Student Affairs at William & Mary once again named a Most Promising Place to Work

by Bailey Langhans '26, edited by Heather Deere | April 23, 2026

Student Affairs staff gather on the steps of the Sunken Garden to celebrate being named a Most Promising Place to Work in Student Affairs for the 11th time since 2014.

For the 11th time since 2014, William & Mary has been recognized as one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs nationwide by EduLedger and ACPA: College Student Educators International. The Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs award recognizes institutions that demonstrate excellence in areas such as workplace culture, professional development, inclusive practices and employee wellbeing.

2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs supports nearly every aspect of the student experience, fostering an engaging learning environment where community is strengthened and individuals flourish. Building this extensive system of student support requires a strong team and a vibrant workplace—making Student Affairs at William & Mary a meaningful place to build a career. Receiving this honor for the 11th time reflects a community grounded in shared purpose, collaboration and wellbeing.

“At William & Mary, we speak often about human flourishing, not just for our students, but for those who live, learn and work here,” shared Senior Vice President for Student Affairs & Public Safety Virginia Ambler ’88, Ph.D. ’06. “While we cannot always know what challenges will come our way, we can commit to aligning our actions with our core values. That shared sense of meaning, along with strong relationships and a commitment to a supportive workplace, helps sustain our community.”

Purpose-Driven Work

Senior Leadership in Student Affairs lead a session at orientation titled "You Belong at W&M", partnering with students to explore how this core value shapes our shared experience.

At William & Mary, dedication to students is evident in the day-to-day work of staff across Student Affairs. The team shares a student-centered mission: to support students by preparing them to learn, engage, and grow with integrity, wellness, and purpose.

For Elizabeth Miller ‘11, M.A. ‘18, that commitment has come full circle. After first arriving as an undergraduate student in 2007, Miller returned to William & Mary in 2011 as an AmeriCorps VISTA and now serves as the director of civic & community engagement, helping students embrace lifelong civic learning and action.

“Our values-driven approach, with particular attention to belonging, curiosity, and excellence, creates an environment where all of us can bring our perspectives to the table, explore ideas with creativity and a sense of shared responsibility,” Miller said.

That sense of purpose is echoed across the division. Carina Sudarksy-Gleiser, Ph.D., director of the Counseling Center, has seen firsthand how this approach shapes both the student experience and campus culture.

“I enjoy working with W&M students given their energy and motivation for academic, intellectual, social, and personal growth,” she said. “Their level of insight makes my work meaningful and highly rewarding.”

Across roles and responsibilities, staff describe their dedication to students as deeply meaningful. This shared sense of purpose and values-driven approach define the culture recognized by this award.

Collaboration

If dedication shapes the work, collaboration defines how it happens.

Across Student Affairs, teamwork is a daily practice – one that extends across departments, roles and experiences. For Martha Litos M.D., staff physician at the Student Health Center, a strong "team atmosphere” is key to creating a workplace where people can do their best work.

This culture of collaboration is reflected in both large-scale initiatives and everyday interactions. Elizabeth Miller pointed to the “Daily Work of Justice” series as one example – a program that brings together staff, students and community members to share lived experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Sidnie Baker, Jillian Murphy and Allison Stovall, all assistant directors in Student Success, collaborated to design and present an engaging All-Team meeting for staff in Student Affairs and Public Safety. Sidnie Baker, assistant director of Care Support Services, experiences this team-centered approach daily while helping students navigate complex academic, social, and personal challenges.

“A team that actually shows up for each other, celebrates wins, and isn’t afraid to tackle tough challenges together is an amazing place to be,” she said. “We learn from one another, support one another, and somehow make even the busiest days feel meaningful. Being part of a group that values care, growth, and connection makes me proud to come to work every day.”

Emily Gerst experienced this collaborative and welcoming culture firsthand when relocating to the East Coast and joining William & Mary as the inaugural director of Conflict Resolution & Education.

“When I first started, I was welcomed warmly by new colleagues across the division,” Gerst said. “I was met with interest and open doors for the new work I was doing. Colleagues in Student Affairs care deeply about our students and support one another in doing our best work.”

These experiences reflect a workplace where collaboration is not just encouraged, but expected, and where shared commitment helps define a nationally recognized culture.

Wellness

A strong workplace culture also depends on how staff are supported beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. Across Student Affairs, wellness is approached holistically, with an emphasis on both personal wellbeing and professional sustainability. Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs awardees commonly include, “clarity and consistency in workplace policies, access to professional development and advancement opportunities, and institutional attention to workload, compensation structures, and employee well-being.”

Owen Marino M.Ed. ‘26 felt this emphasis on growth and well-being when transitioning into Student Affairs.

“Everyone has made the transition into Student Affairs nothing but comfortable,” he said. “While being new was a little stressful at first, when I spoke with senior leadership and partners across Student Affairs, I felt nothing but support.”

Staff in Care Support Services, including Jenny Call '99, welcome students to William & Mary during the annual Student Life Neighborhood Block Party.

Now serving as assistant director for first-generation student engagement, Marino builds community through programming and support services, work grounded in the same sense of care he experienced when joining the division.

For many staff, that support shows up in small but meaningful ways. From wellness hour — which encourages time for rest, connection or personal care — to informal moments of support among colleagues, staff describe an environment where wellbeing is actively prioritized.

Jenny Call ‘99, director of Care Support Services, recognizes the significant growth of support since her undergraduate years.

“In the 31 years since I first stepped on campus, I have seen the growth of a thriving support network and a deepened focus on wellbeing,” she said. "My work has meaning and purpose and being a part of Student Affairs has given me the opportunity to grow, lead, and make a difference with a caring and talented team.”

Through this commitment to wellbeing for both students and staff, Student Affairs fosters an environment where staff feel supported, connected and energized to support others.

Ultimately, the recognition speaks to the people behind the work — colleagues who support one another, find meaning in what they do and create a culture where both staff and students can thrive.