Student Affairs Names Assistant Vice Chancellors for Student Engagement and Student Support

Photo Submitted

Laura James and Quincy Spencer

The Division of Student Affairs has named assistant vice chancellors as part of the newly formed strategic plan and organizational structure. These positions will oversee specific programs and departments under the area of Student Success within the Division of Student Affairs.

Laura James will serve as assistant vice chancellor for student support, and Quincy Spencer will serve as assistant vice chancellor for student engagement.

"I am excited about Laura and Quincy's student-centered mindsets, their culturally responsive energy and the innovative ideas they have to further the division's strategic priorities and enhance collaborations across campus," said Leslie Yingling, associate vice chancellor for student success in the Division of Student Affairs.

Student Affairs' Student Success units champion student life and engagement, create co-curricular experiences that cultivate community and belonging, and innovate and facilitate inclusive student support services and practices that help students navigate the U of A, make progress toward graduation and prepare for post-graduation success.

James brings extensive experience in developing and facilitating comprehensive support programs and leading education and outreach in communities and in higher education. She will oversee Career Connections, the Center for Educational Access, Pre-College TRIO Programs, Retention Outreach and the Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center.

James moves into her new role after leading the Center for Educational Access as director for the past six years. She was assistant director of the center from July 2012 to November 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Science in merchandising in May 1998, and a Master of Science in vocational rehabilitation counseling in May 2010, both from the U of A.

"I am really excited about the opportunity to collaborate with departments and stakeholders within the division and university community to innovate inclusive support practices that help students navigate campus, make progress toward graduation and prepare them for post-graduation success," James said. "The organizational structure aligns student support and engagement units based on shared goals and objectives, and by fostering this closer cooperation and teamwork, we will be able to meet the diverse needs of our student body more effectively and holistically."

James said that through improved coordination and communication, the division "can make our resources and services more accessible to undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring that they feel supported and empowered to thrive within our academic community."

Spencer has many years of leadership in undergraduate first-year experience programs institutionally and nationally as well as extensive experience in student development and engagement. He will oversee student activities, family engagement, the Center for Community Engagement, the Multicultural Center, College Access Initiative and the Student Media Program, and the student engagement collective will be working on a few other new priorities in the coming year. 

Spencer steps into his new role after leading New Student & Family Programs as director since 2010. He was associate director of the First Year Experience from 2006 to 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Arts in student personnel services/higher education administration, both from Northwestern State University. Spencer also holds a Doctor of Education in higher education from the U of A.

"What excites me most is getting to work with the directors and staff in all of these areas to rethink the way we have been providing student experiences on campus," Spencer said. "This structure allows departments that all play significant roles in the student engagement and programming realm to align resources, talent and time to better serve our students." 

Spencer is excited about how the realignment can provide students seamless transition assistance from orientation to graduation. 

"All the student engagement departments work with students in different capacities from their first year to graduation, so this seems like a natural alignment," Spencer said. "It will also give us an opportunity to stop duplicating efforts and focus on high quality programming and engagement over high quantity programming and engagement. We will be able to enhance the student experience as an entire group with members from multiple teams looking at issues and providing insight."

"I'm looking forward to the innovation Laura and Quincy will bring to our engagement and support programs and services," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for student affairs. "They are accomplished professionals, with deep knowledge of student affairs practices and the needs of a variety of student populations."

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.