Division of Student Affairs recognized again as a Most Promising Place to Work

For the third consecutive year, Virginia Commonwealth University has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs by The Edu Ledger, in collaboration with the ACPA-College Student Educators International. VCU is the only large public institution in Virginia - serving more than 20,000 students - to receive the recognition three years in a row, since the award's inception.

The national recognition from the higher education news publication highlights student affairs divisions that foster inclusive workplace cultures while prioritizing professional development, staff well-being and organizational effectiveness.

"Being named one of the Most Promising Places to Work for the third consecutive year means a great deal," said Aaron J. Hart, Ed.D., VCU's vice president for student affairs. "It reflects our staff's deep commitment to students and, just as importantly, the way our team supports one another. To me, leadership is about creating an environment where people feel honored and valued. I don't see our staff as titles; I see them as individuals who bring compassion and dedication to this work every day."

Survey results tell the story

The award selection is based on survey data evaluating workplace climate, leadership, work-life balance, professional development and employee engagement. Participation in the Division of Student Affairs survey has grown from 62 respondents in 2024 to 83 in 2026., which provides a transparent view of the staff experience and reveals a consistent pattern of progress. Among the highlights:

• Welcoming climate: The percentage of DSA staff who feel the division provides a welcoming environment for historically underrepresented groups nearly doubled, from 34% to 63%.
• Workplace excellence: The percentage of staff viewing the division as a "model or exemplary workplace" rose from 65% to 84%.
• Professional growth: The percentage of staff participating in professional development increased from 56% to 72%.
• Staff advocacy: Over 91% of staff would recommend the DSA as an employer.

Leadership with intent

Yiyun Jie, Ph.D., executive director of assessment, said the division's sustained recognition reflects intentional leadership and a consistent commitment to its mission and values.

"I think it comes down to consistency and intention," Jie said. "Over the past several years, the division - and its leadership - have focused not only on refining our mission, vision, values and strategic pillars through our planning process, but on living those commitments through daily practices."

Jie added that continued investment in staff development has been key: "Professional development isn't just encouraged - it's funded, supported and talked about regularly. That creates a culture where learning and growth feel normal, not extra."

Hart, who joined VCU in 2022, said his nearly three decades of student affairs leadership has been rooted in providing staff with a supportive environment full of growth opportunities.

"I see supporting, developing and respecting staff as one of my highest responsibilities," he said. "I make it a priority to be present, accessible and engaged across the division, and I work hard to create an environment where staff feel heard, valued and recognized. Whether through regular conversations, recognition efforts, professional development funding or career coaching, I want our team to know that their contributions matter - and that their success matters, too."

The shared mission: Student success

Ijuanzee Isom, the DSA's director of human resources, said the division is powered by a shared commitment to students.

"Our core values in DSA are all connected to everyone's role in student success - belonging, collaboration, stewardship, student-centeredness and being Ram-proud," Isom said. "This creates buy-in for all staff to see how their role contributes to student success, and how we are all interconnected in achieving that goal."

For Myriam T. Kadeba, Ph.D., director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, maintaining strong institutional and divisional standards has also played a role in the division's continued success - "allowing staff to experience some consistency even during times of instability," she said. "From professional development to staff being encouraged to prioritize their well-being and make use of their benefit packages, these practices promote an environment where staff can thrive."

Looking ahead, Kadeba emphasized the importance of continuing to build on practices that support staff success.

"Maintaining practices that have been effective is essential to moving forward," she said. "Continuing to act on feedback from staff surveys and other forms of input will help ensure that DSA staff feel heard and valued."