Gonzaga Lands Among “Most Promising Place to Work in Student Affairs”

A circular emblem stating "Most promising place to work in Student Affairs, 2024"
February 26, 2024
Gonzaga University News Service

Gonzaga University has been named among the colleges and universities selected as a “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” in 2024 by the American College Personnel Association and the publication “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.”

Institutions are selected for inclusion based on the result of survey research into colleges and universities focusing on staff diversity and practices, compensation and benefits, professional development, family friendliness and other workplace factors.

“We are very excited and proud to be named on this list,” said Kent Porterfield, Gonzaga vice provost for Student Affairs, noting that the recognition comes after the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing efforts to develop and implement strategies for recruiting and sustaining a diverse Student Affairs staff.

“Nearly four years ago, we established a professional development committee in Student Affairs charged with developing an education and training series emphasizing knowledge and skills building through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion,” Porterfield said.

That committee has offered monthly professional development programs and a full-day colloquium annually for all Student Affairs staff. Student Affairs staff also complete the Intercultural Development Inventory and Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory training, as well as DiversityEdu.

This work has likely helped Gonzaga find its way onto the “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” list by the two entities who have been examining matters of equity and inclusion in higher education for decades. The American College Personnel Association is nearly 100 years old, while “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education” has been publishing on matters of access, diversity, inclusion and opportunity in higher education for nearly four decades. Together, they developed the “Most Promising” list to recognize and celebrate Student Affairs workplaces that are vibrant, diverse, supportive and committed to best practices.

Gonzaga celebrates the hard work and commitment that has enabled its Student Affairs group to be included on the list.

Porterfield said that newer initiatives such as flexible work guidelines for staff, supervisor training and DEI-focused caucuses also contribute to improving the Student Affairs work culture. Student Affairs also coordinates social gatherings, awards and recognitions, and “Ask Me Anything” sessions led by Porterfield twice each month to keep the communication flowing.

Many of these initiatives evolved post-pandemic when higher education, and Student Affairs in particular, was impacted by higher-than-normal numbers of resignations and retirements. Among the reasons cited were increased responsibilities, stagnant pay, stress and a lack of recognition for the important work Student Affairs staff provide.

GU wasn’t immune to these challenges, Porterfield said, so in spring 2022 Students Affairs conducted its own workplace climate survey. The department learned its staff desired greater collaboration, DEI-focused hiring practices, increased professional development and more social interactions with coworkers. Porterfield and other leaders in Student Affairs took the feedback to heart. “We hope the changes we have made, and continue to make, will continue to improve the work experience for Student Affairs staff at Gonzaga. We recognize there is more work to do, but we are truly honored to be considered one of the most promising places to work in Student Affairs in the country.”

Gonzaga will formally accept the recognition from “Diverse” and the ACPA at the ACPA24 Convention in Chicago March 19.

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