From the Interim Editors

Dear ACPA Members and Developments readers,

We are excited to welcome a new Editor and Associate Editor to lead Developments in its continued commitment to bridging scholarship and practice in student affairs!

Dr. Michelle Boettcher, faculty at Clemson University, and Dr. Kyle Bishop, Assistant Dean of Students at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, have agreed to serve our association in these leadership roles.

Dr. Boettcher teaches research, law, and ethics in the Educational Leadership and Student Affairs programs at Clemson University. Her research focuses on senses of belonging and community in the context of higher education, particularly the experiences of first generation college (FGC) students. Prior to her role at Clemson University, Michelle worked in housing and residence life and student conduct. Michelle brings a wealth of experience as practitioner and scholar that will help move Developments forward as a leading theory to practice publication in higher education and student affairs.

Dr. Boettcher shared, “As both a practitioner and a faculty member, I have always found the Developments articles to be useful and approachable in teaching, training, and staff development. The perspectives of experts and front-line practitioners are timely and important as we navigate emerging issues and the needs of our changing student populations. I am grateful for the opportunity to play a role in the process of disseminating this information to the ACPA membership.”

Dr. Bishop is the Assistant Dean of Students at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. In her current role, she oversees the areas of student conduct, counseling, and health services, serves as Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and chairs the College’s threat assessment team. She has worked in higher education for the past 11 years, primarily in the realm of student mental health and wellness. She has served as an editor for the Journal of College Counseling and the Michigan Journal of Counseling. Dr. Bishop’s experiences supporting and encouraging volunteers and journal reviewers will be an asset for Developments, which is completely run by volunteer editorial board members and reviewers. Kyle shared that she is excited to serve ACPA in the role of Associate Editor for Developments  to “facilitate a space for colleagues to share their thoughts, perspectives, and research, so that we may all benefit from each other’s experiences and insights in the ever-shifting landscape of higher education.”

Michelle and Kyle will be working with staff at the International Office and the Director and Director-Elect of Research and Scholarship to establish a new editorial board, recruit reviewers for publications, and to continue and introduce new regular columns on topics of interest to ACPA members. Watch your email for additional information and ways to get involved with and submit your scholarship to Developments in the coming months!

Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Chris Linder, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of Utah
Director of Research and Scholarship – ACPA Governing Board

Moira Ozias, PhD
Associate Lecturer, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Director of Research and Scholarship-Elect – ACPA Governing Board