Dr. Amelia Purnell, NASPA's vice president for research and policy and administrator for student affairs in higher education, has been named president of the organization. Ms. Parnell will begin her term on July 1, replacing Dr. Kevin Krueger, who has held the position since 2012.
Dr. Amelia Parnell
“This is a critical time for collaboration as educational institutions across the country strive to support and retain staff and provide quality resources to students,” she continued. “As Chancellor, I look forward to strengthening relationships across industry, promoting the value and impact of student affairs to key audiences, and pursuing strategies that improve the university student experience.”
Parnell has been with the organization since 2015 and brings deep industry and organizational knowledge to his new role. She led the association's portfolio of research, policy, and publications that provide critical insight and support to the approximately 15,000 student affairs professionals who make up NASPA's membership. In this role, she oversaw a multi-million dollar budget, represented NASPA globally in speaking engagements and in the media, and led analysis of applicable federal and state law and regulatory trends.
Over the past eight years, Parnell has secured more than $22 million in grants, represented NASPA through service to more than 20 organizations, including the U.S. Department of Education, and served as chair of the steering committee and finance committee for the Higher Ed Equity Network. I served as the chief. EDUCAUSE Board of Directors Investment Committee. Additionally, she led her 18-month investigation into the future of student affairs, supervised a large volunteer and staff task force, and participated in listening sessions with NASPA members.
Prior to joining NASPA, Mr. Parnell served as Director of Research Initiatives for the Association for Institutional Research and Director of National Survey Research for the Association for Institutional Research. From 2005 until 2012, she served as an education policy analyst for the Florida Legislature.
“Dr. Parnell is poised to lead NASPA as an influential agent of change in higher education,” said Chicora Martin, former NASPA president, vice president for student affairs, and dean of students at Agnes Scott College. said. “Current NASPA President Anna Gonzalez and I are excited that she will continue to build on Kevin's successes over the past 12 years, while also addressing the many challenges that we know lie ahead for the college and university. We have no doubt that she will provide us with a new direction for the process. “Her experience, national recognition, and leadership style in Congress make her well-equipped to succeed in this role.'' On behalf of the Board, I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”
