NASPA Welcomes College Completion Advocate to Leadership Team

Jhenai Chandler appointed research and policy head at organization for student affairs professionals

Washington, DC (August 15, 2024)—Dr. Jhenai Chandler, most recently senior director of college completion policy for The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), has been named NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education’s next vice president for research and policy. She succeeds Dr. Amelia Parnell, who started her tenure as the organization’s president on July 1. 

At TICAS, Chandler oversaw the direction and implementation of the organization’s college completion advocacy, research and policy strategy. Fueled by a commitment to increasing college completion rates through enhanced institutional capacity, she worked at state and federal levels to promote effective policies, as well as with industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and advocates to amplify key messages of equity and research.

“Dr. Chandler will make an immediate impact on NASPA’s work and the work of our members in the field,” said Parnell. “My vision for the role calls for a leader who will develop and execute NASPA’s research agenda and policy priorities in alignment with the association’s strategic plan. This is a pivotal time for NASPA to contribute timely and relevant research and scholarship, and I am excited to work with Dr. Chandler to address the myriad issues that are impacting students and professionals. She has the experience, portfolio, and perspective to help us advocate for student affairs in a constantly changing higher education landscape.”

“As vice president, my policy advocacy skills will complement the important work NASPA is already doing to empower the changemaking capacity of student affairs professionals,” said Chandler. “I am honored to partner with colleagues to advance research that’s necessary to make a difference in higher education equity and inclusivity. Rather than addressing just current challenges, I look forward to working with Dr. Parnell and NASPA’s leadership team to set a vision for the future of higher education where more students have access to the tools and support they need to succeed.”

Prior to joining TICAS, Chandler served as associate director for postsecondary transitions at Education Strategy Group. In this role, she collaborated with state and regional policymakers to enhance policies and practices related to advising, early postsecondary opportunities, and mathematics pathways. She led business and strategy development on college and career advising to address the holistic needs of all students. As inaugural director for the Florida-Caribbean Louis Stokes Regional Center of Excellence (a collaboration with University of the Virgin Islands and Santa Fe College) from 2019 through May 2021, Chandler conducted quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis to determine the correlation of student and faculty growth mindset interventions with student success in STEM classrooms. Dr. Chandler began her career in Student Affairs, starting as an academic advisor at Tallahassee Community College. She later held multiple roles in both academic and student affairs within the Florida College System and the State University System. As a first-generation college graduate and former parenting student, Dr. Chandler is deeply committed to improving college access and providing support systems that foster the success of diverse student groups. 

Chandler holds an A.A. from Florida A&M University, a B.S. in food and nutrition sciences from Florida State University, an M.S. in leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a PhD in higher education policy, also from Florida State.

She will begin her work at NASPA on August 19.

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About NASPA
NASPA is the professional home for the field of student affairs. It is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of higher education through the guiding principles of Integrity, Innovation, Inclusion, and Inquiry. Students are at the center of its work, serving the field through exceptional professional development, research to take on our biggest challenges, advocacy for inclusive and equitable practices and communities, and nurturing networks and pipelines to mentor, rejuvenate, and support. As the leading voice of student affairs, NASPA drives innovation and evidence-based, student-centered practice throughout higher education, nationally and globally.