Region VI
Region VI
Grounded in our commitment to diversity, inclusion, scholarship, and leadership, our mission is to provide innovative professional development opportunities that connect, engage, and inspire current and aspiring student affairs educators to serve, respond to, and advocate for students in Arizona, California and Hawai'i.
When you give to the NASPA Foundation, you make a difference. Through a tax-deductible contribution to the NASPA Foundation, you invest in innovative research. You provide scholarships for NASPA members of all levels. You advance excellence in our field. You shape the future of the student affairs profession!
About
The guiding light centered above the I, radiating out represents our leadership within the region and the organization as a whole. The six flags converge around the guiding light, representing the way we come together as a community and lift each other, but also promote self-reflection. The outer edges of the flags represent the motion of our members – taking action, connecting around the globe, collaborating across geographical locations. The flags combined resemble a figure with its arms spread wide, welcoming any and all to Region VI.
Values: Respect • Teamwork • Integrity
Territory
Region VI encompasses Aotearoa (New Zealand), Arizona, Australia, California, China, Guahan (Guam), Hawai'i, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Region VI History
History of Region VI
Document:
Region VI Vice Presidents/Regional Directors
| 2024-2026 | Eboni Ford Turnbow |
| 2021-2024 | Rameen Talesh |
| 2020-2021 | Anna Gonzalez |
| 2018-2020 | Kandy Mink- Salas |
| 2016-2018 | Berenecea Johnson Eanes |
| 2014-2016 | Lori Ideta |
| 2012-2014 (first Regional Director) | Henry Gee |
| 2010-2012 (last Regional Vice President) | Ken Kelly |
| 2008-2010 | Susan Borrego |
| 2005-2008 | Renee Barnett-Terry |
| 2004-2005 | Gary Kleeman |
| 2004 (left region-resigned after elected) | Sandy Hubler |
| 2002-2004 | Gary Kleeman |
| 2000-2002 | Elizabeth Griego |
| 1998-2000 | Michael Jackson |
| 1996-1998 | Hazel Scott |
| 1994-1996 | Doris Ching |
| 1992-1994 | Thomas Boyle |
| 1989-1992 | Hal Gin |
| 1988-1989 (resigned August 1989) | Sharyn Slavin Miller |
| 1986-1988 | Dorothy Keller |
| 1984-1986 | Susan Hunter Hancock |
| 1982-1984 | Kathryn Goddard |
| 1980-1982 | Judith Chambers |
| 1978-1980 | Paul Moore |
| 1976-1978 | Robert Lawrence |
| 1973-1976 | T. Roger Nudd |
| 1971-1973 (replaced Ruthenberg in Sept. 1971) | George Hibbard |
| 1971 | Donald Ruthenberg |
| 1970-1971 | W. Donald Albright |
| 1969-1970 | Stan Benz |
| 1967-1968 (Region VI/ VII changed to V/VI) | Channing Briggs |
| 1966-1967 | A.T. Bugger |
Western Regional Conference History
| Original Western Regional Conference Agreement » (February 1989) | ||||
Date |
Location |
Conference Theme |
Conference Chair(s) |
Attendance |
| January 27-29, 1966 | San Francisco, CA | |||
| January 29‐31, 1970 | San Francisco, CA | “Review of the 60s and What is Ahead in the 70s” | ||
| January 27‐29, 1971 | Portland, Oregon | “The Root and Branch of Dissent” | ||
| January 26‐28, 1972 | San Jose, CA | “Perspectives--‐70s” | ||
| January 24-26, 1973 | San Diego, CA | “Student Personnel Services--‐Who Needs Them” | ||
| January 23-25, 1974 | San Francisco, CA | |||
| 1975 | No conference held. NASPA National Conference was held in San Francisco | |||
| January 28-30, 1976 | Eugene, Oregon | |||
| January 26-28, 1977 | San Francisco, CA | |||
| January 22‐24, 1978 | San Diego, CA | |||
| January 28-30, 1979 | Oakland, CA | “Focus on People: Students, Ourselves, and Others” | ||
| January 27-29, 1980 | Portland, Oregon | |||
| January 21-23, 1981 | San Francisco, CA | “From Problems to Possibilities--‐The Force Is With Us” | ||
| January 13-15, 1982 | San Diego, CA | |||
| January 19-23, 1983 | Seattle, Washington | “Perspective on the Past--‐Focus on the Future” | ||
| January 25-27, 1984 | Sacramento, CA | “Our Profession as an Art--‐Beyond Mere Skill” | ||
| January 25-27, 1985 | Long Beach, CA | “Charting The Course” | ||
| January 27-31, 1986 | Reno, Nevada | “Take A Chance on the Future: Leaders for the 21st Century” | ||
| January 28-30, 1987 | Coeur d’Alene, Idaho | “Northwest Rendezvous” | ||
| January 20, 1988 | Berkeley, CA | “Connections: A Link to the Future” | ||
| January 18-20, 1989 | Costa Mesa, CA | “Creating the 21st Century” | ||
| January 25-27, 1990 | Seattle, Washington | “Commitment to Community” | ||
| January 24-26, 1991 | Honolulu, Hawai | “Embracing Pluralism: Challenges for a New Era" | ||
| January 23-25, 1992 | San Diego, CA | “Threatening Opportunities” | ||
| January 21-23, 1993 | Portland, Oregon | “Bridges to the Future” | ||
| January 20‐22, 1994 | San Jose, CA | |||
| January 19‐21, 1995 | Salt Lake City, Utah | “Inspiring Students to New Heights" | ||
| January 18-20, 1996 | Phoenix, Arizona | “Tradition, Transition, Technology--‐Weaving Common Threads” | ||
| January 23-25, 1997 | Kona, HI | |||
| November ?, 1997 | Las Vegas, Nevada | |||
| November 5-7, 1998 | Santa Barbara, CA | “Our Balancing Act" | ||
| November 11‐13, 1999 | Vancouver, BC | “Our Human Spirit in an Age of Technology" | ||
| November 2‐4, 2000 | Monterey, CA | "Architects of Change: Designing Higher Education in the 21st Century” | ||
| November 1‐3, 2001 | Maui, HI | "Ua Ao NASPA: A Time for Renewal” | ||
| November 6-9, 2002 | Portland, Oregon | “Risk, Explore, Transform: An Extreme Expedition" | ||
| November 13-15, 2003 | San Diego, CA | “Reflections” | ||
| October 27‐30, 2004 | Boise, Idaho | “Rising to the Challenge: Personal, Campus and Global Responsibility” | ||
| November 10-12, 2005 | Tucson, Arizona | “Sustainability and Partnerships: Reconnect, Recreate, Renew” | 347 | |
| November 9-11, 2006 | San Francisco, CA | “MOSAIC: Meaning, Opportunity, Students, Integrity, Activism, and Connections” | 448 | |
| October 31‐Nov 3, 2007 | Las Vegas, NV | “Expect the Incredible” | 501 | |
| November 6-8, 2008 | Long Beach, CA | “Evolution: Navigating Waves of Change" | 451 | |
| November 4‐7, 2009 | San Jose, CA | “Reinventing the 3 R’s in 2009: Relevance, Relationships, Resilience” | ||
| November 3-6, 2010 | Portland, Oregon | “Progressive Pathways” | 574 | |
| November 16-19, 2011 | San Diego, CA | "Anthology” | 678 | |
| November 7-10, 2012 | Waikoloa, Hawai’I | “Hulihia: Opportunities for Change. Opportunities to Inspire” | 525 | |
| November 6-9, 2013 | Salt Lake City, Utah | “Landscapes: Purpose, Perspective, Possibilities” | 571 | |
| November 9-12, 2014 | Anaheim, CA | “Imagine” | Andrea Fejeran Simms | 900 |
| November 8-10, 2015 | Oakland, CA | "Forces of Change: Bridging the Past, Present and Future” | 907 | |
| November 9-12, 2016 | Seattle, Washington | No Theme | 1,070 | |
| November 4-7, 2017 | Oahu, HI | "Currents" | Lori Ideta | 1,215 |
| November 8-11, 2018 | Sacramento, CA | " New Pathways for New Students" | ||
| November 2-5, 2019 | Portland, Oregon | " Building Bridges, Creating Connections" | ||
| November 10-13, 2020 | Virtual | "Together Towards Tomorrow" | Rameen Talesh | 749 |
| November 8-13, 2021 | San Francisco, CA | "Courageous & Resilient Leadership: Together We Rise" | Jennifer Pagala Barnett | 671* |
| November 13-16, 2022 | Anaheim, CA | "The Challenge of Change" | Wiliama Sanchez & Marco Valenzuela | 823 |
| November 4-7, 2023 | Las Vegas, NV | "Illuminate: Purpose, Practice, Pride" | Karnell McConnell Black & Sherwynn Umali | |
| November 9-12, 2024 | San Diego, CA | "Navigating New Horizons and Strengthening Communities With Heart, Healing & Intention" | Floyd Lai | 562 |
| *480 in person, 191 virtual | ||||
History of Region VI Awardees
Meet Our Regional Director
Eboni Ford Turnbow, Ph.D.
Regional Director, Region VI
Vice President for Student Affairs,
California State University, Channel Islands
Dr. Eboni Ford Turnbow is known to many as a mentor, sister, colleague, and friend. Dr. Ford Turnbow, also known as Dr. FT, currently serving as the Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University Channel Islands, is a distinguished scholar and leader in higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from Wayne State University (WSU), specializing in the intersection of gender and work in higher education. Complementing her doctoral studies, she holds an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University and a B.S. in Secondary Education and Health from WSU.
Within the realm of student affairs, Dr. Ford Turnbow has held notable roles and responsibilities. She most recently served as the Co-Chair of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Womxn in Student Affairs (WISA) Knowledge Community and as the Co-Chair for the Region VI Undergrad Fellows Institute at the 2023 Western Regional Conference. Prior to these roles within NASPA, she participated in NASPA’s fourth cohort of the SERVE Academy, served as Research and Scholarship Co-Chair for WISA, and served as the Region VI 2022 Sponsorship Co-Chair.
As a published author, Dr. FT’s work delves into critical issues facing marginalized communities in academia, as demonstrated in her co-authored book chapter, "When Intersections Collide: Young Black Women Combat Sexism, Racism, and Ageism in Higher Education" (2019). Recognized for her impactful research, Dr. Ford Turnbow was honored with the Ruth Strange Award from the Center for Women Board in 2022 for her study on Gender and Work in Student Affairs. Her commitment to mentorship and advocacy extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her recognition as the National Greek Advisor of the Year by Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, in 2018.
Dr. FT's dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering community within higher education is evident through her extensive involvement in conferences and professional organizations. Previously, she contributed her expertise to the Education Advisory Group national board for the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) and served as Past President of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Michigan. She has also presented at conferences hosted by various professional associations, including the Association of Fraternal Leadership Values (AFLV), Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), and the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP).
She remains engaged in her community as a proud financial and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Complete Your Profile
Login and update your profile.
State Chapters - Region VI
Region VI State Chapters
Events
One of the best resources available to you is the wide range of professional development opportunities. This list contains both our “Hosted Events,” workshops and webinars that we plan and manage, and some “Related Events,” hosted by the NASPA Central Office or other NASPA Constituent Groups. To see a full listing of NASPA events, please see the Events page.
If you are interested in planning an event for the Region, you must fill out this form. The completed form will be sent to your Regional Director and Regional Treasurer for approval. Once approved, they will connect with the NASPA Central Office and a staff member will reach out to you for training and event set-up.
Region VI Awards
Thank you for your interest in nominating a colleague/program for an award. The nomination form is now closed. Please consider nominating next year.
Each year NASPA recognizes outstanding members by honoring professionals and students through our regional awards. Regional award winners are forwarded for consideration at the national awards level, as applicable.
Questions? Contact Lexer Chou, Nominations and Awards Chair, at [email protected].
Research Grant Awards
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Region VI Research Grant Awards! These winners will be awarded a $1,500 grant to fund their research and will be encouraged to present their findings at the 2025 Western Regional Conference.
Dr. Elisa Sperandio
Manager, Training and Project Development
University of Arizona
Research Title: The “Why” of Lateral Transfer: A Qualitative Study of the Arizona Tri-University System
Michael Morvice
Director of Student Life
Orange Coast College
Research Title: Student involvement in Community College Participatory Governance: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study About the Student Experience
More information
NASPA Region VI is accepting applications for research grant awards. Region VI is providing up to $1,500 awards for new research being conducted by current Region VI members. This funding is to be used for research expenses incurred during the award period.
The deadline to submit research award nominations has passed.
NASPA Region VI is accepting applications for research grant awards. Region VI is providing up to $1,500 awards for new research being conducted by current Region VI members. This funding is to be used for research expenses incurred during the award period.
Region VI is interested in funding research conducted by an individual or group in student affairs that furthers our understanding of the student affairs profession, student development and student learning, and are consistent with the NASPA’s Strategic Goals on Research and Scholarship:
Generate research and scholarship that advance evidence-based, emergent, and equitable practices. NASPA will: create and foster interdisciplinary strategic partnerships to advance a data-informed research and practice agenda; invest in and promote a scholar-practitioner identity and mindset within the student affairs profession; develop innovative models to support the creation and recognition of exemplary research and scholarship.
Proposals may include research that supports doctoral dissertations, master’s theses, and research for publications.
The grant application deadline has passed.
Grant recipients will be announced prior to the 2024 NASPA Western Regional Conference in San Diego, CA. Recipients of the 2024 Research Grant will also be invited to present their research and findings at the 2025 NASPA Western Regional Conference*. (*Travel associated with the WRC will not be covered by this Research Grant.)
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:
(1) Overall proposal - clarity, originality and creativity, understanding of student development and learning outcomes, writing style, and the degree to which proposal is based on research literature and theory; (2) Research design - short description of research project, response to current trends and issues in student affairs, application of theory to practice; (3) Proposed budget - outline and description of anticipated research expenses. Research award applicants must be current NASPA Region VI members. See application for details.
Award recipients will provide an executive summary of research and findings to the Region VI Advisory Board at the end of the award period.
To apply for a NASPA Region VI Research Award, please complete and submit the online application.
For additional information or questions, please contact:
Dr. Rick Trevino at [email protected]
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:
(1) Overall proposal - clarity, originality and creativity, understanding of student development and learning outcomes, writing style, and the degree to which proposal is based on research literature and theory; (2) Research design - short description of research project, response to current trends and issues in student affairs, application of theory to practice; (3) Proposed budget - outline and description of anticipated research expenses. Research award applicants must be current NASPA Region VI members. See application for details.
Award recipients will provide an executive summary of research and findings to the Region VI Advisory Board at the end of the award period.
Advisory Board
The Region VI Advisory Board oversees the various operations of the Region as well as representing the state organizations within Region VI and coordinating with the Knowledge Communities.
Get Involved
NASPA Regions are run and supported entirely by the continued hard work and contributions of our volunteers. Region VI offers numerous volunteer positions and opportunities for our members to become involved. Whether it’s taking on a leadership role or helping out at a drive-in, there’s something for everyone.
Are you interested in becoming more involved in NASPA?
- Visit Volunteer Central to see all positions posting locally, regionally and nationally
-
Volunteering at NASPA Conferences is an excellent way to get involved with the organization. You may also want to consider volunteering at the regional level at large. If you are interested, please get in touch with me at [email protected] as I would be happy to share opportunities to get involved with you. - Katya Armistead, Region VI Advisory Board Volunteer Coordinator
We are looking to highlight Region VI Retirees!
If you are retiring or know of a colleague who is, please let us know so that we can celebrate them! Please share their:
- Name
- Title
- Institution
- Retirement Date
- Post-Retirement Email (if known)
Please contact Dr. Lori Ideta, Historian and Retiree Liaison, at [email protected].
We want to see your photos!
Submit photos from past Region VI events to be featured on the website and possibly in future communications.
Upload here: www.dropbox.com/request/5yavxuynU2LHddqMvtKe
Password (case-sensitive): naspa
KNOWLEDGE COMMUNITIES
Welcome to the Region VI Knowledge Communities (KCs), your gateway to the profession and connection to the association. As the slogan suggests, the KCs are the entry point to NASPA for graduate students or professionals wanting to get involved and take on a leadership role. KC Representatives are also included in the region's KC advisory board to give a collective voice of the association.
There are currently 44 KCs ranging in topics and specific issues currently facing our field. These active communities help to identify and share emerging knowledge and best practices. Each KC can have up to two regional representatives and as many sub-committee representatives as necessary.
Within the Region VI KCs there are a number of ways to get involved:
- Become a Regional Representative for one of our many Knowledge Communities.
- Serve on a committee or be an active member of a KC.
- Click one or more of the KCs on your NASPA profile page and receive emails about upcoming events, or provide input into the programming or information provided by your KC representatives.
- Attend ancillary meetings, have a KC sponsor a presentation, or write an article to our many NASPA publications.
We look forward to working with you!
Pillars
Distinguished Pillars of the Profession
2025 - Rameen A. Talesh, Derek Vergara
2024 - Martha Enciso, Christine Quemuel
2023 - Josie Ahlquist, Lea M. Jarnagin
2022 - Willie L. Banks Jr., Joel Perez
2021 - Evette Castillo Clark, Kevin Colaner, Janet Dickerson, Debra Geller, Tonantzin Oseguera
2020 - Jan Minoru Javinar
2019 - Joy L. Hoffman, Kathryn Mueller
2018 - Kandy Mink Salas, Sherry Mallory
2017 - John Hoffman, Brian Haynes, Harry Le Grande, Judy Sakaki, Frank Lamas, Ellen J. Neufeldt
2016 - Lori M. Ideta, Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Kenneth Kelly, Anna M. Ortiz, Wm. Gregory Sawyer
2015 - Melissa Vito, Anna K. Gonzalez
2014 - *
2013 - Peg Blake, Jill Halvaks, Sharyn Slavin Miller
2012 - Marilee Bresciani
2011 - Charlotte Burgess, Penny Rue
2010 - Howard S. Wang
2009 - Susan Hunter Hancock, Robert Naples, Lisa Waits, Thomas C. Shandley
2008 - Renee Barnett Terry, Ronni Sanlo
2007 - James R. Kitchen, Gary Kleeman, Dwight L. Rideout
2006 - Anthony R. Ross, Ronald R. Kopita
2005 - *
2004 - Henry Gee, Michael Jackson, Alvin Tagomori
2003 - Sandra Matsui, Saunie Taylor, Keith Miser, Hazel Scott, Penny Wills
2002 - Amefil Agbayani, Hal Gin, Elizabeth Griego, Alan Yang
2001 - Anne E. Golseth
2000 - Doris M. Ching, Dudley B. Woodard, James Lyons
1999 - Judy Chambers, Jesse Marks, James R. Appleton