Gonzaga Lands Among “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs”

Gonzaga was among the colleges and universities selected as the “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs” in 2024 by the American College Personnel Association and the publication “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.”

Institutions are selected for inclusion based on the result of survey research into colleges and universities focusing on staff diversity and practices, compensation and benefits, professional development, family friendliness and other workplace factors.

“We are very excited and proud to be named on this list,” said Kent Porterfield, GU vice provost for Student Affairs, noting that the recognition comes after the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing efforts to develop and implement strategies for recruiting and sustaining a diverse Student Affairs staff.

“Nearly four years ago, we established a professional development committee in Student Affairs charged with crafting an education and training series emphasizing knowledge and skills building through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion,” Porterfield said.

That committee has offered monthly professional development programs and a full-day colloquium annually for all Student Affairs staff. Student Affairs staff also complete the Intercultural Development Inventory and Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory training, as well as Diversity.Edu.