toward becoming a certified educational leader in New York State and aspires to assume a school leadership role. His pursuit of advanced credentials reflects a deep dedication to strengthening educational communities and inspiring those around him. This recognition highlights Chesebro’s intentional investment in his development as he prepares to lead with purpose, vision, and a commitment to excellence in education.

Patricia Gabby Dixon
(Georgetown College)

Patricia Gabby Dixon has been named director of student engagement at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, marking an exciting new chapter in her student affairs career. Bringing a passion for connection, community, and student success, Dixon is committed to creating meaningful engagement opportunities that support and empower students. Her transition reflects a dedication to accessible education and inclusive campus communities. Dixon’s new role exemplifies the purposeful leadership and commitment to student thriving that define her work in higher education.

Jason Hicks
(University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

Jason Hicks has been honored with the 2025 National Business Institute Outstanding Faculty Award for his exceptional contributions to continuing legal education. Recognized as an elite legal educator, Hicks has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sharing his expertise, real-world experience, and passion for empowering legal professionals. Dedicated to advancing the legal field through education and mentorship, this recognition highlights Hicks’ impact in equipping practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel and serve their communities.

Silas W. Kelly
(Adelphi University)

Silas W. Kelly, LMSW, has been named a finalist for the Visionary Social Worker Awards in the “Standout Brand” category, recognizing his impact in advancing advocacy, awareness, and care within the profession. His work reflects a deep commitment to uplifting communities, amplifying important conversations, and strengthening the visibility of social work. Through his leadership and dedication, Kelly continues to champion meaningful change and inspire others in the field to lead with purpose, compassion, and authenticity.

Priscilla “Dr. P” Kucer
(Nova Southeastern University)

Dr. Priscilla “Dr. P” Kucer, a 2025 O∆K Award recipient, continues to advance her impact as a distinguished faculty member and national speaker. She was invited to present at the 2026 Millennial Life Coaches Virtual Coaches Summit, centered on the theme of Tech and Empowerment. Kucer is the founder of her campus’s Cross-Cultural Mentorship Program, expanding access for historically marginalized communities. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and empowering the next generation.

Aleksandr Kuzmenchuk
(College of William and Mary)

Aleksandr “Alek” Kuzmenchuk has been selected for the prestigious 2027 class of Schwarzman Scholars, one of only 150 selected from more than 5,800 applicants worldwide. A scholar, athlete, and emerging policy leader, Kuzmenchuk studied international relations and data science, served as editor-in-chief of his university’s journal of international studies, and captained his Division I gymnastics team. His experience includes a Fulbright-Nehru research fellowship in New Delhi and internships with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense. Kuzmenchuk aspires to a distinguished career in U.S. politics.

Junqi Lin
(The University of Alabama)

Junqi Lin has been named a 2026 David L. Clark Scholar by the University Council for Educational Administration, in recognition of her contributions to educational leadership research. She will present three collaborative studies at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, examining how school principals lead success across diverse political and cultural contexts. Her recent co-authored publication synthesizes two decades of international case studies, offering new insights into how leaders navigate complex systems. Lin’s work highlights the evolving intersection of leadership, policy, and global education.

Ryan Upshaw
(University of Mississippi)

Ryan Upshaw has stepped into a new role as dean of student services and enrollment management at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus. Upshaw has served the Society with distinction, including as a member of the O∆K Board of Trustees and a recipient of the Eldridge W. Roark, Jr. Meritorious Service Award. Holding degrees in psychology and higher education from Ole Miss, Upshaw’s career reflects a deep commitment to student success, diversity, and servant leadership.

Jessica Vaught
(Coastal Carolina University)

Jessica Vaught, MBA, founder of Penzie Press, LLC, has published four books championing childhood mental health awareness and neurodivergent learners. Her debut, The Rainbow Pencil, launched in July 2025, with her latest release, The Rainbow Pencil: Write and Draw Journal: Super Dog, achieving the distinction of a #1 Hot New Release on Amazon in Children’s Book Notes Study Aid Books within days of its December 2025 publication. Driven by personal experience and purposeful leadership, Vaught’s growing body of work creates meaningful pathways for children who need them most.

Mary Wallace
(University of Alabama, Birmingham)

Mary Wallace has published a groundbreaking edited volume, Charting a Career Path as a First-Generation Higher Education Professional: Decision Making, Families, and the Future, co-edited with Robin M. Williamson, exploring the critical decisions faced by first-generation professionals in higher education. Grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory and enriched by contributions from more than 25 first-generation voices, the book examines how identity, family expectations, and career aspirations intersect to shape professional pathways. Each chapter concludes with practical activities designed to help readers explore their leadership potential. Notably, fellow O∆K members James K. Winfield (Auburn University), Sonja Ardoin (Louisiana State University), and Willie Banks (University of Georgia) are among the contributing authors, reflecting the depth of O∆K leadership throughout this important work.

Ben Williams
(Georgia State University)
Ben Williams, Ph.D., has assumed the role of chair of the NASPA Foundation Board, marking a significant milestone in his  career in student affairs. Williams’ journey with the Foundation began in 2017 as a Foundation Ambassador, reflecting his longstanding commitment to investing in the profession and the students it serves. With purpose and dedication, he steps into this leadership role poised to strengthen the Foundation’s impact and champion the professionals advancing student success on campuses nationwide.