A pair of administrators in the Student Affairs department at UNC Pembroke––Reggie Bullock and Sam Hauser––were selected to attend the 2024 NASPA Region III/SACSA Mid-Managers Institute (MMI). 

MMI is a program that provides focused and unique professional development experiences. It allows mid-level professionals to enhance and develop the skills, relationships and dispositions that distinguish them in the profession. 

The weeklong program was held on the campus of UNC Wilmington May 18-23.

The Southern Association for College Student Affairs and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators sponsors MMI.

Bullock, associate director for Career Services, has participated in many professional development opportunities during his eight years at UNCP. However, he believes the MMI experience was the most meaningful one by far.

“It was the best conference I’ve been a part of,” Bullock said. “The presenters all displayed a passion that higher education professionals must have to help students succeed. The sessions centered around helping mid-level leaders manage their teams but were very student-focused. It was very refreshing and reinforced many things we are already practicing.”

Bullock and Hauser, associate director for Inclusive Education, learned from faculty mentors and guest presenters who covered topics such as managing from the middle, navigating politics and campus climate and strategic planning and career planning. Hauser returned to UNCP with skills that will help her make an impact.

“I highly recommend the experience to anyone interested. It was a great way to build community and reflect on our roles because, at times, we get caught in the day-to-day activities and lose ourselves.”

Hauser said she came away with a new perspective on what it means to be a mid-manager. She gained tips on how to work with colleagues who hold positions above and below hers.

“We are the linchpin that holds those two pieces together,” Hauser said. “It was a fulfilling experience. There was so much community building, and everyone was honest and genuine about the spaces we are currently in and navigating the difficulties of being a mid-manager and finding community in that. I feel like I connected.”