By Kelly Stenka
Spencer Munson was recently selected to represent Doane University at the 2025 NASPA Region IV-West SERVE Academy conference. NASPA serves as the professional home for those working in student affairs, offering development opportunities, research, and advocacy to advance equitable practices in higher education. The organization also fosters mentorship and community, helping student affairs professionals and students alike grow and stay inspired in their work.
Here’s what Munson had to say about the experience:
Q: What does your involvement mean for the Doane community? How will they ideally benefit?
A: It connects myself and Doane to a bigger network of Student Affairs leaders and raises Doane University’s profile regionally. I hope to bring back new ideas for programs, leadership development and ways to support different types of students. The benefit is more creative and inclusive opportunities for our campus. My mentor in the program is also Dr. Dee Dee Anderson the Vice Chancellor at UNL so it positions Doane as a contributor to regional conversations, ensuring that our students and staff have a voice at the table. While most participants in this program will connect with their mentors virtually, I am excited to schedule a few in-person conversations with Dr. Anderson.
Q: Have you represented in the past? If so, are there any "aha!" moments you've had that you brought back to use in what you do today?
A: This is my first time representing through NASPA, but I’ve taken part in NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) educational opportunities. With NACA, I’ve learned a lot about student engagement and programming that I’ve been able to use at Doane such as new approaches to events and thinking about student needs in creative ways. I’m excited to do the same through SERVE, but with more focus on leadership and mentorship.
Q: What skills or competencies does a participant/representative develop through the SERVE Academy?
A: SERVE will help me as a leader and mentor. I think it will give me more confidence/resilience, help me think more strategically, and give me tools for managing projects and engaging students. It will also expand my professional network, which means more ideas and support to bring back to Doane.
This is great timing since I just finished my MBA! It’s another way to build leadership experience and expand my professional network. Ideally, it helps me take the next step into higher-level roles in student affairs and engagement.
